Robotaxi pic.twitter.com/zVJ9v9yXNr
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 11, 2024
Tesla’s much-anticipated “We, Robot” robotaxi event took place on October 10, 2024, at Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio in Burbank, California. Although it started nearly an hour late, the event showcased Tesla’s innovative new concepts for autonomous vehicles.
Key Announcements
- Cybercab: A stylish silver two-seater with butterfly doors, priced under $30,000, set to begin production before 2027.
- Robovan: A larger electric vehicle designed for up to 20 passengers or cargo, aimed at meeting high-density transportation demands.
Robotaxi & Robovan pic.twitter.com/pI2neyJBSL
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 11, 2024
Event Highlights
- Elon Musk’s Arrival: Musk made an entrance in a Cybercab, taking a spin around the studio lot.
- Vehicle Showcase: The event featured 21 Cybercabs among a total of 50 autonomous vehicles on display.
- Future Plans: Musk announced that fully autonomous versions of the Model 3 and Model Y are expected to hit the roads in California and Texas next year.
- Thematic Setting: The venue was transformed into a “futuristic world” with themed areas such as “TSLA Theater,” “New York,” “Metropolis,” and “Westworld.”
Robovan details pic.twitter.com/Pdito0dfRq
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 11, 2024
Investor and Analyst Reactions
Responses from investors and analysts were mixed:
- Stock Drop: Tesla’s stock fell by over 7% the day after the event.
- Lack of Detail: Some analysts criticized the presentation for not providing enough specifics about regulatory approval, safety protocols, and technological advancements.
- Positive Feedback: Others found value in the production timelines and pricing information for the Cybercab.
Criticisms and Concerns
- Limited Information: Critics noted the absence of detailed information regarding product features, sensors, range, and safety attributes.
- Missing Plan: The lack of a comprehensive strategy for robotaxi deployment and profitability analysis raised concerns.
- Model 2 Omission: There was no mention of the anticipated sub-$30,000 Model 2 vehicle.
- Competitive Landscape: Skepticism emerged about Tesla’s ability to outpace competitors like Waymo and Cruise in terms of regulatory and technological progress.
While the event highlighted Tesla’s commitment to autonomous driving and its vision for the future of transportation, the scarcity of specific details and timelines left many investors and analysts eager for more concrete information regarding the implementation of its robotaxi concept.
