Tesla's Worst Car Show Ever

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Elon Musk showed off a prototype of the Tesla Cybercab but failed to provide much information.

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Elon Musk shows off Tesla's robot taxi Cybercab. The event in front of handpicked analysts and influencers was probably an email away as they didn't see any more prototypes cruising around a Hollywood film studio in Los Angeles.

The sedan, which reportedly costs $30,000, has only two seats and no steering wheel or pedals, but apparently has a very roomy trunk. Cybercab is scheduled to be built starting in 2026, but what is the value of such a promise from Elon Musk?

Tesla's Cybercab should be able to drive itself. Image: Twitter

Even after the event, there was little solid information about Tesla robotaxis: no start date. Technical details? There isn't any. What Musk said today is something he has been saying for years.

Even on Tesla's website there is little information about robotaxis. It's unclear how Tesla plans to further develop its current driver-assistance features, which it calls “Full Self-Driving,” so that human supervision is no longer required.

One thing's for sure: Cybercab relies entirely on Tesla's “Full Self-Driving” technology (FSD) to finally work, which according to Musk should happen within the next 12 months and at least five years away. Musk once again promised that the technology is ready. He gave no details.

Overall, he remained decidedly vague. Anyone hoping for Musk to explain why self-driving technology is a breakthrough will be disappointed. To do this, Tesla would have to demonstrate real progress on FSD — a demonstration the company failed to provide today. With current technology, occasional human intervention is still necessary.

Tesla's alternative is to change strategy and rely on map-based self-driving like its competitors. In this case, like other robotaxis, Cybercab can only operate in selected cities. This doesn't appear to be an option for Musk – Tesla will continue to use FSD as it has in previous years.

Image: Tesla

So what's left of the event?

rare.

There is absolutely nothing truly enlightening about this event. Tesla seems to want to throw a party for its shareholders and influencers.

At least Tesla's robot Optimus Prime's hips swivel nicely.

Meanwhile, regular customers are still waiting for the cheaper Model 2. What they got was a prototype robot taxi that looked like a cross between a Model 3 and a Cybertruck. Maybe, just maybe, the way we travel will change.

All Tesla has to do is put a steering wheel and pedals into the Cybercab, and it could become a best-seller.

Renault showed off a near-production prototype of the new Twingo version at the Paris Motor Show. What we know about electric cars under 20,000 francs.

Renault is swimming in a nostalgia wave. back The Renault 5 now has electric drive and borrows much of the design from the original model, and there are now also new versions of the R4 and Twingo small cars. He is expected to be one of the stars of the 2024 Paris Motor Show. Still a prototype, but 80% ready for series production.