Tesla Unveils Autonomous Vehicle Prototypes
Illustration courtesy Tesla Inc.
LOS ANGELES—Tesla Inc. unveiled its much-anticipated Robotaxi and Robovan (see image above) autonomous concept vehicles last night at a Hollywood movie studio backlot. The event was big on hype, but short on details, such as battery pack technology and driving range. In fact, attendees left the hoopla with many more questions than answers.
The Robocab is a sleek, low-to-the-ground vehicle featuring two self-closing butterfly-style doors. Tesla CEO Elon Musk claims the self-driving car will cost less than $30,000 when it enters production by 2026. And, unlike traditional electric vehicles, the Robotaxi will be not have a charging port. Instead, it will be charged by driving over an inductive pad or plate on the ground.
However, the much larger Robovan appears even more cutting edge, with futuristic silver metallic sides, wheels skirted underneath the body and doors that slide out from the middle like an old-fashioned streetcar. The funky vehicle resembles a streamlined iron or toaster from the 1930s.
Potential applications for the Robovan include transporting up to 20 passengers at a time at airports and college campuses. In addition, a commercial version of the Robovan will be capable of hauling cargo.
According to Reuters, Musk claims the unique vehicle will reshape cities by "turning parking lots into parks." He also says that the Robovan will be able to get the cost of transport down to less than 10 cents a mile vs. 20 cents a mile for the Robotaxi.
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