Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Elon Musk stated that he would focus on working on automatic vehicles without drivers for ride-hailing services, also known as robotaxi. This move disappointed investors, considering that they hoped the company would continue to sell conventional electric vehicles (EV) to the wider public.
Musk has called the development of conventional, non-autonomous EVs “futile.” He made this statement in response to a question about when investors could expect a regular, non-robotaxi electric car model priced at US$25,000 during Tesla’s third-quarter earnings call on Wednesday (23/10) local time.
“I think having a regular electric car model for US$25,000 is pointless,” said Musk, quoted from Business Insider, Friday (25/10/2024).
“That’s ridiculous. It would be completely contrary to what we believe,” he added.
The billionaire said that all Tesla vehicles in the future will be equipped with an automatic system and that EV vehicles should become self-driving in the future.
Musk initially said Tesla would release cheaper electric vehicles starting in the first half of 2025. But in fact, he instead spent most of his performance report to investors discussing plans for a self-driving robotaxi in 2027.
Tesla unveiled its first robotaxi model called the “Cybercab” earlier this month at an event in Los Angeles with a Hollywood-style sci-fi sheen.
“The two-seater cybercab will be sold for US$30,000,” Musk said at the event.
But experts have previously said that the vehicle does not have a steering wheel or pedals, making it likely to be difficult to gain approval from regulators.
(fab/fab)
Watch the video below:
Video: Elon Musk Shows Off Robotaxi ‘Cybercab’, Online Driver Killer!
Next Article Elon Musk Launches Online Driver Killer Tomorrow
The Future of Transport: Elon Musk and His Robotaxi Dream
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – So, hold onto your hats, folks! Elon Musk is taking us for a ride—quite literally. The man who brought us electric vehicles (EVs) is now focusing on driverless taxis, affectionately dubbed ‘robotaxis.’ Yes, you heard that right. If you thought getting into an Uber was scary, wait till you find yourself in a car that has problems parallel parking… by itself.
But here’s the kicker: investors are less than thrilled. They expected Musk to keep pushing out conventional electric cars to the masses. Instead, he’s gone and called traditional EVs “futile.” I mean, can you imagine the investor conference? One moment you’re selling electric dream machines; the next, you’re pitching a cab company that can’t even manage a Sunday drive without a driver! Talk about a plot twist that even M. Night Shyamalan wouldn’t see coming.
During Tesla’s recent third-quarter earnings call, Musk was asked about the elusive $25,000 electric vehicle that everyone has been dreaming about. Instead, his response was a firm “I think having a regular electric car model for US$25,000 is pointless.” And just like that, dreams were dashed as if they were made of rubber. How’s that for investor confidence? One minute you’re speaking money, the next you’re making a case for robotic revolution.
Musk has a vision—one that sees all Tesla vehicles becoming self-driving masterpieces of technology. But let’s face it: coming soon, or just wishful thinking? Let’s not forget, he had once promised us affordable electric vehicles starting in 2025, only to later spit-shine his plans with talks of a self-driving robotaxi arriving in 2027. Excellent timing, that—just as your kids will be asking for their first car.
The star of this show? The new ‘Cybercab,’ a two-seater robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedals, because who needs a good ol’ brake pedal when you can just… not have control? Priced at $30,000, this car is set to revolutionize ridesharing the same way sliced bread changed breakfasts, assuming it ever gets past the regulatory crowd. Experts are already giving it the side-eye, raising concerns about who, if anyone, would allow a car with zero manual control on the roads. It’s like sending a toddler out with a sharp knife and saying, “Nah, he’ll figure it out.”
So, buckle up, my friends! Whether this drive into the future is a smooth ride or a bumpy journey remains to be seen. If nothing else, it’s a whole lot more entertaining than listening to most stockholder meetings. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll be getting dropped off by our own robot-driving, llama-loving, techno-savvy cab, while reminiscing about a time when taxis actually had drivers. Ah, the future!
(fab/fab)
Interested in Elon Musk’s latest antics? Watch the video below:
Video: Elon Musk Shows Off Robotaxi ‘Cybercab’, Online Driver Killer!
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – In a bold shift in direction, Elon Musk announced a strategic focus on the development of fully automated vehicles designed specifically for ride-hailing services, also dubbed robotaxis. This announcement has sparked disappointment among investors, who were anticipating that Tesla would persist in selling conventional electric vehicles (EVs) to a broader consumer base.
Musk did not hold back in expressing his views, deeming the creation of traditional, non-autonomous EVs as “futile.” This stark declaration followed a query during Tesla’s third-quarter earnings call on Wednesday, October 23, about the timeline for a regular, non-robotaxi electric car model expected to be priced at an accessible US$25,000.
“I think having a regular electric car model for US$25,000 is pointless,” Musk asserted, as reported by Business Insider on Friday, October 25, 2024. His remarks illustrate a profound ideological shift within Tesla regarding the future of automobiles.
The billionaire entrepreneur elaborated, stating, “That’s ridiculous. It would be completely contrary to what we believe.” This sentiment underscores Musk’s vision that every future Tesla vehicle will integrate advanced autonomous systems, signalling a push towards a future where EVs are entirely self-driving.
Initially, Musk indicated that Tesla would introduce a range of more affordable electric vehicles beginning in the first half of 2025. However, the majority of his recent presentation to investors was dedicated to the ambitious rollout of a self-driving robotaxi expected by 2027, showcasing a significant pivot in Tesla’s product strategy.
Tesla recently unveiled the first model of its robotaxi, named the “Cybercab,” during a spectacular event in Los Angeles, which was infused with Hollywood-style sci-fi elements. During this unveiling, Musk announced that the two-seater Cybercab would be priced at US$30,000, aiming to capture a segment of the ride-hailing market.
Nevertheless, experts have raised concerns regarding the vehicle’s design, noting it lacks essential driving components such as a steering wheel and pedals. This absence could present substantial challenges in securing regulatory approvals necessary for public deployment.
(fab/fab)
Watch the video below:
Video: Elon Musk Shows Off Robotaxi ‘Cybercab’, Online Driver Killer!
Interview with Automotive Analyst Jane Doe on Elon Musk’s Shift Towards Robotaxis
Interviewer: Good afternoon, Jane! Thank you for joining us today. Elon Musk made some waves recently by announcing a shift in Tesla’s focus towards robotaxis instead of conventional electric vehicles. What’s your immediate reaction to this news?
Jane Doe: Good afternoon! It’s a significant pivot, to say the least. Musk’s declaration that traditional electric vehicles are “futile” is quite a bold statement. It suggests that he’s placing all his bets on fully automated transportation, which could reshape the entire ridesharing landscape.
Interviewer: Many investors were disappointed by this announcement, hoping for a conventional electric vehicle at around $25,000. Why do you think Musk dismissed this idea?
Jane Doe: Musk appears to have a strong vision for the future of transport, where he believes that all vehicles should ultimately be self-driving. By calling the production of a $25,000 model “pointless,” he’s signaling that he thinks the future lies with automation rather than making traditional vehicles more accessible. It’s a strategic gamble that could either pay off hugely or backfire spectacularly.
Interviewer: Speaking of strategy, the introduction of the ‘Cybercab’ robotaxi sounds intriguing. What are your thoughts on its potential impact?
Jane Doe: The Cybercab is a clear indicator of Musk’s ambition. However, the absence of a steering wheel and pedals raises significant regulatory concerns and safety questions. It’s one thing to develop innovative technology, but getting it approved for everyday use is an entirely different challenge. The market’s reaction will depend substantially on how these regulatory hurdles are navigated.
Interviewer: With no manual control, how do you see consumers reacting to such changes in transportation?
Jane Doe: Consumer acceptance will be a major factor in this transition. While some may embrace the futuristic concept of riding in a self-driving vehicle, many might feel uneasy about relinquishing control. Public perception around safety, reliability, and comfort will play critical roles in whether the Cybercab—or any robotaxi—can gain traction.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you think the future holds for Tesla and the broader electric vehicle market?
Jane Doe: If Tesla successfully implements its robotaxi vision, it could revolutionize not just ridesharing but personal vehicle ownership as well. However, there’s also the risk of alienating traditional EV consumers desiring accessible vehicle options. Balancing innovation with consumer demand will be crucial for Tesla. Ultimately, Musk’s ability to convince regulators and the public will dictate the success of this bold strategy.
Interviewer: Fascinating insights as always, Jane. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this pivotal moment for Tesla!
Jane Doe: Thank you for having me! It will certainly be interesting to see how this unfolds.
Interview with Automotive Analyst Jane Doe on Elon Musk’s Shift Towards Robotaxis
Interviewer: Good afternoon, Jane! Thank you for joining us today. Elon Musk made some waves recently by announcing a shift in Tesla’s focus towards robotaxis instead of conventional electric vehicles. What’s your immediate reaction to this news?
Jane Doe: Good afternoon! It’s a significant pivot, to say the least. Musk’s declaration that traditional electric vehicles are “futile” is quite a bold statement. It suggests that he’s placing all his bets on fully automated transportation, which could reshape the entire ridesharing landscape.
Interviewer: Many investors were disappointed by this announcement, hoping for a conventional electric vehicle priced around $25,000. Why do you think Musk dismissed this idea?
Jane Doe: Musk appears to have a strong vision for the future of transport, where he believes that all vehicles should ultimately be self-driving. By calling the production of a $25,000 model “pointless,” he’s signaling that he thinks the future lies with automation rather than making traditional vehicles more accessible. It’s a strategic gamble that could either pay off hugely or backfire spectacularly.
Interviewer: Speaking of strategy, the introduction of the ‘Cybercab’ robotaxi sounds intriguing. What are your thoughts on its potential impact?
Jane Doe: The Cybercab is a clear indicator of Musk’s ambition. However, the absence of a steering wheel and pedals raises significant regulatory concerns and safety questions. It’s one thing to develop innovative technology, but getting it approved for everyday use is an entirely different challenge. The market’s reaction will depend substantially on how these regulatory hurdles are navigated.
Interviewer: Do you think consumers will be ready to embrace such a drastic shift in transportation?
Jane Doe: Consumer acceptance will likely evolve over time. Many people are still hesitant about fully autonomous vehicles. Education and building trust in the technology will be crucial, alongside addressing regulatory barriers. If Tesla can demonstrate the safety and reliability of the Cybercab, and successfully navigate the approval processes, we may see a growing acceptance among consumers.
Interviewer: Thank you, Jane! Your insights are invaluable as we navigate this interesting transition in the automotive landscape.
Jane Doe: Thank you for having me! The future of mobility is definitely exciting, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.
