Tesla is gearing up for what might be its most spectacular reveal yet – the highly anticipated Robotaxi. Set against the backdrop of Warner Bros. Discovery’s movie studio in Burbank, California, this Thursday’s event promises to be a quintessential Tesla spectacle.
The “We, Robot” event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. PT, with doors opening at 5 p.m. PT for those fortunate enough to attend in person. For the global audience, Tesla is expected to livestream the event on its YouTube channel and on X (formerly Twitter).
This unveiling has been long in the making. Musk initially teased the Robotaxi event in April, originally setting the date for August 8. However, Tesla had to postpone the reveal due to what was described as “an important design change to the front.” This delay highlights the company’s commitment to perfecting its vision before presenting it to the world.
The focus on the Robotaxi seems to have come at a cost. Tesla’s previously promised next-generation $25,000 EV appears to have taken a back seat. In a significant move that underscores the company’s shifting priorities, Musk reduced Tesla’s workforce by over 10% shortly after announcing the Robotaxi event, declaring that the automaker was going “balls to the wall for autonomy.”
Tesla’s journey towards autonomous vehicles has been a long and controversial one. The company’s advanced driver-assistance system, boldly named Full Self-Driving (FSD), has been a point of contention. Despite its name, FSD is not fully autonomous and requires constant human supervision – a fact repeatedly demonstrated in user-posted drive-along videos on social media.
The concept of Tesla robotaxis isn’t new. Musk first proposed the idea in 2019, suggesting that existing Teslas could be converted into autonomous robotaxis through software updates. This ambitious plan aimed to have millions of robotaxis operational by 2020, potentially allowing Tesla owners to profit from their vehicles during idle times. However, this vision has yet to materialize. Musk also mentioned that in areas lacking sufficient private vehicles for sharing, Tesla would deploy its own dedicated robotaxi fleet.
Given the Hollywood studio setting, expectations are that this reveal will focus more on the vehicle’s design and concept rather than delving deeply into its autonomous technology. Musk has previously expressed his vision for a robotaxi without a steering wheel or pedals. Images from Walter Isaacson’s 2023 biography of Musk hint at a Cybertruck-inspired, compact two-door, two-seater design.
As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of electric and self-driving technology, this unveiling could offer a glimpse into a future where personal car ownership gives way to on-demand autonomous transport. Whether you’re a Tesla enthusiast, an investor, or simply curious about the future of transportation, the “We, Robot” event promises to be a significant moment in automotive history. As always with Tesla events, viewers should be prepared for potential surprises and unexpected announcements that could shape the future of mobility.
