Elon Musk Reveals Art Deco Trains as Inspiration for Tesla Robovan

The Tesla Robovan, unveiled recently, has caused almost as much of a stir as the Cybertruck did with its unconventional design. Despite its radical appearance, which seems to lack even visible wheels, the Robovan’s unveiling was met with less shock than one might expect, given the precedent set by the Cybertruck. Naturally, such a bold design has drawn both criticism and mockery, as the Robovan stands out starkly from other vehicles on today’s roads. However, Elon Musk has stated that the Robovan’s design draws inspiration from some of history’s most iconic machines.

As a fully autonomous vehicle, the Robovan dispenses with traditional features like a windshield or driver’s cockpit. Instead, it presents as an aerodynamic box with ample interior space for passengers. At the “We, Robot” event, Musk assured attendees that the production version would closely resemble the concept vehicle on display.

Musk later took to X to describe the Robovan as a “futuristic art deco bus,” prompting numerous inquiries about the design’s inspiration. In response, Musk revealed that the Robovan was inspired by Art Deco trains of the 1930s. This influence is evident when comparing the Robovan to Art Deco trains like the Mercury from 1936, which share similar design elements.

While the Tesla Robovan’s appearance is unprecedented among current production vehicles, this uniqueness seems intentional. Industry observers on social media have suggested that Tesla designed the Robovan for versatility, capable of operating on public roads as well as in Boring Company tunnels. Its large size and 20-person capacity make it potentially well-suited for systems like the Las Vegas Loop, where it could efficiently transport numerous passengers.

Addressing concerns about the Robovan’s ability to navigate road imperfections like potholes, Musk announced on X that the vehicle would be equipped with an automatic load-leveling suspension system. This feature will adjust the Robovan’s height based on road conditions, potentially enhancing passenger comfort on various surfaces.