Back in April 2019, Tesla CEO Elon Musk predicted there would be one million Robotaxis on the road by 2020. Fast forward more than five years, and there are still zero. But according to a new report, Tesla is finally ready to unveil its dedicated autonomous taxi concept on October 10th.
The announcement, set to take place at Warner Brothers studio in Los Angeles, could offer a glimpse into Tesla’s future plans. The studio lot’s private roads might be the perfect place to demonstrate the Robotaxi without the challenges of public streets.
This event is huge after nearly a decade of Musk’s promises about autonomous driving. However, it’s important to note that a product reveal doesn’t mean a product launch. Tesla has a history of unveiling concepts that take years to become reality, like the Roadster, which remains a concept seven years after its reveal.
While the Robotaxi reveal is eagerly anticipated, Tesla won’t be the first to showcase a Robotaxi this year. In June, Verne, an autonomous taxi company, revealed their completed concept, with plans to operate in select cities by 2026. Other companies, like Cruise and Waymo, are already offering driverless taxi services in American cities.
Tesla’s announcement comes after years of controversy surrounding its semi-autonomous driving tech, branded as “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving.” The technology has faced recalls and skepticism, with ongoing questions about its safety and effectiveness.
The October 10th reveal will be a big event for fans and investors, but whether it signals a breakthrough or just another step remains to be seen.
