Tesla’s Long-Awaited Robotaxi Set for Reveal in October 2024

Tesla’s much-anticipated robotaxi, a project that has been teased for nearly five years, may finally be revealed in early October 2024. According to a new report from Bloomberg, the automaker is expected to unveil the vehicle at an event at Warner Bros. Discovery’s movie studio lot in California. The robotaxi has been touted as Tesla’s next big venture, equipped with full self-driving technology, and the October 10 event may offer the first official look at what could be a game-changing vehicle for the ride-hailing and autonomous vehicle industries.

What to Expect from the Robotaxi Reveal

Initially, the Tesla robotaxi was expected to be revealed on August 8, 2024, but the event was delayed until later in the year. The new date, according to reports, is now set for October 10 at Warner Bros. Studios in southern California. While it’s unclear exactly what the automaker plans to showcase, it is believed the robotaxi will feature Tesla’s advanced self-driving technology, which has been in development for years.

The choice of Warner Bros. Studios as the reveal location is intriguing, especially as recent rumors suggest Tesla has been collecting data around the studio lot, potentially using it as a controlled environment to demonstrate the robotaxi’s capabilities. This location, while closed to public streets, may be used to mimic real-world driving conditions, such as street signage and traffic. Tesla has not confirmed the details, but the event is expected to offer insight into the vehicle’s design and technology.

Design and Features of the Tesla Robotaxi

The new Tesla robotaxi is speculated to be purpose-built for autonomous driving. According to various clues from Tesla and its partner, The Boring Company, the vehicle may range from a small, compact design with seating for two to four passengers to a larger model capable of seating up to 11 people. This flexibility suggests Tesla may be considering a lineup of autonomous vehicles for different needs, from urban transport to shared ride-hailing services.

Previous rumors have also indicated that Tesla could unveil a new ride-hailing app alongside the robotaxi. This app may include existing Tesla owners and their vehicles, turning privately owned Teslas into part of a larger autonomous fleet. In earlier discussions, Tesla CEO Elon Musk had hinted at a ride-hailing service where owners could earn revenue by allowing their cars to function as autonomous taxis, with Tesla potentially taking a 25 to 30 percent fee for backend support. If this service is announced, it would mark a significant shift in Tesla’s business model, positioning the automaker as both a car manufacturer and a mobility service provider.

How Tesla’s Robotaxi Stacks Up Against Competitors

Tesla is not the only company working on autonomous robotaxis. Earlier in 2024, Rimac unveiled its own city-focused robotaxi concept, the Verne. This vehicle features a central “Mothership” system for charging and maintenance and can accommodate two passengers with a focus on entertainment and navigation. Tesla’s upcoming robotaxi is expected to compete directly with similar concepts, but it remains to be seen how Tesla’s design, technology, and business model will differentiate itself from competitors like Rimac.

In September 2024, rumors of a Tesla prototype were fueled by a leaked photo of a yellow, camouflaged vehicle seen at Warner Bros. Studios. This vehicle, possibly the prototype for the upcoming robotaxi, appeared to be a two-door hatchback, with seating for two to four passengers. While this prototype may not be the final version, it provides a glimpse into the compact and efficient design Tesla may be aiming for with its autonomous taxi service.

The Excitement

As the October 10 reveal approaches, the excitement builds around what Tesla’s robotaxi could mean for the future of autonomous vehicles and ride-hailing services. Whether the event introduces a compact city taxi or a larger, multi-passenger vehicle, Tesla’s long-promised robotaxi has the potential to disrupt the industry and bring full self-driving technology closer to reality.