Tesla recently held its highly anticipated Robotaxi event, where the company introduced not only its upcoming driverless Robotaxi but also unveiled an innovative autonomous van, referred to as the Robovan. This versatile vehicle is designed to accommodate either 20 passengers for mass transit or serve as a cargo hauler, expanding Tesla’s vision of automated transport solutions.
The event, dubbed the “We, Robot” showcase, primarily aimed to spotlight the new 2-seat Robotaxi, alongside updates on Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus. Attendees witnessed Robotaxis shuttling passengers around the Warner Bros. backlot, while Optimus robots engaged the crowd by serving drinks and distributing goodie bags.
In addition to the Robotaxi, rumors of a Robovan had circulated prior to the event, with speculation about a 12-passenger van potentially designed for Boring Company tunnels. Attendees got their first glimpse of the Robovan during the event, as it made a striking entrance and unloaded several occupants. While the vehicle’s design was futuristic, Tesla did not reveal extensive details about its capabilities or specifications.
Futuristic Art Deco Bus pic.twitter.com/4DDqJtGATU
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 11, 2024
From the limited information shared, the Robovan is confirmed to have a capacity for up to 20 passengers, although photos from the event showed a configuration with 14 seats. Tesla’s website features several images highlighting the interior, particularly the passenger configuration, which appears to offer significant cargo space, potentially suitable for applications like airport shuttles. However, no images of the cargo configuration have been released yet.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the Robovan, stating that it could reduce transportation costs to as low as 5 to 10 cents per mile, significantly lower than the anticipated 20 cents per mile for the Robotaxi. This makes the Robovan an attractive option for various use cases, such as frequent shuttle routes (like those for airports or student transport), municipalities lacking sufficient ridership for traditional 80-passenger buses, and city last-mile delivery in a cargo format.
Musk reiterated his vision that “the future should look like the future,” a sentiment echoed in the Robovan’s unique design. While the vehicle’s aesthetics may seem unconventional, Tesla’s track record with innovative concepts suggests that it could evolve into a practical model. However, it is likely that adjustments will be made to its ground clearance, as the current demo appears to have only a 1-2 inch clearance, which may not be ideal for urban road conditions.
Unlike the Robotaxi, which Musk indicated would launch within the next two years, no specific timeline has been given for the Robovan’s release. As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology, the Robovan stands as a testament to the company’s ambition to reshape urban mobility and logistics in the future.
