Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced ambitious plans for autonomous robot vehicles designed for public transportation at a recent Hollywood event. He introduced the concepts of the “Robotaxi” and “Cyber Cab,” which are intended to operate without the need for passenger supervision.
During the event in California, Musk showcased several vehicles that he claimed could drive themselves, even without steering wheels. Attendees were invited to experience rides in these unmanned vehicles, highlighting Tesla’s vision for a future of fully autonomous transportation.
A Vision for the Future
Musk articulated his belief that society is on the brink of embracing driverless vehicles, which he argues could significantly enhance efficiency. “We’ll move from supervised to unsupervised self-driving, where you can fall asleep and wake up at your destination,” he stated.
He emphasized the current inefficiencies in vehicle usage, noting that cars are only utilized for about 10 hours a week, or roughly 5.9% of the time. Musk posited that if vehicles were fully autonomous, their usage could increase by five to ten times, providing owners with greater value from their investments. “You get your time back. This is a very big deal,” he remarked.
Cost Efficiency and Safety
Musk also projected that operating costs for autonomous vehicles could decrease dramatically, estimating expenses might fall from $1 per mile to just $0.20 per mile.
Furthermore, he asserted that self-driving cars could be ten times safer than human drivers. Musk explained that these vehicles could help “prevent injuries” and “save lives.” According to data from Craft Law Firm, there have been nearly 4,000 incidents involving autonomous vehicles in the U.S. since 2019, with Teslas accounting for about 53.9% of those incidents. However, this number pales in comparison to the six million total car accidents that occur annually in the country.
Cryptocurrency Connection
In addition to his automotive ambitions, Musk has shown continued support for the popular cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE). In 2022, Tesla began accepting DOGE for merchandise, although it noted that purchases made with the cryptocurrency would not be eligible for refunds. Recently, Musk indicated that Tesla may start accepting Dogecoin as payment for vehicles “at some point.”
As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of technology and transportation, Musk’s vision for autonomous vehicles could potentially transform the automotive landscape.
