Elon Musk has promoted a new Tesla “Cybercab” model – basically an electric car with no pedals, steering wheel or other controls which he hopes to sell for $30,000. He also unveiled a prototype for a 20-person autonomous vehicle called a Robovan. They have yet to be approved by regulators and currently rely mainly on vision systems to avoid collisions unlike some of the self-driving competitors. He also demonstrated an Optimus humanoid robot for jobs around the house.

Production of the Cybercab is not scheduled until 2026 so this is more a statement of ambition than short-term reality but it does show that Tesla are committed to revolutionising personal transport. See https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2024/10/11/elon-musk-unveils-new-tesla-robotaxi-cybercab/

Meanwhile Tesla is facing stronger competition for electric cars from low-cost Chinese manufacturers. One can easily envisage that the world will be a very different place as regards automobiles in a few years’ time. Electric cars are achieving longer ranges and are getting relatively cheaper so are becoming more practical for most people who only do daily short journey commutes.

My next personal vehicle may well be an electric one, and being able to give up driving altogether would also be a distinct advantage as I get older.

Roger Lawson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Drivers_London

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