Tesla is preparing to launch an affordable vehicle and a robo-taxi service, highlighted by the upcoming Project Alicorn software update and the new Model Y long-range, aimed at enhancing user experience and meeting market demands ## ## Questions to inspire discussion ## Tesla’s New Affordable Vehicle.
🚗 Q: What are the key features of Tesla’s upcoming affordable vehicle? A: Expected to launch in first half of 2024, it will be a lower, more compact version of the Model Y, possibly a hatchback, with a starting price of $44,990 in the US.
🏎️ Q: How does the new rear-wheel drive Model Y compare to previous models? A: It offers 20 miles more range, faster 0–60 time, and all-new features like improved speakers and sound system, making it a bargain at $44,990. Robotaxi Functionality.
🤖 Q: What is Tesla’s robotaxi project called and what features will it have? A: Called Project Alicorn, it will allow users to confirm pickup, enter destination, fasten seatbelt, pullover, cancel pickup, and access emergency help.
📱 Q: What additional features are coming to the robotaxi app? A: Upcoming features include smart summon without continuous press, live activities, trip summary screen, ability to close the trunk, rate the ride, and access outside service area help.
🚕 Q: How might Tesla expand its robotaxi service to non-driverless markets? A: The app includes a “call driver” button, potentially allowing non-driverless markets to join the ride-share network, though this strategy is unclear. CyberCab Production.
🏭 Q: What evidence suggests CyberCab production is ramping up? A: At Giga Texas, there are at least 305 front underbody castings and RSF rear subframe castings, indicating upcoming volume production in a short time.
⏱️ Q: What is known about the CyberCab production cycle time? A: The cycle time on the casting machines is significantly longer than 5 seconds, suggesting a focus on quality over speed.
🚀 Q: When might CyberCab production begin? A: Production is likely to start sooner than critics think, possibly in Q3, as hundreds of castings have been spotted at Giga Texas. CyberCab Design and Purpose.
💡 Q: What are the key design principles of the CyberCab? A: It’s designed to be affordable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance, with a focus on short-range and low-speed capabilities for robotaxi fleets.
🔑 Q: What is the “missing piece” for CyberCab production? A: The CyberCab’s autonomy is the crucial element, with Tesla’s network launch in June expected to unlock production floodgates. Tesla App and Strategy.
📲 Q: How will Tesla integrate robotaxi services into its ecosystem? A: The Tesla app is likely to be the platform for robotaxi services, potentially expanding to include other features like car rental and sharing.
📊 Q: What is Tesla’s strategy behind the Model Y rear-wheel drive launch? A: It’s a move to separate affordable vehicles from the Model 3 and tailor-make the vehicle for robotaxi fleets before selling to customers. ## ## Key Insights ## Tesla’s Robotaxi Network 1. 🚗 Tesla’s Project Alicorn robotaxi functionality will enable users to confirm pickup, enter destination, fasten seatbelt, pullover, and cancel pickup, with smart summon and live activities features coming soon. 2. 🏭 305+ front underbody castings for Tesla’s Cyber Cab spotted at Giga Texas indicate imminent large-scale production, possibly starting in Q3. 3. 📱 The robotaxi app will include features like trip summary, outside service area help, and emergency assistance, with animations for door opening and parking. Tesla’s New Affordable Vehicle 1. 🚙 Tesla’s upcoming affordable vehicle is expected to be a lower, more compact hatchback version of the Model Y, launching in the first half of this year. 2. 💰 The rear-wheel drive Model Y, priced at **$44,990, offers 357 miles range and 5.4 seconds 0-60mph acceleration, making it an ideal candidate for the robotaxi fleet. Autonomous Driving and Production 1. 🧠 The missing piece for CyberCab production is autonomy, expected to be solved by June 1st when the robotaxi network launches. 2. 🚀 Tesla’s robotaxi network launch in June is anticipated to be a game-changer, offering affordable transportation and driving company growth. Market Implications 1. 💼 The presence of a “call driver” button in the app code suggests potential expansion to non-driverless markets, though this is considered unlikely. 2. 🔑 Tesla’s robotaxi functionality will allow users to automatically tell the car where to park, a small step from current parking assist features. 3. 📊 The rear-wheel drive Model Y is considered a “heck of a deal” in the market, offering premium features at a competitive price point. 4. 🌐 The robotaxi network is expected to be a key driver of Tesla’s future growth and profitability, potentially serving millions of users. 5. 🔮 Critics’ expectations may be surpassed as CyberCab production appears to be progressing faster than anticipated, based on observed castings at Giga Texas.
#Tesla.
XMentions: @Tesla @DigitalHabitats @FutureAza @herbertong.
More: [ https://digitalhabitats.global/blogs/digital-vehicles/projec…-confirmed](https://digitalhabitats.global/blogs/digital-vehicles/projec…-confirmed)