Elon Musk's $30,000 Tesla Cybercab: Navigating Highway Tests, Trademark Issues, and More in Chicago

The Tesla Cybercab is a crucial component of CEO Elon Musk’s robotaxi and self-driving ambitions. As the company pushes towards artificial intelligence and robotics, the Cybercab has been making headlines with its recent updates. This article will delve into the latest developments surrounding the vehicle, including its highway tests, trademark issues, and production plans.

Cybercab Spotted Testing in Chicago

A recent video shared on social media platform X showed the Cybercab being tested on a highway near Chicago. The user, @tnertz, posted the video, stating that the vehicle was “cruising down the highway back to its base in Avondale.” Although the video did not clearly indicate whether the vehicle was being driven autonomously or by a human driver, the user suggested that it was being driven by a human, citing the presence of a Cybertruck steering wheel in the testing units.

Key Observations from the Video

  • The vehicle was spotted on a highway near Chicago, indicating that Tesla is conducting real-world testing of the Cybercab.
  • The presence of a Cybertruck steering wheel suggests that the testing units may not be fully autonomous.
  • The user’s observation of the brake light engagement and late signal implies that the vehicle was being driven by a human.

Cybercab’s April Production and $30,000 Price

Elon Musk has confirmed that the Cybercab will be available for purchase at a price of $30,000 or less. The production-ready version of the vehicle has recently been rolled off the manufacturing line, with Musk reiterating the April production target. The vehicle is expected to feature no steering wheel or pedals when it starts production.

Production Plans

  • The Cybercab is expected to start production in April.
  • The vehicle will feature no steering wheel or pedals.
  • Tesla is aiming to achieve 5X higher output with a new approach to the manufacturing process.

Trademark Woes

Tesla has filed an appeal with the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office (USPTO) against a beverage wholesaler, Unibev, alleging fraud. Unibev has been accused of squatting on trademarks to extract money from Tesla. The company also owns trademarks for other marks like “Teslaquila” and has filed for trademarks like “Cyberquad” and “Cybertaxi.”

Trademark Issues

  • Tesla has accused Unibev of trademark squatting.
  • Unibev owns trademarks for other marks like “Teslaquila”.
  • The company has filed for trademarks like “Cyberquad” and “Cybertaxi”.

Robotaxi Crashes and Autopilot Lawsuit

The Cybercab’s self-driving capabilities have been brought into question following reports of 5 additional crashes in Austin, taking the total number of reported incidents to 14. Tesla has also sued the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after the company dropped “Autopilot” from its marketing activities and avoided a suspension of its license to sell and manufacture vehicles.

Robotaxi Incidents

  • 5 additional crashes were reported in Austin, taking the total number of incidents to 14.
  • Tesla has sued the California DMV over a false advertising row.
  • The company dropped “Autopilot” from its marketing activities to avoid a license suspension.

Conclusion

The Tesla Cybercab is an exciting development in the world of electric vehicles and autonomous driving. While the company faces challenges with trademark issues and robotaxi crashes, the Cybercab’s production plans and $30,000 price point make it an attractive option for those looking to experience the future of mobility. As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of innovation, it will be interesting to see how the Cybercab evolves and becomes a part of our daily lives.