San Francisco, California – Tesla founder Elon Musk has announced the upcoming introduction of a new robotaxi on August 8 during a recent statement, following reports that the company will no longer pursue plans to produce a lower-cost electric vehicle. Instead, Musk is directing the company’s focus on developing robotaxis using their small-vehicle platform as a foundation.
For years, Tesla has been teasing the release of a more affordable electric vehicle with an initial price point expected to be around $25,000. Musk has expressed optimism in the past, stating that he believed this model would be available in the second half of 2025. However, in response to reports claiming otherwise, Musk took to Twitter to debunk the allegations, calling them “lies.”
The current cheapest model in Tesla’s lineup is the Model 3, which starts at $39,000. It remains to be seen how the company plans to make a robotaxi operational given its reliance on a camera-only system. In a significant move a few years ago, Tesla eliminated radar and other sensors from its driver assistance technologies, a stark contrast from other companies like Waymo that heavily rely on such technology for their autonomous vehicles.
The decision to shift focus to robotaxis undoubtedly raises questions about Tesla’s future plans and strategies in the electric vehicle market. As the industry continues to evolve, competition among autonomous vehicle manufacturers is fierce, with each company vying for dominance in this emerging sector.
It is clear that Tesla’s venture into robotaxis represents a significant shift in their priorities and product offerings. As they navigate this new terrain, the success of their robotaxi project could have far-reaching implications for the future of autonomous driving technology and the broader electric vehicle market.
Overall, Musk’s announcement has sparked curiosity and speculation within the industry, leaving many eager to see how Tesla’s foray into the world of robotaxis will unfold in the coming months.