The Tesla Cybercab

[Uncle Gizmo]

Went to the Westgate shopping centre shepherd's Bush London to see the Cybercab!

 

[ColinEssex]

What a horrible ugly thing.
Col

 

[Uncle Gizmo]

What a horrible ugly thing.

Yes - I'm not at my best!

 

[AccessBlaster]

Yes - I'm not at my best!

You look great uncle, but the wheels on the Tesla are horrible. I tried a similar one in Arizona a few months back, it was fine.

 

[Uncle Gizmo]

I asked Grok:-
Please can you gather information on the cybercab explain why the wheels are so large and any other features that I believe are built into it to make it super efficient. I understand that the design is for efficiency in both movement, transportation and efficiency in the build process there is very little effort put into making the vehicle look attractive...

Grok said:-
The Cybercab, as conceptualized by Tesla, has garnered attention for its unique design features aimed at maximizing efficiency rather than aesthetics. Here's a breakdown of the key features, focusing on the large wheels and other efficiency aspects:

Large Wheels:

• Size and Placement: The Cybercab features significantly different wheel sizes, with larger wheels at the rear. This design choice is aimed at improving aerodynamics and handling. Larger rear wheels can provide better traction and stability, especially in autonomous driving scenarios where precise control and minimal energy loss are crucial.
  https://x.com/TeslaNewswire/status/1834577322805972994
• Efficiency: Larger wheels can reduce rolling resistance, which is beneficial for energy efficiency in electric vehicles. They also help in maintaining a lower vehicle profile for reduced drag, which is critical for range efficiency. The disparity in wheel size might also contribute to a specialized suspension system, optimizing the vehicle's ride height for better energy use.

Other Efficiency Features:

• Compact Design: The Cybercab is reportedly designed to be smaller than traditional Tesla models, with an estimated length of about 14 feet. This compactness reduces material use in construction, lowers the vehicle's weight, and minimizes the vehicle's footprint, all of which contribute to energy efficiency.
  https://x.com/TeslaNewswire/status/1834577322805972994
• Aerodynamic Considerations: Without side mirrors, the Cybercab reduces drag, which is a significant factor in extending the range of electric vehicles. The placement of cameras instead of mirrors also aligns with autonomous driving technology, further enhancing efficiency by reducing the need for human intervention.
  https://x.com/TeslaNewswire/status/1834577322805972994
• Two-Seater/Two-Door Configuration: This layout is presumably chosen to minimize complexity and weight, focusing on utility and efficiency. Fewer doors mean less weight, simpler manufacturing processes, and potentially lower costs, which indirectly contribute to efficiency in production and operation.
  https://x.com/TeslaNewswire/status/1834577322805972994
• Autonomous Driving Technology: While specifics aren't detailed in the available information, the integration of sophisticated autonomous systems would inherently aim for efficiency in route planning, speed management, and energy consumption, optimizing every aspect of the journey for both time and power usage.
  https://x.com/FutureAZA/status/1865990643073601939
• Build Process: The design's focus on functionality over aesthetics suggests a streamlined manufacturing process. By prioritizing efficiency in design, production can be more straightforward, potentially reducing assembly time and costs. This approach could also mean using fewer, more uniform parts, which simplifies inventory and reduces waste. Although not explicitly mentioned, this aligns with Tesla's general approach to vehicle manufacturing.

The emphasis on these features underscores Tesla's intent to create a vehicle that's not only efficient in operation but also in its lifecycle from production to disposal, focusing on sustainability and resource optimization. However, much of this information is derived from early discussions and prototype analyses, so exact details might evolve as the product development progresses.

 

[Cotswold]

Looks about as interesting as the new Jag.
I'll only buy a car that I'd have been pleased to have designed. So haven't had a Jag for years. Not since Ford based them on the Mondeo. THen Ford sold them to Tata and they became a Tata Jag, which is not good. Mind you Renault named on of their cars after a cleaning rag...the Dacia Duster, which maybe as bad as it gets.
None of the Tesla designs are quite right. Too much cabin height on some but maybe that is caused by the 12 foot slab of batteries under the seats?
But so many out there like them, so what do I know? The nice thing about a Tesla is that there are so many words starting with T to describe the drivers. There's a T* in a Tesla and so on. (nothing personal)

 

[ColinEssex]

If that awful thing is called 'cybercab', is it actually a taxi?
Col

 

[Uncle Gizmo]

If that awful thing is called 'cybercab', is it actually a taxi?
Col

Yes Colin. It has a computer in it and the computer uses cameras to see where it's going! It drives itself, there's no driver! And more! there's no steering wheel! Two seats two passengers no need for a driver's seat...

It is anticipated that a journey will possibly be less than a bus ticket and probably less.

Like a conventional taxi it will be door-to-door transportation, but unlike a conventional taxi the rates will probably be just the same during the night as during the day!

They are expected to start operating in the US in 2025, that's in a couple of weeks or so.

In the UK and Europe I wouldn't expect to see them until 2026 or 2027....

 

[AccessBlaster]

It's a great solution if you want to throw back a few pints but don't want to chat to a human on your way to the next pub

 

[Cronk]

... And more! there's no steering wheel!

Also no break pedal

 

[moke123]

Does it have a fire extinguisher?

 

[Mark_]

It seems destine to star in a zombie movie. After the outbreak, carloads of zombies will be sent cycling between autonomous charging stations. Either zombies or weed addicts, but it would be hard to tell the difference.

 

[AccessBlaster]

Does it have a fire extinguisher?

View attachment 117550

Also don't drop toasters in a bathtubs.

 

[ColinEssex]

That picture of it on fire makes it look like a baby 1980's DeLorian from the film 'Back to the Future'.
Col

 

[KitaYama]

Old is Gold.
Not Cybercab, but from the same family.

 

[Cotswold]

Does it have a fire extinguisher?

View attachment 117550

Does it have an ejector seat more like. Something going wrong means the doors won't open.

 

[Mark_]

Does it have an ejector seat more like. Something going wrong means the doors won't open.

Doesn't need ejector seats, just explosive bolts for the doors. Course that leads to doors blowing off when the battery dies, but that may actually be a good thing! Where I am, it gets definitely over body temperature during the summer, so having children or pets stuck in one when its battery dies (and the AC with it) would be a very good thing!

 

[Isaac]

Nevermind that one, I think current Teslas, most models, are pretty ugly. They just don't have the symmetry I like in auto shapes

 

[AccessBlaster]

Some Tesla's look like marshmallows

 

[Isaac]

What do you think is the ugliest vehicle? High on my list would be the boxy ones ... kia soul, pt cruiser and one i can't remember that's an exact rectangle