Are the displays in Tesla's Cybertruck and Robovan the same as you imagined?

The "We, Robot" event held on the evening of October 10, 2024, Eastern Time, officially launched three products by Tesla: two autonomous driving models, the Cybercab and Robovan, and a humanoid robot named Optimus.

Elon Musk personally arrived at the event in a Cybercab and showcased this prototype of an autonomous taxi without a steering wheel or pedals during the conference. According to Musk, the cost of the Cybercab will be under $30,000, with production expected to start in 2026 and sales to the public to follow. Additionally, he mentioned that Tesla plans to achieve fully unsupervised FSD (Full Self-Driving) capability for models like the Model 3 by 2026.

Meanwhile, Tesla also made its first disclosure of the Robovan model during this event. This autonomous van also lacks traditional driving controls, can carry up to 20 people at once, and can be used for cargo transport. It was launched alongside the Cybercab as part of Tesla's vision for future transportation solutions.

Specific Configuration Details of the Cybercab:

Exterior Design

• Compact Body: The Cybercab features a streamlined body designed to reduce wind resistance and improve energy efficiency. Its appearance continues Tesla’s minimalist design style, with a front through-beam light strip that can project light and shadow images, adding to the vehicle’s uniqueness and tech appeal.
• Door Type: It adopts a two-door layout with butterfly doors, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also convenient for passenger entry and exit. Additionally, there’s a hatchback opening for loading cargo or luggage.
• Hidden Elements: To maintain smooth overall lines, the Cybercab uses hidden door handles and electronic side mirrors.

Interior Features

• Seating Arrangement: Inside, there are only two seats, designed mainly to meet the travel needs of one or two people in most scenarios. The seats are spacious and flat, more like living room sofa chairs rather than traditional car seats, providing a more comfortable riding experience.
• Central Armrest and Cup Holders: Between the two seats, the central armrest houses two cup holders, simple yet practical, with door control buttons placed at the position of the central cup holder.
• Screen Display: The interior is minimally decorated, featuring a large central touchscreen as the primary interface for passengers. This screen can display various vehicle information such as speed and battery level and serves as the main point of interaction for users.
• No Steering Wheel or Pedals: As a fully autonomous vehicle, the Cybercab does not have a steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal, reflecting its forward-thinking approach to future transportation.
• Automatic Cleaning Function: Built-in sensors can detect the cleanliness inside the cabin and initiate an automatic cleaning procedure to ensure hygiene after each use.

Technical Specifications

• Autonomous Driving Technology: The Cybercab relies on Tesla’s advanced FSD (Full Self-Driving) system, based on a pure vision solution using cameras to capture visual data combined with powerful AI algorithms for real-time processing and decision-making, achieving Level 4 autonomy where the vehicle can handle lane changes, navigation, parking, etc., without human intervention under certain conditions.
• Wireless Charging Support: The Cybercab lacks traditional charging ports and instead supports wireless inductive charging technology, allowing it to recharge during downtime between rides, facilitating continuous operation.
• Efficient Power System: It is speculated that the Cybercab may use LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries known for their safety, low cost, and long cycle life. Industry observers note that the Cybercab’s battery pack might consist of 4680 cells, which offer higher energy density and better thermal management performance.

Manufacturing Process

• Simplified Structural Components: Compared to the Model Y, the number of body structure components in the Cybercab has been reduced by about 60%, making it one of Tesla’s most simplified models. This simplification helps reduce manufacturing costs, increase production efficiency, and minimize potential quality issues.

The Cybercab not only pursues a sci-fi look in exterior design but also showcases highly integrated and intelligent characteristics in internal construction and technical application. It is an important component of Tesla’s solution for future urban transportation, expected to enter mass production in 2026.

Specific Configuration Details of the Robovan:

Exterior Design

• Sci-Fi Inspired Design: The Robovan draws inspiration from art deco trains of the last century, presenting a streamlined bullet train-like shape. The front features a through-beam LED headlight, and the body lines are sleek and smooth, with a steeply sloped hood to reduce drag.
• Low Ground Clearance: The demonstrated vehicle has a ground clearance of approximately 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), which might pose challenges in urban settings but helps reduce air resistance and enhance energy efficiency.

Interior Layout

• Passenger Capacity: The Robovan can accommodate up to 20 people at once, with dual-row, face-to-face seating arrangements. Large sliding doors facilitate easy access for passengers. Inside, multiple rows of bench seats embody Tesla’s minimalistic style.
• Comfort Considerations: To enhance the riding experience, the interior offers ample space and an automatic load-leveling suspension system that adjusts the vehicle height according to road conditions, effectively absorbing vibrations.
• Lighting and Illumination: Side windows are oversized, and two rows of longitudinal skylights run along the roof, ensuring ample natural light. Additionally, lighting strips are installed on the ceiling, floor, and sides, creating a bright and open environment.

Technical Specifications

• Autonomous Driving Technology: Similar to the Cybercab, the Robovan relies on Tesla’s advanced FSD system for Level 4 autonomy, enabling it to autonomously perform lane changes, navigation, and parking on fixed routes without human intervention.
• Wireless Charging Support: Like the Cybercab, the Robovan supports wireless inductive charging, eliminating the need for traditional charging plugs.
• Efficient Power System: Considering its larger size and higher weight, the Robovan is expected to feature a much larger battery pack, possibly three to four times the capacity of mainstream electric vehicles, to ensure sufficient range and support frequent use.

Commercial Application

• Versatile Use: The Robovan can serve as school buses, shuttle services, and can be modified into RVs or light-duty trucks for various purposes.
• Operational Cost Advantage: Musk stated that the Robovan would reduce transportation costs to 5-10 cents per mile (approximately RMB 0.2-0.4 per kilometer), significantly lower than Robotaxi costs, offering an efficient and low-cost solution for logistics and passenger transport.

The Robovan not only pursues a futuristic appearance but also demonstrates highly integrated and intelligent features in its interior construction and technical applications. It is an essential part of Tesla’s vision for future urban transportation solutions.

Overall Concept of Cybercab and Robovan:

Cybercab: Redefining Personal Mobility

1. No Cockpit Design At its core, the Cybercab removes all components related to manual driving, such as steering wheels and pedals, fully relying on Tesla’s FSD software for operation. This reflects Tesla’s understanding of short-distance urban mobility—most trips only need to serve 1-2 passengers, and these journeys can be efficiently completed through highly automated systems.
2. Minimalist Aesthetics Externally, the Cybercab continues Tesla’s clean and tech-forward design language, adopting a streamlined body to reduce drag while enhancing aesthetics with hidden door handles and electronic mirrors. Internally, it adheres to the principle of “less is more,” retaining only a large screen for information display and control functions, creating an open and comfortable environment for passengers.
3. Intelligent Experience Users can summon nearby Cybercabs via a mobile app, remotely adjust the cabin temperature, and track the vehicle’s location in real time. After each use, the vehicle automatically initiates a cleaning program to ensure the next passenger enjoys a clean space. These features collectively form a seamless smart mobility ecosystem.

Robovan: Transforming Logistics Transportation

1. High Passenger/Cargo Capacity The Robovan aims to address high-density traffic issues, serving as a group rental vehicle capable of carrying up to 20 people or being converted into a small truck for goods delivery. Its interior features wrap-around seating for passenger convenience and flexible seat arrangement for maximizing cargo space.
2. Green and Low-Carbon Solution As an electric autonomous van, the Robovan is equipped with an efficient electric drive system and large-capacity battery pack, offering extended range and reducing operating costs. Importantly, promoting the use of clean energy vehicles aligns with Tesla’s goal to shift the logistics industry towards greener practices, aiding global carbon reduction efforts.
3. Safe and Reliable Operation System To ensure safe operation in complex urban environments, the Robovan is fitted with L4-level autonomous hardware and software systems that accurately perceive surroundings and make correct driving decisions. Additionally, remote monitoring and diagnostic systems ensure stable performance even without human supervision.

Cybercab and Robovan represent a new mode of transportation and service, emphasizing technological innovation while adapting to changing daily life needs.

Importance of Screens in Intelligence:

Screens play a crucial role in intelligence because they not only revolutionize human-machine interaction but also improve information presentation efficiency, enhance safety and trust, support data-driven service optimization, and build a smarter ecosystem. These advantages together make intelligent screens a key factor in advancing the intelligence process.