Tesla Cybertruck: Beautiful from afar, but far from beautiful? The reason

Tesla has unveiled new manufacturing secrets of its future autonomous taxi, the Cybercab, which will operate in the United States starting in 2025.

In Tesla‘s terminology, an affordable car seems to mean ultra low cost. Thus, we learn the definitive reason for this strange color choice for its future robotaxi, the Cybercab. In the photo, it appears as gold and very modern. In the street, leaked shots show a car with a very dull hue. So why this choice?

The first explanation is purely economic. Tesla explained that the body of the Cybercab is made of raw polyurethane with golden pigments but without paint. The goal: to reduce production costs as much as possible, as well as the vehicle’s weight to ensure good autonomy.

ALSO READ: Tesla presents the “sucking” robot to clean the Cybercab (video)

For information, the weight of paint on a production car ranges from 4 to 15 kg depending on the trim level and quality. This economy also motivated Tesla, by also removing a production step. The American manufacturer justifies this choice with the ease of maintenance in case of repairs. Tesla’s technical teams will simply replace damaged body panels, and it will be good as new.

Finally, it is also possible that the Tesla Cybercab may be covered with a plastic wrap, a “wrap” in French, in the company’s colors. Therefore, paint was deemed unnecessary.

A 50 kWh Battery!

The industrial economy of the Tesla Cybercab will also be reflected in its technical specifications, with the use of a 50 kWh battery. This is the smallest in Tesla’s current lineup. Tesla still promises an EPA range of 480 km, roughly 300 real-world km.

Only two passengers will be seated in the Tesla Cybercab. Very small—much smaller than the photos suggest—it could disappoint American users with XXL body sizes who value space onboard.

The question of public commercialization remains, especially in the United States where autonomous driving will be partially permitted. Tesla is aiming for a price of around $35,000, a figure kept low by the very reasonable technical specifications. Without a steering wheel or pedals, the Cybercab will prevent its left passenger from taking control in case of a malfunction.

Finally, there is the rumor of a version adapted for other markets like Europe or China, with a steering wheel and pedals, to make the famous affordable Tesla. But with only two seats, and even at 30,000 euros, it would still fall short in terms of everyday practicality.

ALSO READ: Tesla is developing a low-cost Model Y for China