Project Alicorn Revealed —Robotaxi Network Confirmed

Brian White, Tesla -

Project Alicorn Revealed —Robotaxi Network Confirmed

Tesla is preparing to launch an affordable vehicle and a robo-taxi service, highlighted by the upcoming Project Alicorn software update and the new Model Y long-range, aimed at enhancing user experience and meeting market demands

 

Questions to inspire discussion

Tesla's New Affordable Vehicle

🚗 Q: What are the key features of Tesla's upcoming affordable vehicle?
A: Expected to launch in first half of 2025, it will be a lower, more compact version of the Model Y, possibly a hatchback, with a starting price of $44,990 in the US.

🏎️ Q: How does the new rear-wheel drive Model Y compare to previous models?
A: It offers 20 miles more range, faster 0-60 time, and all-new features like improved speakers and sound system, making it a bargain at $44,990.

Robotaxi Functionality

🤖 Q: What is Tesla's robotaxi project called and what features will it have?
A: Called Project Alicorn, it will allow users to confirm pickup, enter destination, fasten seatbelt, pullover, cancel pickup, and access emergency help.

📱 Q: What additional features are coming to the robotaxi app?
A: Upcoming features include smart summon without continuous press, live activities, trip summary screen, ability to close the trunk, rate the ride, and access outside service area help.

🚕 Q: How might Tesla expand its robotaxi service to non-driverless markets?
A: The app includes a "call driver" button, potentially allowing non-driverless markets to join the ride-share network, though this strategy is unclear.

CyberCab Production

🏭 Q: What evidence suggests CyberCab production is ramping up?
A: At Giga Texas, there are at least 305 front underbody castings and RSF rear subframe castings, indicating upcoming volume production in a short time.

⏱️ Q: What is known about the CyberCab production cycle time?
A: The cycle time on the casting machines is significantly longer than 5 seconds, suggesting a focus on quality over speed.

🚀 Q: When might CyberCab production begin?
A: Production is likely to start sooner than critics think, possibly in Q3, as hundreds of castings have been spotted at Giga Texas.

CyberCab Design and Purpose

💡 Q: What are the key design principles of the CyberCab?
A: It's designed to be affordable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance, with a focus on short-range and low-speed capabilities for robotaxi fleets.

🔑 Q: What is the "missing piece" for CyberCab production?
A: The CyberCab's autonomy is the crucial element, with Tesla's network launch in June expected to unlock production floodgates.

Tesla App and Strategy

📲 Q: How will Tesla integrate robotaxi services into its ecosystem?
A: The Tesla app is likely to be the platform for robotaxi services, potentially expanding to include other features like car rental and sharing.

📊 Q: What is Tesla's strategy behind the Model Y rear-wheel drive launch?
A: It's a move to separate affordable vehicles from the Model 3 and tailor-make the vehicle for robotaxi fleets before selling to customers.

 

Key Insights

Tesla's Robotaxi Network

  1. 🚗 Tesla's Project Alicorn robotaxi functionality will enable users to confirm pickup, enter destination, fasten seatbelt, pullover, and cancel pickup, with smart summon and live activities features coming soon.
  2. 🏭 305+ front underbody castings for Tesla's Cyber Cab spotted at Giga Texas indicate imminent large-scale production, possibly starting in Q3.
  3. 📱 The robotaxi app will include features like trip summary, outside service area help, and emergency assistance, with animations for door opening and parking.

Tesla's New Affordable Vehicle

  1. 🚙 Tesla's upcoming affordable vehicle is expected to be a lower, more compact hatchback version of the Model Y, launching in the first half of this year.
  2. 💰 The rear-wheel drive Model Y, priced at $44,990, offers 357 miles range and 5.4 seconds 0-60mph acceleration, making it an ideal candidate for the robotaxi fleet.

Autonomous Driving and Production

  1. 🧠 The missing piece for CyberCab production is autonomy, expected to be solved by June 1st when the robotaxi network launches.
  2. 🚀 Tesla's robotaxi network launch in June is anticipated to be a game-changer, offering affordable transportation and driving company growth.

Market Implications

  1. 💼 The presence of a "call driver" button in the app code suggests potential expansion to non-driverless markets, though this is considered unlikely.
  2. 🔑 Tesla's robotaxi functionality will allow users to automatically tell the car where to park, a small step from current parking assist features.
  3. 📊 The rear-wheel drive Model Y is considered a "heck of a deal" in the market, offering premium features at a competitive price point.
  4. 🌐 The robotaxi network is expected to be a key driver of Tesla's future growth and profitability, potentially serving millions of users.
  5. 🔮 Critics' expectations may be surpassed as CyberCab production appears to be progressing faster than anticipated, based on observed castings at Giga Texas.

 

#Tesla

XMentions: @Tesla @DigitalHabitats @FutureAza @herbertong 

Clips

  • 00:00 🚗 Tesla teases an affordable vehicle and robo taxi features through Project Alicorn, while launching the Model Y long range in the US and sparking speculation with spy shots of a camouflaged compact car.
    • Tesla reveals spy shots of a potential affordable vehicle, hints at upcoming robo taxi features in the app through Project Alicorn, showcases new castings at Giga Texas, and announces a new vehicle for sale.
    • The Model Y long range rear-wheel drive is now available in the US starting at $44,990, with an incentive price of $37,490, and Tesla is expected to launch a more affordable vehicle soon.
    • The speaker will be in Mexico next week and invites others in Mexico City to discuss electric vehicle adventures.
    • Spy shots of a heavily camouflaged vehicle resembling a Tesla have surfaced in Los Angeles, leading to speculation that it may be a new, more affordable compact model.
    • Tesla's heavily camouflaged vehicle, possibly a compact car, has sparked speculation about its identity and purpose, with observers noting its unusual appearance and the uncertainty surrounding its authenticity.
  • 04:25 🚗 Tesla is set to unveil an affordable vehicle soon while launching its robo-taxi service on June 1st, alongside the Project Alicorn software update featuring integrated functionalities.
    • Tesla is expected to hold a significant presentation for a more affordable vehicle within the next month, likely featuring fanfare despite the short planning time.
    • Tesla is set to launch its robo-taxi service on June 1st, raising questions about its overlap with the release of a new version of Full Self-Driving (FSD) software.
    • Tesla's upcoming software update, codenamed Project Alicorn, includes fully integrated robo-taxi functionalities and new features like smart summon and live activities.
    • An alicorn is a mythical creature that combines the features of a unicorn and a pegasus.
  • 08:10 🚖 Projekt Alicorn's robotaxi app promises enhanced user experience with features like destination entry and emergency help, while addressing concerns about user interaction and demonstrating readiness for integration into a ride-sharing network.
    • The upcoming robotaxi app includes features like destination entry, emergency help, and trip summaries to enhance user experience.
    • Concerns about users not knowing how to open doors of robotaxis can be addressed through app animations and retrofitted features, while parking functionality is straightforward.
    • A demonstration of a cyber cab showed its ability to cancel rides and let passengers out mid-journey, indicating readiness for integration into a robotaxi network through an app update.
    • Tesla's potential launch of a ride-sharing app raises questions about integrating non-driverless markets alongside its robo-taxi service.
    • The speaker shares their cautious yet positive experience using a robotaxi, highlighting its reliability and the amusing reactions of bystanders.
  • 13:12 🚗 New drone footage shows Tesla's robo-taxi network making significant progress, with Cyber Cab production potentially starting in Q3 and a launch expected in June.
    • New drone footage reveals multiple new castings for Tesla's robo-taxi network, indicating significant progress in production at Giga Texas.
    • Cyber Cab production may begin sooner than expected, possibly in Q3, as preparations indicate readiness despite skepticism about stockpiling castings.
    • The new vehicle production process requires extensive testing and data, but a lack of information from other manufacturers leaves uncertainty about its implications.
    • Cyber cabs are expected to launch in June with gradual production increases, boosting confidence in achieving full-scale manufacturing next year.
    • Concerns about plastic durability are unfounded, as plastic has been effectively used in bumpers for decades without complaints.
  • 18:23 🚖 Tesla's highly anticipated robo taxi network launches June 1st, coinciding with the rollout of the new Model Y long-range rear-wheel drive, which boasts improved range and features at a competitive price.
    • The launch of the robo taxi network on June 1st is highly anticipated, with the Model Y rollout seen as crucial, while Cybercap is viewed as an additional benefit.
    • Tesla has launched the new Model Y long-range rear-wheel drive in the US, offering improved range of 357 miles, faster acceleration, and enhanced features at a starting price of $37,490 after tax credits.
    • The Model Y's current price is lower than the inflation-adjusted original target, despite lacking features that were initially planned.
    • Electric cars offer impressive acceleration and traction control, making them competitive with supercars, even in challenging conditions like snow.
  • 23:13 🚗 Tesla's new affordable models, especially the Model Y for robo-taxi fleets, aim to boost sales and meet market demands for cost-effective options.
    • The new Tesla model, featuring a significant price reduction and improved range, is expected to boost sales significantly.
    • Affordability is crucial in a chaotic market, and Tesla's numerous vehicle launches this year highlight the importance of cost-effective options.
    • Tesla's Model Y and Model 3 are positioned as more affordable vehicles, with a focus on maintaining a clear distinction between different models.
    • The Model Y is being tailored for a robo-taxi fleet due to its affordability and comfort, with plans to produce hundreds or thousands for both the fleet and customers.
    • The design of the Cyber Cab prioritizes affordability and efficiency by focusing on rear-wheel drive and a sufficient range, making it suitable for urban environments while addressing the needs of different climates.
  • 28:00 🚖 Project Alicorn hints at an affordable vehicle with robo-taxi integration in the Tesla app, aiming for a launch with millions of users.
    • Spy shots reveal a potential affordable vehicle linked to Project Alicorn, suggesting integration of a robo-taxi feature into the existing Tesla app to enhance user experience and ecosystem engagement.
    • A service launch with millions of users is anticipated.

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Duration: 0:30:24

Publication Date: 2025-05-08T13:54:12Z

WatchUrl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nckTwrSrQq4

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