­­­­Tesla CEO Elon Musk Makes New Claim To Introduce Robotaxi by 2024

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Tesla CEO Elon Musk isn't one to shy away from making bold claims about what's coming in the future from Tesla. Musk has earned a reputation for making gallant claims, but failing to meet them. Some examples include the affordable Tesla Model 3, introduction of the Cybertruck, and rebirth of the sporty Roadster. Sticking to a timeline is nearly impossible for Tesla. That, though, isn't stopping the CEO from making another spirited claim.

Tesla Robotaxi In The Works

In a first-quarter earnings call with journalists, Musk, as reported by Automotive News, stated that the automaker would begin production of a "robotaxi" by 2024. In the call, Musk confirmed that the vehicle would not be fitted with a steering or pedals. Instead, it will have fully autonomous capability thanks to the automaker's Full Self-Driving software. Currently, Tesla's software is in the beta testing phase.

Musk's main reason behind coming out with a robotaxi is to reduce the cost per mile for vehicles that are classified as taxis. In the phone call, the CEO stated that the robotaxi is projected to cost less than a subsidized ride on a subway or public bus. While other companies and automakers are looking to come out with autonomous taxis that they can sell to others for services. At the moment, Musk isn't ready to confirm if Tesla will sell its robotaxi to outside parties.

"We don't want to jump the gun on an exciting product announcement yet," stated Musk. We should point out that Tesla and Musk have a habit of jumping the gun on multiple fronts to raise excitement about the brand and upcoming products. Remember the event Tesla held for the Cybertruck? The CEO claimed that we would get more details on the robotaxi at an event Tesla will hold next year. We expect the event to answer all of our questions.

More Information Coming Next Year

Beyond knowing that the robotaxi won't come with a steering wheel or pedals, the only other thing that we know about the autonomous vehicle is that it will "look quite futuristic." Musk made that claim at the brand's Giga Texas Plant opening party earlier this April.

This isn't the first time Elon Musk has promised to come out with a robotaxi Tesla. The automaker made a similar claim back in 2019. A few years ago, Musk took to Twitter to announce that a fleet of self-driving taxis would launch in 2020. That was four years ago and Tesla doesn't have a single autonomous vehicle on the road. Now, the timeline has been pushed back by another four years. We'll have to circle back in 2024 to see if Tesla meets its new timeline.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods