Tesla Set to Debut in Saudi Arabia, Showcasing in Riyadh
Tesla Unveils Autonomous Cybercab and Humanoid Robot at Launch Event
Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, recently showcased two groundbreaking innovations at its launch event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event, which took place on April 10 at Bujairi Terrace, was open to families and featured a broader showcase on AI and robotics.
The first innovation, the Tesla Cybercab, is a fully autonomous, two-passenger electric vehicle designed specifically as a robotaxi. This futuristic car boasts no steering wheel or pedals, emphasizing its driverless operation. The Cybercab offers a range of about 200 miles (320 km) on a 35 kWh battery and supports inductive (wireless) charging with an efficiency greater than 90%. Its design prioritizes energy efficiency and low operational costs, achieving approximately 5.5 miles per kWh (8.9 km/kWh).
The interior of the Cybercab is minimalistic, with two spacious seats and a large freestanding touchscreen for entertainment and comfort controls. The exterior includes dihedral (butterfly) doors. Production is set to begin before 2027, with volume production expected around 2026. The Cybercab aims to be significantly safer—10 to 20 times—than human-driven vehicles and potentially reduce travel costs by up to 50%.
In addition to the Cybercab, Tesla showcased its humanoid robot, Optimus. Although specific technical specs of Optimus were not detailed at the event, it demonstrated its ability to engage in human-like tasks autonomously, such as bartending. This underscores Tesla’s push into robotics beyond automotive.
Tesla's clean energy ecosystem, including solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicles, was also on display at the event. The company's team was available to answer questions about vehicle ownership, charging solutions, and energy products.
The Cybertruck, another innovative vehicle from Tesla, was also showcased at the event, sharing a picture on X with the caption "Lisan al-Gaib", a term from the Dune science fiction universe that will now be associated with the Cybertruck.
The event marked Tesla's entry into the Saudi market, and although no details about the Cybercab's availability in the Saudi market were given, visitors had the opportunity to experience the future of autonomous driving with the Cybercab. The event ran from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. local time (12 Shwl, 1446 AH) at Bujairi Terrace, 7295 King Faisal Road, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In summary, Tesla's launch event in Riyadh showcased the Tesla Cybercab and Optimus, both of which are poised to revolutionize transportation and robotics respectively. The event was a testament to Tesla's commitment to innovation and its entry into the Saudi market.
- Tesla's Cybercab, an autonomous electric vehicle, boasts a minimalistic interior with spacious seats and a touchscreen, while prioritizing energy efficiency and low operational costs.
- The Tesla Cybercab, designed for driverless operation, is expected to be significantly safer than human-driven vehicles and potentially reduce travel costs by up to 50%.
- In addition to the cybercab, Tesla unveiled a humanoid robot named Optimus, capable of engaging in human-like tasks autonomously, showcasing Tesla's exploration beyond the automotive industry.
- Tesla's demonstration of Optimus and the autonomous Cybercab is a sign of the company's commitment to revolutionizing transportation and AI technology, marking their entry into the Saudi market.
