Tesla Cybercab will cost less than $30,000

[Rob]

Elon Musk just officially announced the Tesla Cybercab, claiming that it will launch before 2027, cost less than $30k, and allow owners to make money by offering their service to the public.

But will it really cost $30k? Doubtful: the presentation started with a disclaimer that statements made are future predictions and may be inaccurate.

This is the EXACT bait and switch that Elon used for the Cybertruck. Offer an outrageously compelling product for an unbelievable price, driving pre-orders that are used to fund development. As confirmed by Reuters, the Cybertruck price was a whopping 50% higher at launch than promised in the announcement.

Don't be surprised when that $30k promise jumps to $45k+

 

[Hadron]

Given Musk's track record of making big claims about autonomous driving, usually when the stock price needs a boost, all of which have failed to materialise, I wouldn't invest too much hope in that "before 2027" date: based on his track record the price is irrelevant because the vehicle will probably never be released.

But on pricing, yeah, I seem to remember that the Model 3 was also originally teased as having a low price that turned out to be considerably higher when it was actually launched. So that's another thing that Musk has form on.

(Mind you we don't need to worry about the Cybertruck on this side of the Pond: that sharp-edged rigid body means it doesn't meet the pedestrian safety standards for it to be legal to drive it on a public road here, and as Mr Musk generally throws a tantrum whenever he's told that he doesn't have a special exemption from regulations I don't imagine it will ever be sold here).