Newly released Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documents have provided significant details regarding Tesla's upcoming Cybercab, also known as the Robotaxi. These filings confirm that the unreleased two-seat coupe will be equipped with a 219-horsepower electric motor positioned at the front and will have a curb weight of 3113 pounds.
The Cybercab's design, as indicated by the EPA documents, centers around a single electric motor powering the front wheels. While the document's mention of "all-wheel drive" during testing creates some ambiguity, the specific listing of regenerative braking from the front wheels strongly suggests a front-wheel-drive configuration for power delivery. This setup aims to balance efficiency with performance for urban autonomous travel.
Information from the EPA submissions points to a relatively compact battery pack for the Cybercab, estimated to be around 50 kWh. Based on lab test results, this battery size could provide an EPA-combined driving range of just under 280 miles. It's important to note that these figures are preliminary estimates and real-world performance may vary, but they offer a glimpse into the vehicle's potential operational capacity.
Tesla's long-standing promises of fully autonomous vehicles have been met with both excitement and skepticism. While CEO Elon Musk has hinted at a future without traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals for the Cybercab, the practical implications for drivers and enthusiasts remain a topic of discussion. The article humorously suggests that a vehicle of this weight and power could be quite enjoyable on scenic roads if it retained conventional controls, bridging the gap between autonomous utility and driving pleasure.