Tesla Inc. (TSLA) took the stage last week with its highly anticipated Robotaxi Day, showcasing its vision for the future of transportation. The event unveiled not one, but two autonomous vehicles: the Robotaxi, a smaller passenger vehicle designed for individual rides, and the Robovan, a larger vehicle capable of carrying up to 20 passengers, reminiscent of a shuttle. These vehicles are central to Tesla’s ambitious plans for autonomous vehicle growth, aiming to revolutionize the way we move around. However, the event also sparked controversy, drawing criticism from the director of the movie “I, Robot” for the vehicles’ design similarities to the film’s futuristic vehicles. The big question now is what these vehicles will actually be called. While Tesla CEO Elon Musk referenced the smaller vehicle as both “Cybercab” and “Robotaxi” during the event, Tesla’s official website currently uses the term “Robotaxi.” Interestingly, recent trademark filings, reported by Electrek, reveal that Tesla has filed for trademarks on both “Robotaxi” for electric vehicles and ridesharing services, as well as “Robobus.” This strongly suggests that “Robovan” might have been a placeholder name for the larger vehicle. Tesla’s website has since adopted the term “Robovan” for the larger vehicle. While trademark filings don’t guarantee usage or approval, they do offer valuable insight into the company’s branding considerations. However, despite the excitement, it’s important to note that both vehicles are years away from production. Musk has stated that the robotaxi is aiming for a production timeline before 2027, with a target price of under $30,000. This ambitious goal comes with a caveat: Tesla has a history of overpromising on production timelines and vehicle costs. Beyond the naming and production hurdles, Tesla faces a broader challenge in the realm of autonomous vehicles – the need for widespread regulatory approval and public acceptance. Consumer skepticism and safety concerns surrounding autonomous technology remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. In the meantime, Tesla’s stock has seen a recent dip. As of Tuesday, TSLA is up 1% at $220.44, but down 10% over the last five days and 11% year-to-date. This indicates that the market is taking a cautious approach, likely influenced by the company’s past inconsistencies and the uncertainties surrounding the future of autonomous vehicles. Only time will tell if Tesla can overcome these challenges and successfully usher in a new era of autonomous transportation.
Tesla’s Robotaxi & Robovan: Trademark Filings Hint at Future Names, But Challenges Remain
