Tesla's Gen-3 Platform to Power Both Low-Cost EVs and Fully Autonomous Cybercab Robotaxi
AUSTIN, TEXAS on June 14, 2025 Tesla Inc. is gearing up to launch a new chapter in electric mobility through its highly anticipated Gen-3 platform, which promises to deliver both a low-cost electric vehicle and a fully autonomous Robotaxi known as the Cybercab. A supervised pilot for Tesla Robotaxis is set to begin in Austin as early as June 22, 2025, according to recent statements from CEO Elon Musk.
The Gen-3 platform, internally referred to as "Redwood" or NV9X, is designed to reduce production costs while enhancing scalability, allowing Tesla to target both the budget EV market and the autonomous transportation sector. The platform will underpin two major products: a compact, affordable EV (unofficially dubbed the "Model 2") and the two-seater, driverless Cybercab.
A Dual Strategy for Mass Mobility
Tesla’s Gen-3 architecture is poised to transform its product roadmap. On one side, it enables the production of a mass-market EV priced below $30,000, A response to growing competition from Chinese automakers like BYD. On the other, it forms the foundation for Tesla’s autonomous ambitions, specifically the Cybercab designed for urban ride-hailing services.
First revealed at the “We, Robot” event in October 2024, the Cybercab has no steering wheel or pedals. Built for full autonomy from the ground up, it reflects Tesla’s shift toward a robotics-first mobility future. The minimalist design focuses on maximum space utilization and passenger comfort, targeting short-distance urban travel and seamless integration with Tesla's future ride-hailing app.
While production of the Cybercab is targeted for 2026–2027, Tesla plans to deploy modified Model Y vehicles for its initial robotaxi service in Austin, monitored remotely by human operators. These retrofitted Model Ys will serve as a crucial test bed for validating Tesla's vision-only Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in real-world conditions.
Key Milestones and Production Plans
Tesla has informed suppliers to prepare for volume production of the Gen-3 platform by mid-2025, with deliveries expected in the latter half of the year. The company aims to eventually produce 10,000 Gen-3 vehicles per week at Giga Texas.
Beyond Austin, Tesla is also reportedly exploring expansion to additional cities pending local regulatory approvals. The flexibility of the Gen-3 platform allows for rapid deployment across various geographies with minimal modification.
The Cybercab, meanwhile, remains in its final development phase. Pre-production builds are expected by the end of Q2 2025. Full-scale manufacturing will follow at the Texas facility in late 2026, contingent upon regulatory approvals and safety validation.
Safety First: Teleoperation and Supervised Launch
In the June 2025 pilot, a small fleet of around 10–20 upgraded Model Y vehicles will begin offering rides in Austin. These vehicles will operate using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software (currently in beta) and be monitored by remote teleoperators prepared to intervene in complex driving scenarios. Tesla’s teleoperation team, trained to take control within seconds, adds a human safety net to the autonomy stack.
This cautious rollout comes amid growing debate over Tesla’s camera-only approach to autonomous driving, which forgoes LiDAR, the industry standard for many competitors like Waymo and Zoox. While Musk remains confident in Tesla's vision-based system, safety agencies and the public continue to demand rigorous oversight.
Industry experts have expressed both excitement and concern. “Tesla’s Gen-3 strategy is bold,” said Dr. Natalie Cheng, an autonomous systems researcher at MIT. “But the lack of LiDAR means they need even more robust validation, especially in mixed urban environments.”
The Road to Full Autonomy
The Cybercab represents a more advanced leap, not just in autonomy but in manufacturing. Utilizing Tesla’s signature innovations, including 48V electrical architecture, single-piece castings, and structural battery packs, the Cybercab aims to reduce complexity while improving durability and performance.
Inside, the cabin will feature a screen-dominated interface, premium ventilation, and AI-personalized ride settings. Since there’s no driver seat or cockpit, the interior resembles a lounge more than a traditional car, signaling Tesla’s bet on a future where vehicles are more like smart living pods.
Musk has described the Cybercab as a key component of the future Tesla Network, a ride-hailing service that will combine Tesla-owned robotaxis with privately-owned Gen-3 vehicles. The Network will be app-based, similar to Uber or Lyft, but powered by autonomous vehicles. While specifics remain under wraps, app development and backend infrastructure are reportedly underway.
Tesla also plans to offer subscription options and on-demand features, a business model designed to generate recurring revenue beyond just hardware sales. The Cybercab could play a central role in this new ecosystem, potentially increasing Tesla’s total addressable market dramatically.
Industry and Regulatory Implications
The rollout of autonomous ride-hailing vehicles could significantly disrupt urban transportation models, especially if Tesla can scale its Cybercab program internationally. However, regulatory roadblocks remain, particularly in key U.S. markets like California, where full self-driving approval has lagged.
Tesla’s approach, launching with supervised vehicles, gathering real-world data, and gradually transitioning to full autonomy, may give it a unique advantage in navigating this complex regulatory terrain.
Still, critics argue that without third-party validation and transparency, Tesla’s safety claims could face hurdles in jurisdictions that require independent assessment. Consumer groups and recent scrutiny over the marketing of Tesla's FSD features.
In contrast, proponents highlight Tesla’s scale and software-first culture. With over 1 billion FSD miles logged and continuous OTA (over-the-air) updates, Tesla possesses a real-world data engine few rivals can match.
What Happens Next?
June 2025 – Pilot robotaxi service launches in Austin with supervised Model Y fleet.
Late 2025 – Deliveries of Gen-3 affordable EVs expected to begin.
Q2 2025 – Cybercab pre-production builds completed.
2026–2027 – Cybercab enters full production and joins the Tesla Network.
Beyond 2027 – Global expansion of Tesla Network and software monetization strategies.
As Tesla moves forward, all eyes will be on Austin as the testing ground for what could be a transformational shift in how we think about cars, not as things we drive, but as autonomous systems that drive us. The Gen-3 platform is not just a new type of car; it’s a new type of strategy: one that straddles affordability and innovation, autonomy and accessibility.
Whether the public is ready or not, the roads are about to get a whole lot smarter.
Post a Comment