Tesla has unveiled its new Cybercab vehicle for self-driving taxi services in Japan. The vehicle will be shown in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya in succession, but is currently not permitted to operate on public roads. The actual vehicle will be displayed at multiple venues.
US electric vehicle giant Tesla has unveiled in Japan the Cybercab, a new vehicle developed as a self-driving taxi. The vehicle is being shown in Japan for the first time, but is not currently permitted to operate on public roads. The vehicle is scheduled to be shown in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya in succession, with the displays intended to explore the potential for a rollout in Japan through exhibitions of the actual vehicle.
The Cybercab has no steering wheel or pedals. It is a two-seat coupe with upward-opening butterfly doors. Eight cameras continuously monitor the area around the vehicle, which is equipped with a large touchscreen. A large trunk is located at the rear, and the vehicle is designed for driverless operation.
The public showing began on 17 September at Grand Front Osaka in Osaka, attracting large numbers of visitors. Tesla Japan representative Hashimoto Rito (橋本理智) indicated that the company was considering a rollout in Japan and said it currently plans to introduce advanced driver-assistance features to existing vehicles in stages. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has indicated that the vehicle could operate on public roads in Japan if the appropriate procedures are completed.