Tesla to Unveil Robotaxi on August 8, Musk Confirms Amid EV Production Shift

Tesla is set to unveil a new robotaxi on August 8, Elon Musk has confirmed via X (formerly Twitter). This announcement came shortly after Reuters reported that Tesla is discontinuing its plans to develop a low-cost electric vehicle (EV). According to Reuters, Musk has redirected the company’s focus to prioritize the development of robotaxis using Tesla’s small-vehicle platform.

For years, Tesla has teased the market with the prospect of a more affordable EV, initially forecasting a starting price of $25,000. As recently as January, Musk expressed optimism about launching this model in the second half of 2025. However, following the Reuters report, Musk refuted the claims, tweeting that “Reuters is lying (again).” He did not specify which part of the report he was disputing, but his confirmation of the robotaxi project suggests that the cancellation of the low-cost EV might be the contested point.

Currently, Tesla’s most affordable model is the Model 3, which starts at $39,000. The upcoming robotaxi initiative raises questions about how Tesla plans to implement this service using only a camera-based system, especially since it has phased out the use of radar and other sensors from its driver assistance technologies—components that competitors like Waymo heavily rely on.

The shift in focus to robotaxis represents a significant pivot in Tesla’s strategy, aligning with Musk’s broader vision for the company’s role in the future of autonomous transportation. The automotive industry and consumers alike eagerly anticipate further details about the robotaxi’s capabilities and how it will integrate into Tesla’s product lineup.