Tesla’s Two-Seater Robotaxi Concept Faces Criticism from Experts

Following Tesla's highly anticipated "Robotaxi Day" event, the company experienced a significant stock drop, with shares falling by 8.78 percent and erasing nearly $70 billion from its market value.

During the event, Tesla failed to address key concerns that have left many experts questioning the feasibility of its robotaxi plans. Among the missing details were strategies for overcoming regulatory hurdles, pricing models, a timeline for global deployment, and protocols for dealing with potential safety incidents.

According to an analyst from American investment bank Jefferies, "Elon Musk presented no verifiable evidence showing advancements in Tesla’s autonomous driving technology, which makes it challenging to evaluate the feasibility of his bold claims. There’s no historical precedent for achieving higher levels of autonomy relying solely on visual systems."

Tesla's announcement of a two-seater robotaxi also raised eyebrows, with many wondering how the compact design would meet the practical needs of the average consumer. Musk did not address whether the vehicle was intended to serve families traveling to restaurants or airports, nor if the robotaxi would cater to a broader customer base or remain a niche offering.

Jonathan Elfalan, vehicle testing director at Edmunds.com, commented, "When you think of a taxi, you expect it to accommodate more than just two people. A two-seat car seems puzzling for this purpose."

John Krafcik, former CEO of Waymo, weighed in, noting that Tesla’s two-door design appeared "more playful than practical," with concerns that it could pose difficulties for elderly passengers or those with disabilities.

The introduction of numerous two-seater vehicles also raises the issue of potential traffic congestion. While Musk unveiled a larger robovan capable of transporting up to 20 passengers, no information was provided regarding its production timeline or pricing, leaving many questions unanswered about its future.