Tesla to make Cybercab more efficient and cut battery capacity by 16%
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Tesla is preparing technical updates for its driverless Cybercab robotaxi that are expected to reduce battery capacity from 47.6 kWh to 40 kWh. Company chief Elon Musk promises to improve the car’s energy efficiency and add a silver alternative to the existing gold body colour. A smaller battery helps reduce both production costs and vehicle weight, which are at least as important as maximum range in the robotaxi business.
A smaller battery must do the same job
Elon Musk confirmed on social media platform X that Tesla is developing improvements to the Cybercab’s energy efficiency to allow it to use a 40 kWh battery in future. He also promised to add Liquid Silver to the choice of body colours.
The current Cybercab uses a battery of approximately 47.6 kWh, so the change would mean a reduction in energy capacity of 7.6 kWh, or 16%.
Tesla has not disclosed which technical changes it intends to make to compensate for the smaller battery.
The current Cybercab has an estimated range of around 470 kilometres. If the car’s energy consumption remained unchanged, the smaller battery would reduce its range by about 75 kilometres. To maintain the existing range, Tesla would need to cut energy consumption by approximately 16%.
This is a calculated estimate, not a result confirmed by the manufacturer.
Cybercab’s success depends on cost per kilometre
Tesla’s goal is not to build an electric car with the longest possible range, but a robotaxi with the lowest possible operating costs.
A smaller battery means fewer battery cells, lower production costs and less weight. Lower weight, in turn, reduces the load on the chassis and tyres and may improve energy efficiency.
The Cybercab uses Tesla’s 4680-type battery cells and a modular battery design that allows individual modules to be replaced separately. This is particularly important for a high-mileage taxi, whose maintenance costs directly affect the profitability of the service.
Tesla is also preparing to increase Cybercab production volumes at its Texas factory. The company plans to free up production space by ending Cybertruck production in 2027.
Autonomous driving remains the biggest obstacle in Europe
The Cybercab is a two-seat electric car with no steering wheel or pedals. This sets the model apart from conventional electric taxis, but makes a European launch difficult.
Tesla must demonstrate the safety of its autonomous driving system and meet European type-approval requirements. A cheaper battery alone will therefore not be enough to make it competitive in this market.
Other companies are also developing autonomous transport services in Europe, but the widespread deployment of fully driverless vehicles still depends on the reliability of the technology and on regulations.
A smaller battery for the Cybercab makes economic sense. If Tesla can maintain its range while reducing production costs, the robotaxi’s profitability will improve with every kilometre travelled. That is far more important than another range record.
Tesla has yet to confirm when the new battery will be introduced or when production of the silver Cybercab will begin.
