Conceptual Proposal for Enhancing Autonomous Taxi Systems: A Focus on Tesla's Cybercab

Authors

  • Luis E. Juanicó Conicet (Argentinean National Council of Scientific Researches) CCT Patagonia Norte, Pioneros Ave. 2350, (8400) Bariloche, Argentina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61841/fkshfv25

Keywords:

energy efficiency in taxis, electric vehicle design, low-rolling resistance tires, aerodynamic drag reduction, Tesla Cybercab, accessible autonomous taxis

Abstract

This work provides a comparative analysis of Tesla's autonomous taxi model (referred to as robotaxi or Cybercab) and proposes a new design focused on enhancing efficiency and accessibility. Previous studies have examined efficiency differences between internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric cars, as well as the specific requirements of city taxis compared to high-speed vehicles, concluding that a specialized design could yield more efficient electric taxis. Our proposed robotaxi concept aims to address several limitations in Tesla’s design, including:

  1. Increased Passenger Capacity: Expanding seating from 2 to 4 passengers.
  2. Enhanced Accessibility: Featuring a taller cabin, larger doors, and compatibility for wheelchair users traveling alone.
  3. Simplified Mechanics: Using two sliding doors instead of Tesla’s three upward-opening doors.
  4. Improved Luggage Access: Positioning luggage space within the passenger cabin for convenience.

These modifications are expected to increase fuel efficiency relative to Tesla’s model and reduce environmental impact, as discussed herein.

References

Juanicó, L. 2024. Tailored design of electric cars for more energy-efficient taxis. Elsevier Analytical Services Research Paper Series. In: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4810414

Hensher, D., Nelson. J., and Mulley, C. 2022. Electric car sharing as a service (ECSaaS) – Acknowledging the role of the car in the public mobility ecosystem and what it might mean for MaaS as eMaaS?. Transport Policy, vol. 116, 212-216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2021.12.007

Prencipe, L., van Essen, T., Caggiani, L., Ottomanelli, M., Almeida Correia, G. 2022. A mathematical programming model for optimal fleet management of electric car-sharing systems with Vehicle-to-Grid operations. Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 368 133147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133147

Tesla. 2024. Tesla's Cybercab presentation took place on October 10, 2024, at the "We, Robot" event in Hollywood. In: https://www.tesla.com/we-robot; or https://techcrunch.com/storyline/tesla-robotaxi-event-follow-elon-musks-big-reveals-here/

Report #1. 2022. In: https://www.statista.com/statistics/275836/number-of-taxis-in-chinas-cities/

Report #2. 2022. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Passenger Vehicle Drivers, In: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/passenger-vehicle-drivers.htm.

Report #3. 2008. “Our Nation’s Highway". Publication No. FHWA-PL-01-1012. Office of Highway Policy Information Federal Highway Administration. In: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/onh00/

Report #4. 2018. About the Public Carriage Office, Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Statistics, England: 2018. In: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackney_carriage.

Report #5. 2006. Tires and Passenger Vehicle Fuel Economy: Informing Consumers, Improving Performance -- Special Report 286. National Academy of Sciences, Transportation Research Board, 2006.

Report #6. 2006. Dynamic Performance Comparison of Vehicle Models & New Model Generations Employing Lightweight Materials and Low Rolling Resistance Tires. Transport Canada (Government of Canada).

Report #7. California State Fuel-Efficient Tire Report: Volume I California Energy Commission, July 2003.

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Published

2025-03-25

How to Cite

E. Juanicó, L. (2025). Conceptual Proposal for Enhancing Autonomous Taxi Systems: A Focus on Tesla’s Cybercab. Journal of Advance Research in Food, Agriculture and Environmental Science (ISSN 2208-2417), 10(3), 26-30. https://doi.org/10.61841/fkshfv25