Tesla's Vice President of Vehicle Engineering reveals Cybercab's wireless charging capability

[PCauto] Recently, Cybercab was captured by drones at Tesla's Texas Gigafactory, with clear photographs showcasing its steering wheel and driver.

In the latest episode of the "Ride the Lightning" Podcast, Tesla's Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, provided a wealth of insights about Cybercab.

Regarding its striking golden exterior, Moravy explained that this unique paint scheme draws inspiration from the iconic yellow cabs of New York City, paying homage to a classic while also ensuring high visibility for Cybercab.

Notably, Cybercab does not employ traditional painting methods. Its design emphasizes aerodynamics, prompting a decision against the use of HFS (hard freaking stainless) steel. While this material is robust, it presents challenges in shaping and bending—criteria that are essential for achieving Cybercab's sleek lines and efficient drag coefficient.

Instead, the body shell of Cybercab is constructed from advanced plastic. During production, molten engineering plastic is injected into a mold, and while the components are still warm, a pre-mixed polyurethane coating is applied. This results in a chemical reaction at 60°C that tightly bonds the two materials, yielding components that boast built-in scratch resistance, UV protection, and corrosion resistance. This innovative approach eliminates the need for a traditional paint shop.

This transformative manufacturing process offers multiple advantages: it effectively avoids common issues such as orange peel and runs, ensuring a smooth and even finish. Furthermore, in the event of scratches, the repair process mirrors traditional painting methods, significantly simplifying maintenance. Although only this color is currently planned, future iterations could easily accommodate various colors based on consumer preferences, enabling truly customized appearances.

Moravy also emphasized that charging has long been a critical concern for electric vehicles, and Cybercab introduces a groundbreaking solution—wireless charging. Imagine embarking on a long journey in your Cybercab and arriving at a supercharging station, where you no longer need to fuss with plugging in cables. Instead, the vehicle simply parks in a designated space equipped with wireless charging facilities, automatically entering charging mode.

For example, the popular Kettleman City supercharging station may soon implement wireless charging technology, allowing Cybercab users to quickly recharge while they relax or enjoy entertainment, seamlessly preparing for their next leg of travel. This wireless charging solution not only enhances convenience but also signifies a revolutionary shift away from traditional charging methods, liberating users from cable constraints and heralding a new era of intelligent charging.

Economically, Cybercab presents a significant advantage in transportation. Moravy shared some compelling figures: previously, a family of four planning a trip from the San Francisco Bay Area to Disneyland would spend around $5,000 on airfare and tickets. In contrast, Cybercab or Model X, with its efficient energy consumption and relatively low operating costs, can estimate trip expenses at only $1,500, or about $0.50 to $1.00 per mile.

This is not merely a matter of cost savings. Cybercab also offers a qualitative leap in the travel experience. Passengers can immerse themselves in gaming, enjoy movies, or even take a nap during long journeys, completely transforming travel into a comfortable and enjoyable experience.