Finance
Tesla's Cybercab, Optimus output to start 'agonizingly slow', ramp up later, Musk says
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 21, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Home > Finance > Tesla's Cybercab, Optimus output to start 'agonizingly slow', ramp up later, Musk says
Quick Summary
Elon Musk states Tesla's Cybercab and Optimus production will begin slowly due to complexity, but will eventually speed up, impacting Tesla's valuation.
Elon Musk Predicts Slow Start for Tesla's Cybercab and Optimus Production
Tesla's Production Plans for Cybercab and Optimus
Jan 20 (Reuters) - Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday that early production rate of the company's Cybercab robotaxi and its humanoid robot Optimus will be "agonizingly slow" before accelerating over time.
Early Production Challenges
Much of Tesla's $1.39 trillion valuation hinges on investor expectations for its self-driving technology and humanoid robots, even as the company's core revenue and profit continue to come from electric vehicle sales.
Future Expectations for Robotaxi and Humanoid Robots
Responding to a post on X about Cybercab production beginning in less than 100 days, Musk said the pace of the ramp depends on complexity, noting that production speed is inversely proportional to the number of new parts and manufacturing steps involved.
Impact on Tesla's Valuation
"For Cybercab and Optimus, almost everything is new, so the early production rate will be agonizingly slow, but eventually end up being insanely fast," Musk wrote.
Testing and Safety Measures
A Cybercab is a two-seater vehicle designed without manual controls, including a steering wheel or pedals.
The EV maker has said it was on track to start volume production of Cybercab in 2026, with Optimus output "hopefully" starting towards the end of the year.
In December, Musk said Tesla was testing robotaxis without safety monitors in the front passenger seat.
Last year, Tesla launched a limited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, using its Model Y SUVs equipped with a version of its Full Self-Driving software. Early operations were geo-fenced and included a human safety monitor in the passenger seat.
Musk has described the humanoid robot project as central to Tesla's long-term strategy, saying it could eventually dwarf its vehicle business. He has argued the robots could unlock massive new economic value by taking on a wide range of tasks that humans are unwilling to perform.
(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Peter Henderson and Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
Key Takeaways
- •Tesla's Cybercab and Optimus production will start slowly.
- •Elon Musk cites complexity as a factor in production speed.
- •Tesla's valuation heavily relies on self-driving tech and robots.
- •Cybercab is a two-seater without manual controls.
- •Volume production of Cybercab expected by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tesla's Cybercab, Optimus output to start 'agonizingly slow', ramp up later, Musk says
1What is a robotaxi?
A robotaxi is an autonomous vehicle designed to operate without human intervention, providing transportation services to passengers.
2What is self-driving technology?
Self-driving technology refers to systems that enable vehicles to navigate and operate without human input, using sensors and software.
3What is Tesla's valuation?
Tesla's valuation is the market value of the company, which is influenced by investor expectations regarding its technology and business performance.
4What is a humanoid robot?
A humanoid robot is a robot designed to resemble the human body in appearance and behavior, capable of performing tasks typically done by humans.
5What is production ramp-up?
Production ramp-up is the process of increasing the output of a product over time, often after initial testing and production phases.
