Tesla Cybertruck Spotted 'Crab-Walking'; Hints at Steer-by-Wire Capabilities

By Kevin Armstrong
The Cybertruck may include steer-by-wire
The Cybertruck may include steer-by-wire
niccruzpatane/X

As anticipation for Tesla's Cybertruck continues to mount, a recent "crab-walking" sighting has added to the speculation that Tesla may be integrating advanced steer-by-wire technology into its futuristic pickup.

Steering Into the Future: Tesla's Patent Points to Innovation

As we reported in June, Tesla's patent filing hinted at a steer-by-wire system possibly slated for a 2023 debut. This system replaces traditional mechanical steering with an electronic one, where drivers' inputs are translated into digital commands that articulate the vehicle's trajectory. Tesla's innovation isn't just a simple reinvention; it's a leap toward heightened efficiency, customizable cockpit designs, and a level of redundancy that ensures reliability.

Yoke Wheel & Steer-by-Wire: A Match Made for Cybertruck?

Tesla's yoke steering wheel, a controversial but forward-thinking design choice, could be the perfect match for steer-by-wire technology. With different steering ratios programmable at various speeds, the need for hand-over-hand steering—a cumbersome relic of the past—could be eliminated. X user @niccruzpatane connected the dots, noting the Cybertruck's yoke appears to necessitate fewer turns compared to other models, a hallmark of dynamic variable steer-by-wire systems.

Cybertruck's Sidestep: More Than Just a Party Trick?

Joe Tegtmeyer's (@JoeTegtmeyer) latest observations at Giga Texas have added fuel to the speculative fires. The Cybertruck's ability to "crab-walk" implies rear-wheel steering is not just included but has been honed to a level of sophistication on par with—or potentially exceeding—that of its competitors. This could signal a software-enabled driving mode that adds lateral maneuverability, a feature sure to excite off-road enthusiasts and urban navigators alike.

If steer-by-wire is indeed behind the Cybertruck's minimal steering wheel rotation and its crab-walking capability, we are looking at a revolution in vehicle control. This technology allows for a highly responsive steering experience, adapting to speed, driving conditions, and potentially even driver preferences.

What's Next? Delivery Day Revelations Await

The first deliveries of the Cybertruck are scheduled for November 30, 2023. By then, we expect full demonstrations of all its capabilities, including potential "beast mode" specs that could rival Tesla's Plaid performance models. With a speculated weight of 7,000 lbs., a range of around 500 miles, and acceleration from 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds, the Cybertruck aims to redefine not just truck performance but the auto industry - again.

With rivals like the Ford Lightning, which hit the market hot but has since slowed, Rivian and General Motors making a few blips on the radar, Tesla's Cybertruck doesn't just aim to join the pickup sector but roll right over it. It's not just the potential for a Plaid powertrain or its purported specifications; it's making the future look like the future.

Tesla Expected to Offer FSD Transfers in Europe

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

It has been a long wait for FSD for European customers, many of whom paid for the feature years ago on now legacy hardware. While the FSD transfer program has come and gone multiple times, there’s something to be said about having it available in North America, where it can be used, and in Europe or other countries, where it still just remains the same as Enhanced Autopilot (differences between Autopilot, EAP, and FSD).

FSD Transfer is a nice goodwill gesture from Tesla that in theory doesn’t cost them anything. Instead, it keeps customers, especially those who have been waiting for years, loyal and happy. It also incentivizes them to upgrade to a newer Tesla with HW4, where FSD will hopefully be achieved.

In a reply to a post on X, Elon agreed with the suggestion that offering FSD transfers in Europe would be a fair solution for those who have already purchased FSD but can’t use its capabilities.

A Fair Solution

FSD Transfer directly addresses a growing concern for many long-term European Tesla owners. Thousands of customers purchased the full package, often many years ago, with the expectation that FSD would eventually be capable and approved for use. However, the reality is that FSD, even as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), continues to be pushed back in Europe.

As the regulatory process continues at a snail's pace, many of these early supporters are now reaching or have already passed the point where they’re ready to upgrade to a new Tesla.

Without the transfer program, it's a difficult choice: either throw away your original investment in FSD and pay for the package a second time (FSD price history), or subscribe to it in the future.

Offering FSD transfers is a good way for Tesla to meet them halfway. It's a difficult situation, and one that’s being hindered by processes beyond the control of both the customer and Tesla. However, a transfer helps both parties. Tesla sells another vehicle, and the customer gets to keep FSD.

When Will it Be Available?

Based on how FSD transfers have worked in the past following Elon’s announcements, this feature is likely to become available for a limited time period in the coming days or weeks. If it happens, we should expect an announcement from Tesla Europe on X and emails being sent out to Tesla customers.

Once the program is in place, all you need to do is complete your vehicle purchase and then inform your Tesla sales advisor that you’d like to transfer FSD. You don’t even have to sell or trade in your old Tesla; FSD will simply be removed from it as a feature.

Hopefully, Tesla enables FSD Transfers for everyone, regardless of region. It should be an ongoing offer until at least FSD is approved in the given country or region.

Tesla Increases Robotaxi Fare Fee, Up from $4.20

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

The introductory price for Tesla’s Robotaxi Network has finally been updated. In a post on X, Elon Musk confirmed that the new fare would be rolling out to complement the new Robotaxi geofence expansion.

This change marks the first adjustment to Tesla’s fares since the initial $4.20 launch price 23 days ago. While the price increase may seem significant in terms of percentages, when compared to other options in the ride-hailing area, it is still drastically cheaper.

Context Matters

Robotaxi currently operates on a simple, flat-rate model. The new $6.90 fare gets you a ride to anywhere within the recently expanded geofence.

So far, this is the opposite approach compared to other services, such as Waymo or traditional ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft. All these services use dynamic pricing based on distance, time of day, and demand. A comparable trip on any one of these services could cost anywhere from $30 to $65, and potentially even higher during peak hours.

That doesn’t even include the tip fees for human drivers either - another win for Robotaxi (can you tip a Robotaxi?).

Even with the adjustment, the flat $6.90 fare remains less than half the price of a typical competing ride, making Robotaxi the most affordable point-to-point transportation option in Austin, aside from mass transit, for now.

A “Maturing” Service

The price change, moving from one meme-worthy number to another, is a sign that Robotaxi is finally graduating from its initial pilot phase. Following the first major expansion of the service area, this adjustment is a logical next step towards finding a more sustainable flat price.

While the new fare is a 65% increase over the old fare, the key takeaway is that it is still far cheaper than other options, and still just as meme-worthy. Tesla is aiming to have its early access riders complete as many rides as possible during these early months, and this pricing is still very reflective of that.

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