Former Waymo CEO Raises Red Flags About Tesla’s Cybercab Design

In a recent interview, John Krafcik, former CEO of Waymo and a respected voice in the automotive industry, raised serious concerns regarding Tesla’s approach to autonomous vehicle design, particularly criticizing the Cybercab intended for its upcoming robotaxi service.

Krafcik, who helmed Waymo from 2015 to 2021 and has a wealth of experience from major automakers like Ford and Hyundai, argued that the current Cybercab prototype fails to meet essential safety standards.

Krafcik emphasized that a responsible robotaxi should prioritize safety through optimal sensor placement, utilizing a range of technologies including radar and lidar, rather than relying solely on cameras as Tesla does.

Tesla’s current strategy may not be aligning with its long-term vision for a fully autonomous

He noted that the positioning of sensors on the Cybercab is inadequate, lacking necessary features for maintenance such as cleaning devices. “If a company were serious about building a safe robotaxi business, the robotaxi wouldn’t look anything like this prototype”, he stated bluntly.

Moreover, Krafcik criticized the Cybercab’s coupe design, stating it complicates passenger accessibility and comfort—both of which are pivotal for a taxi service.

He worryingly observed that Tesla might “fake” the rollout of its robotaxi service in Austin, suggesting that the launch might utilize a geo-fenced internal fleet rather than a fully autonomous service as promised by CEO Elon Musk. This approach mirrors what Waymo has practiced for years, which Musk has previously criticized for its scalability limitations.

Krafcik’s insights signal a broader skepticism within the industry regarding Tesla’s ability to deliver on its ambitious self-driving promises. It appears that while the future of autonomous taxis is promising, Tesla’s current strategy may not be aligning with its long-term vision for a fully autonomous, ride-hailing service.