On January 21, 2026, Tesla CEO Elon Musk commented on the upcoming production of the company’s Cybercab vehicle, highlighting the challenges associated with manufacturing new products. Musk stated that initial production is typically slow and follows an S-curve, noting that the speed of the production ramp is inversely related to the number of new parts and steps involved. He emphasized that for both the Cybercab and Optimus, almost every component is new, which will affect the pace of early production.
Musk’s remarks were in response to a post by Sawyer Merritt, who announced that Tesla’s Cybercab production is set to begin in less than 100 days. Merritt noted that the Cybercab will be the first vehicle to utilize Tesla’s unboxed manufacturing process. According to Merritt, this new process will enable a single Cybercab to roll off the production line in under 10 seconds, compared to 34 seconds for the Model Y.
The S-curve referenced by Musk describes a common pattern in manufacturing where initial output is slow as new processes are established, followed by a period of rapid increase, and eventually stabilizing as production matures. Musk’s comments suggest that the introduction of new parts and manufacturing steps for the Cybercab and Optimus will contribute to a gradual start before production accelerates.
According to reports from industry outlets, Tesla has previously implemented innovative manufacturing techniques in its vehicle production lines, aiming to reduce assembly time and costs. The unboxed manufacturing process, set to debut with the Cybercab, is described as a significant step in this direction, with the goal of increasing efficiency and throughput.
Tesla’s Cybercab is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its product lineup and introduce new manufacturing technologies. The company has stated that advancements in production processes are central to its efforts to scale output and meet demand for new models.
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