Brandon Fletcher
Introducing the Starlink V5 Integrated Dish, Unveiled Last Week.
Tesla has introduced its innovative Cybercab design, featuring a built-in SpaceX Starlink V5 antenna. This unique design showcases multiple connectivity options, including a GPS antenna and 5G LTE, alongside the Starlink integration. In a post on X, the company emphasized the potential of “high-speed internet from space for the future of autonomous vehicles.”
The newly integrated dish is the Starlink V5, announced just last week. This latest version is smaller and more energy-efficient compared to its predecessors; however, it provides slightly reduced speeds of 375+ Mbps, in contrast to the 400+ Mbps offered by the V4 model. Interestingly, Starlink characterizes the V5 as being suitable only for “home internet,” differentiating it from the Starlink Mini, which is designed for mobile use.
Another noteworthy aspect is that the limited number of Tesla Cybercabs currently in operation are restricted to urban areas, where 5G cellular networks are prevalent. In U.S. cities, average speeds reach around 175 Mbps, approximately half the capability of the Starlink V5. With the inclusion of a built-in 5G antenna, the upcoming Cybercab will have multiple internet access options, which may seem excessive for short-distance travel.
Integrating Starlink could provide substantial advantages for a taxi fleet, such as facilitating inter-vehicle communication, enhancing navigation, and enabling remote support without reliance on cellular signals. This move also allows Elon Musk to synergize resources and advantages between his companies.
Tesla has not yet disclosed the release timeline for the new Cybercabs. As of now, the company’s fleet comprises just 39 unsupervised rider vehicles, according to the Robotaxi Tracker, with a total of 770 vehicles, including those under supervision.
Daniel Mercer
