New Trademarks Offer Clues
New trademark filings by Tesla Inc. (TSLA) suggest the company is planning a 20-person vehicle, potentially named "Robus" or "Robous." These names combine "robot" and "bus," hinting at the vehicle's intended use as a robotaxi.
The trademarks cover various potential applications, including electric buses and ridesharing services. This aligns with Tesla's previously announced plans for robotaxis, which they showcased alongside the new vehicle in October 2024.
While the "Robovan" name was initially used, the new trademarks suggest a shift towards "Robus" or "Robous." These names could encompass all of Tesla's robotaxi vehicles, including the smaller "Cybercar" and the larger "Robovan/Robobus."
The launch of a Tesla robotaxi service could pose a significant challenge to existing ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft. However, it's important to remember that trademarks don't guarantee the launch of a product or service. These plans could still be years away from realization.
Currently, Tesla stock is up 4.3% to $350.85, with a 52-week range of $138.80 to $488.54. Despite a 7.4% year-to-date decline in 2025, the stock has still gained over 90% in the past year.