Tesla reveals the integrated Starlink V5 terminal in the Cybercab

Innovation at Tesla (TSLA) never stops. Elon Musk’s philosophy of continuous engineering improvements puts the US-based automaker ahead of the rest of the auto industry in terms of new technological features.

Yesterday, Tesla revealed that its Cybercab robotaxi vehicles have an integrated Starlink V5 terminal. This high-end piece of satellite internet equipment comes on stock Cybercabs, right out of the factory.

What does it enable? High-speed satellite broadband direct from the Starlink satellite constellation to the cars. It was a well-kept secret by Tesla, and a super interesting one as well.

According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, you can watch 4K streaming videos in the Cybercab while the vehicle takes you to your destination all on its own.

The constant high-speed satellite internet also allows a Cybercab to keep itself constantly connected to the Tesla Robotaxi ride-hailing service mothership and get the latest updates and fixes for its Full Self-Driving AI software.

“Watch 4K streaming video while Cybercab takes you anywhere you want,” Musk posted on X.

Since this equipment is hidden inside the vehicle, Tesla had to share the computer-generated diagram (above) of the Cybercab to pinpoint the Starlink V5 receiver terminal hardware.

Tesla-SpaceX Partnership: Cybercab Mass Production

Integrating a Starlink terminal in a Tesla vehicle is the best example of the fusion of Musk’s companies. SpaceX is the maker of Starlink, and Musk’s other company, Tesla, becomes one of its top customers.

According to Elon Musk’s vision, the Cybercab will be the single most mass-produced Tesla vehicle ever. If millions of Tesla Cybercabs are produced in the coming years, each will have a Starlink terminal integrated into it. This means millions of Starlink units sold for SpaceX.

In a recent talk, Musk said that the Cybercab production line is built like a high-speed consumer electronics line. At its peak rate, Tesla would be able to produce a Cybercab in 5 seconds each.

“The line will move so fast that actually people can’t even get close to it. I think it’ll be able to produce a car ultimately in less than five seconds,” he said.

Tesla has already started producing Cybercabs at Giga Texas. However, most of these cars are currently being used for engineering and FSD testing.

Above: Elon Musk talks about Cybercab production at Giga Texas (less than 5 seconds a unit).

Starlink V5

Tesla has integrated the latest and fastest Starlink V5 terminal in the Cybercab. This means that the currently produced Cybercabs are future-proof in terms of internet connectivity and in-car infotainment for the next few years at least.

Starlink V5 is capable of handling speeds of more than 375 Mbps. For residential users, this service is available for $55/month, and hardware is free (in some areas currently).

SpaceX explains Starlink V5 as:

The next generation Starlink Kit is designed to deliver reliable, high-speed home internet. Starlink V5 has a smaller form factor and lightweight design with greater power efficiency than the Starlink V4.

With speeds up to 375+ Mbps, Starlink V5 delivers seamless connectivity for streaming, video calling, gaming and more.

Currently available in select areas. As production ramps, Starlink V5 will be available in additional areas. Order now → https://starlink.com/v5

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Featured image: Internal equipment diagram of a Tesla Cybercab showing its tech components like cameras and Starlink V5 receiver integration. Credit: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc..

Note: This article was published earlier on Tesla Oracle. Author: Iqtidar Ali.