The email arrived on Wednesday: Tesla had submitted applications to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for “Cybercar” and “Cybervehicle.” My initial reaction was a shrug—another day, another potential Tesla product. But then, the questions began: Are these real projects, or just more vaporware designed to keep the stock price buoyant?
Tesla’s Trademark Trove: A Glimpse into the Future?
Tesla has a history of trademarking names for products that may or may not ever see the light of day. Think “Cybercab” and “Cyberbus.” Then, of course, there’s the Cybertruck, which *did* materialize—eventually.
Now we have “Cybercar” and “Cybervehicle.” Are they destined for production, or will they remain concepts, valuable only as assets to impress investors? At this stage, your guess is as good as mine.
Gerben IP, the firm that first reported on these trademark applications, points out that Tesla typically has three years to put a trademarked name into commercial use after it’s approved. Otherwise, they risk losing it. The clock is ticking…
What Happens If Tesla Doesn’t Use a Trademark?
There’s a “use it or lose it” principle. You can’t simply squat on a trademark indefinitely, like buying up domain names. At some point, you have to bring the product to market, or someone else might have the chance to claim it.
The Autonomous Pivot: Robots vs. Reality
During a recent earnings call, Elon Musk mentioned winding down production of the Model S and X, pivoting toward an “autonomous future.” This future, according to Musk, seems heavily focused on humanoid robots, specifically Optimus.
Yet, Tesla’s progress in robotics lags behind its competitors. Public demos of Optimus performing tasks like pouring beer often reveal remote human control, sometimes with less-than-stellar outcomes. It’s like watching a puppet show where you can see the strings.
What Will Tesla Focus On Next?
Musk’s hyperfocus on humanoid robots, against the backdrop of these new trademarks, suggests one of two paths: a complete reinvention of personal transport, or distraction. If these patents don’t involve Optimus, it’s safe to assume Tesla is going to keep pushing Cyber-based automobiles.
Decoding the “Cyber” Prefix: What Could These Vehicles Be?
One possibility is that “Cybercar” and “Cybervehicle” are spin-offs of the Cybertruck, sharing its distinctive boxy design language. Another is that they’re closer in concept to the Cybercab, a two-seater concept car without a steering wheel that Musk revealed in late 2024.
It’s easy to confuse the Cybercab with the Robotaxi, currently operating in Austin, Texas. But those Robotaxis are essentially standard Tesla vehicles with human supervisors. The big question is whether the “Cybercar” and “Cybervehicle” are envisioned as fully autonomous, steering-wheel-free vehicles.
Could The Cybercar Be a Flying Car?
Remember Musk’s tease about a Tesla flying car on Joe Rogan’s podcast last year? He promised a demo before the end of 2025, a deadline that has obviously passed. When Tesla faces business challenges, Musk often introduces a “shiny object” to capture Wall Street’s attention. Are these trademarks just another distraction?
Reality Check: Vaporware or Vision?
Gerben IP believes the new filings could be related to the Cybertruck, perhaps hinting at a smaller, more accessible version. “Given Tesla’s track record, it wouldn’t be surprising if one of these names eventually ends up on a smaller, more accessible cousin to the Cybertruck.”
However, with Cybertruck sales struggling, linking these trademarks to more vaporware akin to the Cybercab seems more plausible. One thing is for sure: these patents are a gamble for the company.
Tesla, predictably, didn’t respond to our emailed questions. Under Musk’s leadership, all his companies are notoriously press-averse, and Tesla’s PR department has been defunct for years. We’ll update this article if we miraculously receive a response. But will we ever see a Cybercar, or are these just more castles in the air?