Tesla launches Cybercab autonomous service in Austin, USA
San Francisco (ANTARA) - US electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla has launched the driverless Cybercab in Austin, Texas, where the vehicle has begun offering limited online taxi services.
In a promotional video released on the launch day, Tesla CEO Elon Musk described the Cybercab as “the first car specifically designed for full self-driving without supervision.”
According to Tesla, the Cybercab is a two-seater vehicle equipped with butterfly doors and a large interactive touchscreen.
Newly released passenger guides indicate that the vehicle lacks a steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal, relying instead on a camera-based vision system and sensors to drive fully autonomously.
For passenger safety, the vehicle is equipped with a stop button. Once pressed, the Cybercab will immediately pull over if it is safe to do so and connect the passenger with Tesla Robotaxi Support.
The rear boot of the vehicle can accommodate two standard suitcases and two cabin bags.
Tesla’s updated website mentions that the Cybercab is the latest addition to their Robotaxi fleet. When passengers book a ride via the Robotaxi app, the system will dispatch either a Cybercab or a Model Y based on vehicle availability and passenger numbers.
Musk did not attend the launch event, according to Reuters reports citing attendees.
Tesla executives at the event stated that the Cybercab service will implement dynamic pricing and promises “a first-class experience at an economy class price.”
Tesla has stated that potential commercial buyers can apply for Cybercab registration. However, the official price, delivery date, and service expansion schedule have not yet been announced.
Tesla has not yet disclosed the exact number of Cybercabs currently in operation. As of Wednesday (2/9) evening local time, Tesla has 420 autonomous vehicles registered in the state of Texas, including 45 Cybercabs.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday that they are coordinating with Tesla and are currently evaluating the situation.
Tesla first introduced the Cybercab prototype in October 2024. Production is set to begin in 2026, followed by technical trials of production vehicles on public roads in the second quarter.