7 things you need to know about the Tesla Cybercab

Tesla is officially stepping into the next chapter of transport with its long-awaited autonomous ride-sharing vehicle. Designed for full self-driving, the Cybercab represents a massive leap forward in Tesla’s push toward a driverless future. Here are 7 things you need to know about the unusual vehicle. 

1. When and where is it launching?

Mark your calendar for September 3rd. Tesla is officially rolling out the Cybercab at a dedicated high-profile event at its headquarters in Austin, Texas. Invitations are already out, setting the stage for a major milestone in the company’s self-driving roadmap.

2. What does it actually look like inside?

If you’re looking for a steering wheel and pedals you may be disappointed as there aren’t any! Built strictly for autonomous ride-sharing, the Cybercab’s cabin features just two seats and has been completely stripped of any manual driving controls.

3. Have people actually seen it out on the road yet?

Absolutely. Ahead of the official launch, the paint-free robotaxis have been spotted turning heads during public road tests. In fact, Tesla R&D personnel and factory workers have even been given the green light to take them home at night for real-world testing.

4. Is it working alone or joining a fleet?

The Cybercab won’t be flying solo. It’s stepping directly into Tesla’s existing ride-hailing network alongside the Tesla Model Y, which has already been quietly racking up real-world, driverless passenger miles for over a year.

5. How did it get to this point?

While public anticipation has been sky-high, the Cybercab is no stranger to the spotlight. It previously gave riders a taste of the future on a closed circuit at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, followed by exclusive employee test rides back in July.

6. Who is it aimed at?

If you’re hoping to buy one for your morning work commute, you might have to wait. The Cybercab is primarily aimed at urban commuters, everyday passengers, and fleet operators looking for cheap, on-demand transit without the traditional headaches and expenses of car ownership. However, Tesla has indicated plans to eventually offer a consumer version for purchase.

7. How much will it cost?

Tesla is aiming to disrupt the market completely. While official per-ride pricing or final consumer price tags are still taking shape, manufacturing targets point to a vehicle cost of roughly $25,000 to $30,000, with operating costs projected to drop low enough to make autonomous robotaxi travel significantly cheaper than traditional ridesharing or even public transit. However, we’ll believe it when we see it!