Tesla Cybercab Begins Carrying Riders in Austin
Tesla's Cybercab, a purpose-built robotaxi vehicle with no steering wheel, is now carrying riders in Austin under federal safety review.
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cybercab
Tesla Cybercab Begins Carrying Riders in Austin
Tesla's Cybercab, a purpose-built robotaxi
vehicle with no steering wheel, pedals, or mirrors, began carrying paying
passengers in Austin, Texas, this month. According to Tesla, the two-seat
vehicle relies on a camera-based vision system to navigate streets, highways,
and intersections, without the lidar or radar sensors some competing robotaxis
use. The golden, butterfly-doored cabin includes a large touchscreen for
entertainment and climate control, with trunk space for two check-in bags and
two carry-ons.
How a Ride Actually Works
Riders confirm the vehicle's license plate
against the Robotaxi app, board once the door opens, fasten their seatbelt, and
tap "Start Ride." Tesla states that a vehicle waits seven minutes at
pickup before fees apply, and riders can change their destination mid-trip
directly through the app rather than ending the ride.
Accessibility and Basic Specs
Accessibility is built in rather than added
later: bench-style seating sits at wheelchair height, the trunk fits
wheelchairs and other assistive devices; service animals are permitted in the
cabin, and door and button labeling includes Braille. Tesla also publishes
exact interior dimensions, including 43.4 inches of leg room and 20.2 cubic
feet of trunk space. Riders aged 13 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult, and
children under 13 aren't permitted. Individuals and fleet operators can submit
an interest form to inquire about purchasing Cybercab vehicles, though this is
an expression of interest rather than an active retail sale.
Where the Service Stands Today
Tesla's own site is direct about where things
stand: Cybercab service is currently limited to parts of Austin, while the
broader Model Y-based Robotaxi fleet already runs in five cities. Tesla has
stated the service will expand to additional cities and vehicles over time,
though it hasn't published a specific timeline for when Cybercab itself will
reach those markets.
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