Tesla has officially rolled out its mass-produced, two-seater Cybercab self-driving taxi in Austin, Texas. This innovative vehicle, which lacks a steering wheel and pedals, has commenced operations in a specific local area. Passengers can easily summon the Cybercab via the Robotaxi app, customize in-car settings, and utilize a stop button to reach out to the backend team during emergencies. Initially slated for mass production in the second quarter of 2026 and priced under $30,000, the official price and delivery schedule for commercial clients were not disclosed at the launch event. Instead, Tesla opened up pre-order registrations. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently assessing its deployment, given that models without driving controls are subject to regulatory constraints.

On its first day of service, the Cybercab showcased impressive capabilities, including proactive pedestrian avoidance and seamless navigation through traffic lights. However, it also contributed to traffic congestion due to instances of illegal parking. Previously, a Tesla Model Y operating without a safety driver was involved in a collision. Despite Tesla's assertions of a robust safety record for its Robotaxi service, the company continues to be under scrutiny. At present, the self-driving taxi market is highly competitive, with firms like Waymo, China's Luobo Kuaipao, Pony.ai, and WeRide having amassed substantial operational mileage and orders. Some domestic models are already capable of fully autonomous operations.

The Cybercab will be on public display in mid-September in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. However, these showcases will focus solely on product design and technology, with no sales or commercial operations planned in China.