Tesla’s long-promised Cybercab robotaxi has officially started offering paid rides to the public in Austin, Texas. The two-seat, steering wheel-free EV marks a significant step for Tesla’s autonomous ambitions, but comes with notable limitations and restrictions. Here’s a closer look at what the Cybercab can and can’t do, and how it stacks up against established robotaxi competitors.
Tesla Cybercab Begins Paid Robotaxi Service in Austin
The Tesla Cybercab, a gold-colored two-seat electric vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals, is now available for paid robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas. The launch followed a closed-door event that notably did not include CEO Elon Musk or traditional media. While the Cybercab is real and operational, it is not yet available for sale to the public.
Tesla has not disclosed the exact number of Cybercabs in service, but Texas Department of Motor Vehicles records show 45 units registered in the state. The service is currently limited to Austin, with Tesla operating about 250 driverless taxis across six cities in total.
Features and Limitations of the Cybercab
The Cybercab is strictly a two-seater, with a rear trunk offering 20.2 cubic feet (~572 liters) of cargo space and a weight limit of 220 pounds (~100 kg). Tesla states this is enough for two checked bags and two carry-ons, or for a folded stroller and wheelchair. The trunk and doors can be operated via the Tesla app, and doors also open automatically when a rider approaches.
Riders must be at least 13 years old, and those aged 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 13 are not permitted, and only one rider can request a Cybercab at a time. While the vehicle lacks ISOFIX or LATCH anchors, a child seat can be installed using the seat belt, though this is not relevant for current robotaxi operations.
Inside, the Cybercab features independently adjustable backrests, a shared seat base, USB-C charging ports, and a central touchscreen for controls. Rider preferences, such as climate settings and streaming accounts, are automatically loaded for each trip and wiped after use. The vehicle also integrates Grok, Tesla’s AI assistant, for natural language queries.
Safety and Technology
The Cybercab is equipped with a cabin-facing camera to check for cleanliness and lost items, as well as a cabin radar to detect occupants for airbag deployment. Safety features include front, knee, seat-mounted, inner seat-mounted, and curtain airbags.
For navigation, the Cybercab relies solely on eight exterior cameras—one at the front, one at the rear, one in each door pillar, two atop the windshield, and one in each front fender. There are no conventional hydraulic brakes; instead, the car uses electric actuators for the calipers.
Performance and Efficiency
According to lead engineer Eric Earley, the Cybercab is Tesla’s lightest and most efficient vehicle to date, with a drag coefficient under 0.2. EPA filings show the entry-level model uses a front-mounted electric motor producing 219 horsepower (~163 kW) and a 48-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The curb weight is 3,113 pounds (~1,413 kg), making it about 700 pounds (~318 kg) lighter than the lightest Model 3 currently available.
The exterior is unpainted, with color embedded during the molding process to reduce manufacturing complexity and cost.
Competitor Comparison
Tesla’s Cybercab enters a market already served by established robotaxi operators. Waymo One, for example, operates a fleet of around 4,000 fully autonomous vehicles across 14 cities, offering rides without human drivers. Cruise Origin, backed by GM, also runs a purpose-built autonomous EV fleet in select U.S. cities, featuring vehicles with no steering wheel or pedals.
In contrast, Tesla’s robotaxi fleet is smaller, with about 250 vehicles across six cities, and the Cybercab is currently limited to Austin. Unlike its competitors, Tesla’s approach is vision-only, relying exclusively on cameras for navigation.
Historical Context
Tesla’s launch of the Cybercab comes at a time when the company is experiencing a decline in global vehicle sales. In 2025, Tesla sold 1,654,667 vehicles worldwide, representing an 8% year-over-year decrease. This marks the second consecutive year of declining sales for the automaker.
Why this matters
The introduction of the Cybercab marks a significant milestone for Tesla’s autonomous driving ambitions, moving from promises to actual paid public service. However, the limited fleet size, geographic restriction to Austin, and strict rider eligibility rules highlight the early-stage nature of Tesla’s robotaxi rollout.
With established competitors like Waymo and Cruise already operating larger fleets in more cities, Tesla faces a challenging path to scaling its service and proving the viability of its vision-only approach.
What this means for buyers
For now, the Cybercab is not available for purchase and is limited to paid robotaxi rides in Austin. Prospective buyers or investors should monitor Tesla’s progress in expanding the service, as well as regulatory developments and user feedback. Those interested in autonomous ride-hailing may find more mature options with Waymo or Cruise in other cities.
Related coverage from The Electric Viking
For more on Tesla’s autonomous efforts and the evolving robotaxi market, see our previous coverage: Tesla Adds Cybercabs To Its Texas Robotaxi Fleet Ahead Of Launch Event and Tesla’s Cybercab Launch Is Next Week. Here’s What Tesla Still Needs To Prove.
Key Specs
- Seating Capacity: 2
- Trunk Volume: 20.2 cubic feet (~572 liters)
- Trunk Weight Limit: 220 pounds (~100 kg)
- Motor Output: 219 horsepower (~163 kW)
- Battery Capacity: 48 kWh
- Curb Weight: 3,113 pounds (~1,413 kg)
- Drag Coefficient: <0.2
- Robotaxi Availability: Austin, Texas (45 units registered in state)
Source
Images sourced from: reuters.com
