Tesla Starts Paid Cybercab Rides in Austin as Regulators Probe Its Wheel-and-Pedal-Free Design
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Tesla began charging passengers for rides in its Cybercab robotaxi in Austin on Sept. 4, a day after an invitation‑only launch at ACL Live. The two‑seat electric vehicle, built without a steering wheel, pedals or side mirrors, is accessed through Tesla’s Robotaxi app within the same geofenced zone that has hosted driverless Model Y rides since June 2025. Riders reported lower fares than the Model Y option, and Tesla executives highlighted dynamic pricing and a “first‑class experience at coach price.” About 45 Cybercabs are registered to the company’s Texas fleet, bringing the total robotaxi count to roughly 420 vehicles, still well below Waymo’s near‑1,000 registrations in the state. The vehicle features a single 163‑kW motor, a 48 kWh battery, a 293‑mile EPA‑adjusted range, and a payload capacity of 617 lb, with plans to eventually eliminate the front‑seat safety monitor.
💡 Why It Matters
- · Tesla is moving the Cybercab from prototype to paid service, testing a wheel‑less design in real‑world conditions while regulators scrutinize its safety certification.
