Tesla has finally begun putting its Cybercab on the streets of Austin, Texas, roughly two years after first unveiling the vehicle. The electric model was developed specifically to function as a robotaxi and features something that sets it apart from the conventional cars the company has used until now: it has neither a steering wheel nor pedals.

The Cybercab has two doors, seats only two passengers, and was designed from the ground up to operate without a human driver. The first units are now being added to the robotaxi service Tesla already operates in Austin; previously, the company had primarily used standard vehicle models. Those vehicles began operating in the city in June 2025, and—having originally been developed as conventional cars—they remain equipped with steering wheels and pedals.

The Cybercab represents a different approach, as Tesla aims to build a vehicle dedicated exclusively to autonomous passenger transport, eliminating components required only for a human driver. Its arrival on the streets was relatively low-key; according to New Atlas, Tesla held a private event for a small group of guests, without inviting the broader press or issuing the kind of announcement typically associated with a launch of this magnitude.

This approach contrasts with the original 2024 unveiling of the Cybercab, when the company heavily promoted its vision for the future of robotaxis. Production has also moved forward; the first unit rolled off the assembly line at Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory in August 2026, and the Cybercab is now beginning to appear alongside the Model Y on the company's own ride-hailing platform.

Tesla intends to pursue its own strategy for expanding its network; in addition to operating the Cybercab directly, the company plans to sell the vehicles to consumers in the future. The concept is for an individual to purchase a Cybercab for around $30,000 and put it to work on the Tesla network, transporting passengers and generating income for the owner. The company has already made a form available for those interested in purchasing the vehicle.