After years of wild speculation, Twitter teasers, and a few timeline “adjustments” from Elon, the company has officially pulled the covers off its long-rumored robotaxi. The vehicle, officially named the Cybercab, draws design inspiration from the Cybertruck, and unlike many other robotaxi prototypes unveiled over the past few years, this Tesla will actually be available for private consumers to buy. The Cybercab is packed with Tesla’s latest autonomous driving tech, and about 20 units were on display at the event, giving attendees a chance to experience test rides. Tesla’s eccentric billionaire boss, Elon Musk, claimed production will kick off in 2026, though during the live unveiling, he was quick to admit he tends to be “optimistic” with timelines. To cover his bases, Musk clarified that production will begin before 2027, and it should be available to purchase for less than US$ 30,000.
Since the Cybercab has been conceived
without a steering wheel or pedals, Tesla won’t be able to start manufacturing
or selling it to customers without securing regulatory approval first. As
expected of any new Tesla model, the interior is extremely minimalist, offering
seating for two and featuring a large central infotainment screen, seemingly
lifted straight out of a Model 3 or Model Y.
Like the electric Cybertruck, the
Cybercab’s exterior is dominated by a single full-width LED light bar across
the front end that gives it a futuristic look. You’ll also spot some familiar
Tesla shapes and lines on the outside, including sharp creases running over the
hood and the pronounced rear shoulders that echo the Model Y. However, there’s
one standout feature not seen in any other Tesla model: the supercar-inspired
butterfly doors. In theory, they should help with ingress and egress, but we’ll
see how practical that turns out in a Whole Foods parking lot.
Tesla’s obsession with aerodynamics is
alive and well, with solid aero covers on the wheels to help squeeze out a few
more miles of range. At the rear, you’ll find a super-thin light bar that,
unsurprisingly, takes design cues straight from the Cybertruck playbook. And
since this car is built for full autonomy, there’s no need for outdated relics
like wing mirrors or even a rear window—who needs to look back when your car
drives itself?
The company is still playing coy when it
comes to the Cybercab’s powertrain. No specific details have been revealed
about how far it can go on a single charge, which seems like a pretty critical
piece of info for a robotaxi designed to be in constant, all-day use.