The two-passenger Tesla Cybercab has no driver controls, rearview mirror, side mirrors or back window. [Photo: Tesla]
Tesla’s autonomous ride-hailing Cybercabs — which aren’t equipped with a steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake pedal or rearview mirrors — will soon hit the streets of Dallas.
In an Oct. 10 post on the X social media platform, Tesla’s vice president of AI software, Ashok Elluswamy, said Cybercabs are coming soon to Dallas. He didn’t provide a launch date.
The Cybercab, which bears a resemblance to the DeLorean time machine in the “Back to the Future” movies, differs greatly from Tesla’s traditional Model Y Robotaxi.
The Robotaxi hit Dallas streets in April, two months after Waymo launched driverless service here. Amazon’s Zoox also is testing its fleet of AI-powered robotaxis in the city.
Cybercab vs. Robotaxi
Tesla’s mammoth factory in Austin makes both autonomous vehicles. RobotaxiTracker.com indicates 319 Cybercabs and 420 Robotaxis are registered in Texas.
The similarities pretty much stop there, though.
One stark difference: The Cybercab lacks driver controls, while the Robotaxi has a standard steering wheel and pedals. Furthermore, unlike the Robotaxi, the Cybercab has no rearview mirror, side mirrors or back window.
The Cybercab — manufactured solely for autonomous ride-hailing passengers — relies on camera vision and sensors to wind through streets, highways, parking lots and other vehicular paths.
Another feature that separates the Cybercab and the Robotaxi: seating.
The Cybercab’s bench-style seating allows only two passengers. A Robotaxi can accommodate as many as five passengers in the front and rear rows.
As if that weren’t enough, the Cybercab and Robotaxi color schemes are wildly different. The Cybercab’s exterior shade, either a matte or glossy metallic gold, departs from the conventional buttoned-up black or red shade of the Robotaxi.
On top of that, two butterfly doors offer entry into a Cybercab. The Robotaxi essentially gives a nod to the past with its conventional four-door setup.
Inside the Cybercab, passengers can take advantage of a large interactive touchscreen and ample cargo room for large items such as luggage, golf clubs and scooters. The Robotaxi doesn’t offer those amenities.
“Falling in love” with the Cybercab
Elluswamy’s remark about the Cybercab’s pending arrival in Dallas followed a Tesla post on X saying Austin had more than 300 Cybercabs in service. The service started last month in Austin, and Cybercabs were plentiful during the city’s recent Austin City Limits Music Festival.
In Tesla’s July earnings call with Wall Street analysts, Elluswamy praised the Cybercab as “a phenomenal product.”
“Anyone who rides in it instantly falls in love with the experience,” he said.
R E A D N E X T
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