Tesla has launched the Cybercab, a two-passenger, two-door autonomous vehicle without steering wheels or pedals, in Austin, Texas. The vehicles are available for public rides via the Robotaxi app, with Texas DMV records showing 45 registered units. Designed as a low-cost option under $30,000, the vehicle utilizes a brake-by-wire system, features windows that cannot be fully opened, and includes an emergency Stop button and a mechanical door release that may shatter windows if used without power.
Passenger restrictions include a ban on children under 13 and a lack of LATCH child-seat anchors. Tesla reported manufacturing improvements, including a 50% reduction in production line size and the elimination of rare-earth minerals. The launch event was described as a no-frills affair, and CEO Elon Musk was absent.
The NHTSA has opened an Audit Query to investigate how Tesla certified the vehicle's compliance with federal safety standards. Separately, some financial analysis maintains a 'Sell' rating for Tesla, citing negative free cash flow, capital expenditures exceeding $25 billion, and a valuation model estimating an intrinsic value of $78.34 per share, while noting that regulatory audits are delaying robotaxi expansion. Further analysis indicates Tesla's growth expectations are heavily tied to the robotaxi project as its core EV business plateaus and humanoid robots remain distant revenue sources.
