Tesla Motors has officially launched its Cybercab autonomous taxi service to the public in Austin, Texas. Following a Thursday unveiling event, the company confirmed that the two-seat vehicle is now a permanent addition to its Robotaxi fleet.
The Cybercab marks a major departure for Tesla Motors, as it is the first model to completely eliminate all manual driving controls. With no steering wheel and no pedals, the vehicle relies entirely on the company's Full Self-Driving system to operate. Attendees at the launch event were able to experience the service firsthand, hailing a Cybercab to any destination within the designated geofenced area of Austin.
Deploying the Cybercab into a public Robotaxi fleet represents a significant milestone in Tesla Motors' push to bring full autonomy to market. For years, critics have pointed out that autonomous vehicles still require human intervention and supervision. The Cybercab's cabin, however, contains no driving mechanisms at all—only seats, a central touchscreen, and climate control functions. In the words of CEO Elon Musk, the car is essentially a "living room on wheels." It is equipped with Starlink V5 satellite communication, allowing passengers to stream 4K video, play games, and enjoy other entertainment during their rides.
Musk noted that the Cybercab was "designed and built from the ground up for maximum efficiency in autonomous operations." In the coming months, Tesla Motors may begin selling the Cybercab directly to consumers. The company's website has already posted a business inquiry form, and numerous enterprises have submitted requests to purchase Cybercabs in bulk, aiming to launch their own ride-hailing ventures.
The Cybercab's launch in Austin is a major achievement for Tesla Motors. At the same time, the company announced that its Robotaxi fleet has collectively completed over one million miles of fully driverless autonomous driving.
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