Tesla Cybercab Robotaxis Deployed in Austin Without Steering Wheels or Pedals (Watch Videos)
Tesla has deployed its Cybercab robotaxis on public roads in Austin, Texas, with the two-seat autonomous vehicle featuring no steering wheel, pedals or rearview mirrors. The rollout faces regulatory scrutiny from NHTSA over federal safety compliance, while Tesla plans to expand the service and target a price of around USD 30,000.
Elon Musk's Tesla has officially deployed its highly anticipated Cybercab robotaxis onto public streets in Austin, Texas. The launch follows a quiet corporate event in the city that lacked the scale of past company showcases and proceeded without the attendance of Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk. The two-seater autonomous vehicle features a minimalist cabin design built entirely without a steering wheel, pedals, or rearview mirrors.
As per a report by TechCrunch, the rollout immediately faced regulatory friction when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an inquiry into the vehicles. Because the Cybercabs lack standard manual driver controls, Tesla chose to self-certify the fleet under federal motor vehicle safety guidelines, prompting federal safety regulators to scrutinize the compliance approach. Tesla Cybercab Self-Driving: Elon Musk Shares Video of Robotaxi Autonomously Driving Out of Giga Texas Factory.
Tesla Cybercab Hits Streets in USA (Video)
Tesla Cybercab Launched in Austin Without Pedals and Driver
Tesla Cybercab Design and Autonomous Technology
The Cybercab relies exclusively on camera vision and proprietary self-driving software to navigate urban environments without lidar sensors. Built specifically for ride-hailing networks rather than private retail ownership, the vehicle boasts butterfly doors and a simplified internal layout designed to reduce manufacturing and maintenance complexity compared to traditional passenger cars.
Current deployment figures indicate that Tesla has registered 45 Cybercabs within its broader Texas robotaxi fleet, which also includes autonomous variants of the Model Y. Early riders have reported smooth transit experiences at significantly lower price points compared to traditional ridesharing alternatives. Tesla Model Y L 6-Seater Launch in India on April 22; Check Expected Price, Specifications and Features.
Market Strategy and Future Expansion Plans
Tesla aims to price the autonomous vehicle around 30,000 USD, pitching the model to fleet operators and independent micro-fleet managers as an economical transportation solution. While the company pushes forward with commercial deployment in Texas and plans for future expansion into additional markets like Las Vegas, industry analysts note that scaling the service safely while navigating ongoing federal investigations remains a critical test for the automaker's autonomous strategy.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2026 11:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).