Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is set to hold an event for its purpose-built Cybercab robotaxi in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, as the electric vehicle company continues developing its autonomous driving operations.
The event comes as Tesla tests Cybercab vehicles on public roads and develops its robotaxi service, while questions remain regarding regulatory approval and compliance with federal safety requirements.
Cybercab Designed Without Steering Wheel or Pedals
The Cybercab is a two-seat vehicle featuring butterfly doors and is Tesla’s first vehicle designed specifically for autonomous operation. The production design does not include a steering wheel or pedals, although some test vehicles spotted on U.S. roads have been equipped with steering wheels.
Tesla first unveiled the Cybercab approximately two years ago at Warner Bros. studio. The vehicle is expected to eventually join the company’s developing robotaxi fleet.
Chief Executive Elon Musk has said the Cybercab would ultimately be available for $30,000 and has identified autonomous driving technology as an important part of Tesla’s future business strategy.
Tesla Offers Robotaxi Riders Access to Cybercab Event
Tesla offered users of its existing Model Y-based robotaxi fleet an opportunity to attend a “Cybercab Launch Event.”
The company has not provided details about what the launch will involve. Tesla has promoted the event as “Exclusive Access: Cybercab” in posts on X and has sent invitations to selected guests, according to user posts cited in the supplied information.
Tesla has also not announced a start time for Thursday’s event. While the company has livestreamed major events in the past, it has not officially confirmed whether the Cybercab event will be livestreamed.
Cybercab Production and Public-Road Testing Underway
Tesla began producing some Cybercab vehicles in April and has been testing the model on public roads.
The Information reported last month that Tesla told employees it planned to begin the rollout by providing rides to staff on public roads before adding Cybercabs to its Austin robotaxi service several days later.
The reported timetable has not been publicly confirmed by Tesla.
Regulatory Status Remains Unconfirmed
Tesla has not said whether it has obtained the regulatory approvals required for commercial Cybercab operations or whether it has determined that the vehicle complies with applicable federal safety requirements.
The company’s Full Self-Driving technology currently available to customers requires continuous human supervision and has been the subject of multiple federal investigations and lawsuits following collisions and traffic violations.
According to the supplied information, Cybercab uses a version of FSD designed to operate without human supervision.
Tesla has said FSD is already up to 10 times safer than human drivers. This is a company claim and should not be interpreted as an independently established safety assessment.
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