Tesla invites select customers to order their own driverless Cybercab

Tesla Motors, led by Elon Musk, has announced plans to invite select customers in the United States to order their own driverless Cybercab, also referred to as the Robotaxi. The vehicle will be priced at $29,990 before taxes, making it the company's most affordable model to date, a $7,000 reduction compared to the starting price of the Model 3.

The Cybercab's launch comes just months after the cancellation of the Cybertruck, which was unveiled earlier this month. Customers will be required to pay an additional $3,600 annual subscription for the vehicle's autonomous driving features, which are non-negotiable as the Cybercab lacks a steering wheel or pedals. Maintenance and insurance costs are not included in the initial price.

Currently, deliveries are limited to Texas, alongside Florida, the only two states where Tesla's Robotaxi services are authorized in a few cities. Tesla projects expansion to Arizona and Nevada in the near future. The company described these initial sales as "early access" and "limited release," though the specifics of how many customers have been invited, the potential extension of this period, or whether deliveries will extend to Florida remains unclear.

The Cybercab's introduction follows years of anticipation since Musk first announced Tesla's aim for full autonomy in 2016. Despite earlier lofty promises, such as deploying one million robotaxis within a year, the company has faced challenges in technology development and regulatory hurdles. However, Tesla has maintained its commitment to the Cybercab rollout, following through on its pledge made in 2024.

Following the Cybertruck's cancellation, Musk defended the Cybertruck's sales, stating that its demand far surpasses production capacity, and the company should prioritize Cybercab production over Cybertruck's complexity. Additionally, Tesla unveiled its next-generation Roadster, with the high-end Rocket variant featuring thrusters developed by SpaceX.