Tesla invites select customers to order their own driverless Cybercab

Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer led by Elon Musk, has extended an invitation to a select number of US customers to pre-order the company's new driverless Cybercab, also referred to as the Robotaxi. Priced at $29,990 before taxes, this makes Cybercab the most affordable vehicle Tesla has ever offered, $7,000 less than the starting price of the Model 3. Tesla is currently extending the offer to customers in Texas, one of two states authorized for the service, with Arizona and Nevada set to follow soon.

A key feature of the Cybercab is its annual $3,600 autonomy subscription, which is mandatory as the vehicle lacks manual controls like a steering wheel or pedals. However, maintenance and insurance costs are not included in the initial price. The company has described this launch as an "early access" and "limited release". The exact number of invited customers and the duration of the offer remains undisclosed.

The Cybercab's introduction follows a series of delays and unmet expectations since Musk first announced in 2016 that Tesla's vehicles would achieve full autonomy within three years. Despite these setbacks, Tesla has remained committed to the rollout of the Cybercab, following its pledge in 2024. This new focus comes after Tesla announced its decision to cease production of the controversial Cybertruck earlier this month.