Elon Musk and Marquees Brownlee feud over Cybercab bet

Tesla recently launched preorders for its Cybercab, a self-driving two-seater, and the announcement has sparked online controversy. The electric vehicle, with under 20 cubic-feet of storage, is touted to cost a mere $29,990, fulfilling a pledge Elon Musk made in 2024 at Tesla's 'We, Robot' event. However, not everyone believes Musk has kept his promise.

Tech and car reviewer Marquees Brownlee, who attended the original event, expressed significant doubt about the timeline and even wagered to shave his head if Musk met the delivery and cost requirements. Now, Musk and Brownlee are publicly arguing over whether Musk's bet was won. In response to Musk labeling Brownlee a 'chicken' for not shaving, Brownlee himself pre-ordered the Cybercab, turning the debate into a wager.

The core of the dispute revolves around whether limited early sales count as public availability and whether Tesla can meet the projected December delivery date for first customers or if delays will push deliveries into 2027, nullifying Musk's promise. Another aspect of the public reaction to consider is the Cybercab's high cost and restrictive features.

The terms of Tesla's purchase agreement restrict the Cybercab's use to personal purposes only, prohibiting it from being used as a robotaxi for generating income when not in use. Additionally, the monthly operating fee of $299, essentially a second car payment, adds to the financial burden.

The geofencing limitations further complicate matters, as the Cybercab is currently only operable within Tesla-enabled Robotaxi geofences, confined to select cities in Texas and Florida. Despite these challenges, Musk has promised nationwide availability once regulatory approval is obtained. Ultimately, the outcome of this bet is inconsequential; the future of the car lies in autonomous driving, which is arriving sooner than anticipated.