Tesla unveils First Cybercab built in Texas
Tesla has shared a photo of the first Cybercab produced at Giga Texas on social media platform X. According to the single-sentence message accompanying the image, it is the first unit to roll off the production line at the facility. Much like a similar moment during the Cybertruck pre-production phase, Tesla is marking this milestone with a carefully staged press photo: the vehicle is almost entirely hidden behind the workforce. In this case, two-thirds of the Cybercab remain hidden, with only the windscreen and a small section of the bodywork visible.That this unit is still a pre-production vehicle is clear from another post by CEO Elon Musk, in which he states that the “Cybercab, which has no pedals or steering wheel, starts production in April.” Tesla unveiled its robotaxi in 2024 in the form of a two-seater coupé with gullwing doors. It is designed to compete with Waymo’s robotaxis and, as frequently mentioned, operates without lidar. Instead, Tesla relies on its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, a camera-based visual system. This system is also available in private vehicles, though the driver remains responsible for its operation.However, if the Cybercab truly has no pedals or steering wheel, it must operate as a fully autonomous vehicle, capable of functioning without driver intervention. At least in theory, as Tesla temporarily removed safety drivers from one of its two current robotaxi services using modified Model Y vehicles in the US. Nevertheless, these robotaxis are currently followed by manned vehicles with intervention capabilities. A form of individual remote control could therefore also be conceivable for the Cybercab.For Tesla, the model represents another step towards robotics and autonomous driving. Musk has been transparent about his intention to transform the company, focusing on robotaxis and humanoid robots, which he describes as central to Tesla’s future. Additionally, the Tesla CEO has consistently linked the Cybercab with the introduction of a new production process called ‘Unboxed,’ which aims to simplify manufacturing significantly.Specifically, Tesla plans to assemble various modules of the Cybercab in separate areas of the factory before bringing them together—a departure from the current linear production approach. This method is expected to reduce costs, require less production space, and accelerate manufacturing. However, it remains unconfirmed whether this system will actually be implemented. Earlier this year, Musk warned via the portal InsideEVs that Cybercab production under the new system would likely proceed ‘agonisingly slowly,’ as Tesla must still adapt to the novel production technology.Another widely discussed topic in the industry is Tesla’s FSD software, which still needs to prove its reliability. In Austin, Model Y robotaxis equipped with the software have reportedly been involved in 14 accidents since the service launched last summer, according to CBS News. Additionally, the system’s role in several fatal accidents involving private vehicles is currently under investigation by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).x.com via insideevs.com, electrek.co, cbsnews.com
