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| Old vs new Cybercab. |
Tesla is taking its vision for a driverless future to the next level. Freshly spotted navigating the streets of downtown Austin, the production-ready version of Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybercab is turning heads and signaling that the company's Robotaxi platform is accelerating from concept to reality.
Announced in October 2024, the pedal-less, steering-wheel-free vehicle has been undergoing rigorous testing on Tesla’s private factory grounds. Now, its appearance on public roads marks a significant milestone as Tesla gears up for a broader launch next year, integrating the Cybercab into its planned Robotaxi ride-share fleet.
A Passenger-First Redesign
While the angular, avant-garde exterior remains iconic, Tesla has implemented a host of design changes focused squarely on passenger comfort and durability for a ride-sharing environment. The interior has been thoroughly rethought based on real-world testing feedback.
Key interior and exterior updates include:
- New Ergonomic Seats: Softer, more contoured cushions for improved comfort on shorter urban trips.
- Streamlined Dashboard: Features a recessed 21-inch display for passenger use and a sleek air vent running across the width of the dash.
- Enhanced Convenience: USB-C ports in the central console and new ambient lighting.
- Robust Utility: A redesigned trunk with rugged lining, new front carpet, and stronger, powered struts.
- Exterior Refinements: Two windshield wipers, frameless windows, powered doors with B-pillar buttons, and new wheel covers and tires. Subtle changes to bumpers, the hatch, and roof humps are also evident.
As with any Tesla prototype, the community is always watching. Eagle-eyed enthusiasts like @Cory__17 and @SawyerMerritt have been instrumental in tracking the Cybercab's public appearances, sharing crucial photos and details that highlight its evolution.
The Road to a Paid Service
Tesla first piloted its Robotaxi platform in Austin, making the city the logical proving ground for the Cybercab. The company plans to open a paid ride-hailing service in 2026. This launch is expected to coincide with a major software milestone: the merger of the advanced "FSD 14 (Unsupervised)" branch with the retail Full Self-Driving version available to consumers, potentially in the second quarter of the year.
The service will reportedly allow both owner-submitted Tesla vehicles and the dedicated Cybercab fleet to accept rides, creating a hybrid network.
The Billion-Dollar Question: Pricing
The potential game-changer is cost. Currently, early Robotaxi rides in other platforms can range from $1.25 to $2.00 per mile. Tesla, however, is aiming dramatically lower. Elon Musk has suggested that at scale, a ride in a purpose-built Cybercab could cost as little as $0.30 per mile.
Achieving that ultra-low price hinges on mass production of the Cybercab and the deployment of supporting infrastructure, such as wireless charging pads and self-cleaning bays, to minimize operational costs. While the final pricing is still speculative, the introduction of a dedicated vehicle like the Cybercab is poised to disrupt the economics of ride-hailing.
For Tesla owners looking to be part of the future network, ensuring your vehicle is always charged and ready is key. A reliable home charger is essential, like the Tesla Universal Wall Connector with Dual Plug, which offers versatile charging for any EV.
As Tesla continues to test and refine, the sight of a driverless Cybercab gliding through Austin is no longer just a prototype showcase—it’s a tangible preview of the autonomous transport revolution slated to begin in earnest next year.
Here’s a new video showing what looks to be @Tesla’s production-ready version of the Cybercab.
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) December 21, 2025
What's different/new compared to what we saw previously:
• Redesigned trunk with slightly less wide opening. Side humps are gone. More rugged lining material (no longer fabric).… pic.twitter.com/VoJSVodeL1