🚗Tesla Tests Two-Seater Cybercab in Austin
Tesla's robotaxi dream inches closer to reality
TL;DR
Tesla is testing a two-seater, fully autonomous Cybercab in Austin. This marks significant progress towards Tesla’s vision of a nationwide robotaxi network, using only cameras for autonomy.
Tesla has begun testing its production version of the Cybercab with two seats and no steering wheel or pedals in Austin, Texas. The test is happening nearly two years after the design was revealed, featuring a safety monitor in the passenger seat. This marks Tesla's push towards a fully autonomous robotaxi service that can be hailed through their app. With this move, Tesla aims to differentiate itself from competitors like Waymo by relying solely on cameras for autonomy rather than using lidar and radar. The Cybercab is expected to leverage Tesla’s proprietary driving software and car manufacturing capabilities to reduce costs.
Key Points
Tesla began testing the production version of its two-seat Cybercab in Austin, Texas, featuring no steering wheel or pedals (May 2023).
The company has been parking hundreds of prototype Cybercabs in various cities to gauge public reaction and test logistics (various dates).
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposes not mandating brake pedals for vehicles designed exclusively for autonomous driving (public comment period ongoing, expected later this year).
Tesla's robotaxi service in Austin has seen fluctuating numbers of Model Y SUVs used for testing over the past year.
Waymo’s I-Pace SUVs have been easier to spot when encountering issues compared to Tesla’s more discreet prototypes.
Why It Matters
If you're following Tesla's robotaxi ambitions, this test in Austin signals a major step forward. The Cybercab's design without traditional controls and reliance on camera-only autonomy sets it apart from competitors like Waymo, which uses lidar and radar. This approach could significantly reduce costs for Tesla but also raises questions about reliability and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter?
If you're following Tesla's robotaxi ambitions, this test in Austin signals a major step forward. The Cybercab's design without traditional controls and reliance on camera-only autonomy sets it apart from competitors like Waymo, which uses lidar and radar. This approach could significantly reduce costs for Tesla but also raises questions about reliability and safety.
What happened?
Tesla is testing a two-seater, fully autonomous Cybercab in Austin. This marks significant progress towards Tesla’s vision of a nationwide robotaxi network, using only cameras for autonomy.
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