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Tesla Cybercab Is A $30,000 Robotaxi Without A Steering Wheel Or Pedals

  • The Tesla Cybercab is designed without a steering wheel or pedals and is set for production in 2026.
  • Tesla expects to begin rolling out unsupervised versions of its Full-Self Driving system next year.
  • Details about the EV’s range and powertrain are undisclosed, leaving key questions unanswered.

So, Tesla finally did it. After years of wild speculation, Twitter teasers, and a few timeline “adjustments” from Elon, the company has officially pulled the covers off its long-rumored robotaxi. The vehicle, officially named the Cybercab, draws design inspiration from the Cybertruck, and unlike many other robotaxi prototypes unveiled over the past few years, this Tesla will actually be available for private consumers to buy.

Read: Rimac’s Verne Robotaxi Is A Sporty 2-Seat Coupe With Sliding Doors And No Steering Wheel Or Wipers

The Cybercab is packed with Tesla’s latest autonomous driving tech, and about 20 units were on display at the event, giving attendees a chance to experience test rides. Tesla’s eccentric billionaire boss, Elon Musk, claimed production will kick off in 2026, though during the live unveiling, he was quick to admit he tends to be “optimistic” with timelines. To cover his bases, Musk clarified that production will begin before 2027, and it should be available to purchase for less than $30,000.

Steering-Wheel-Free Future?

Since the Cybercab has been conceived without a steering wheel or pedals, Tesla won’t be able to start manufacturing or selling it to customers without securing regulatory approval first. As expected of any new Tesla model, the interior is extremely minimalist, offering seating for two and featuring a large central infotainment screen, seemingly lifted straight out of a Model 3 or Model Y.

Butterfly Doors

Like the electric Cybertruck, the Cybercab’s exterior is dominated by a single full-width LED light bar across the front end that gives it a futuristic look. You’ll also spot some familiar Tesla shapes and lines on the outside, including sharp creases running over the hood and the pronounced rear shoulders that echo the Model Y. However, there’s one standout feature not seen in any other Tesla model: the supercar-inspired butterfly doors. In theory, they should help with ingress and egress, but we’ll see how practical that turns out in a Whole Foods parking lot.

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Tesla’s obsession with aerodynamics is alive and well, with solid aero covers on the wheels to help squeeze out a few more miles of range. At the rear, you’ll find a super-thin light bar that, unsurprisingly, takes design cues straight from the Cybertruck playbook. And since this car is built for full autonomy, there’s no need for outdated relics like wing mirrors or even a rear window—who needs to look back when your car drives itself?

The company is still playing coy when it comes to the Cybercab’s powertrain. No specific details have been revealed about how far it can go on a single charge, which seems like a pretty critical piece of info for a robotaxi designed to be in constant, all-day use.

Bonus Round: Tesla Robovan

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Just when everyone thought it was over, Musk hit us with a curveball—a surprise second reveal called the Robovan. It’s Tesla’s vision of an all-electric, fully autonomous bus that can hold up to 20 passengers in comfort or serve as a van to transport goods. Like the Cybercab, few technical details were provided about the vehicle, but Musk did confirm that it would use the firm’s most advanced self-driving tech, relying on a vision-only system. There’s no steering wheel or pedals here either, just a wide-open, spacious cabin with plenty of seating.

Clearly, the most radical aspect of the Robovan is the exterior design. Looking like a futuristic pod out of a science fiction film, it has large glass side panels and LED lighting both front and rear. Musk said it’ll be part of the upcoming ‘Tesla Network,’ an autonomous ride-hailing service, but as with all things Tesla, production timelines and pricing remain mysterious.

And there you have it: Tesla’s latest attempt to take over your driveway—and the future—one autonomous pod at a time. Now it’s your turn—drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you stand on this fleet.

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