Tesla tests driverless Cybercab in Austin

Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla has commenced testing of a production version of its Cybercab in Austin, Texas. The vehicle reportedly operates without a traditional steering wheel and pedals, relying entirely on Tesla's Autopilot system for autonomous driving. A short video posted by Tesla on the X platform shows the two-seater vehicle in traffic, with a driver still present in the front passenger seat as a safety measure.

These tests come nearly two years after the design for the Cybercab was first unveiled. Last year, Tesla initiated limited robotaxi services in Austin and San Francisco. Those Model Y vehicles required a safety driver on board to intervene if necessary. In recent weeks, Tesla has been testing Cybercab prototypes equipped with steering wheels and pedals in various U.S. cities, according to the U.S. tech portal TechCrunch.

The launch of a large-scale robotaxi network may soon be decided, as the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently proposed removing the requirement for a brake pedal in fully autonomous vehicles. This proposal is expected to be adopted later this year, clearing a significant regulatory hurdle for Tesla's plans.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk promised in January that the company will offer an extensive network of driverless robotaxis in the United States by the end of this year. Although Tesla has already launched fully autonomous taxi services in Austin, these are currently limited. Doubts have also been raised about the reliability of Tesla's robotaxis, as they rely solely on cameras for navigation, unlike market leader Waymo, which also uses more expensive lidar sensors.

If Tesla's plans succeed, the company would have a significant cost advantage over Waymo and other providers. Tesla develops its own vehicles and driving software, unlike Waymo, which partners with other car manufacturers. Competitor Waymo is also expanding and has announced plans to operate in 20 cities in the U.S. and abroad this year.