I spotted two different Tesla Cybercab robotaxi models while driving from New Jersey to The Bronx, New York City, just a few days after the Cybercab's Austin, Texas, launch.
The Cybercab has the potential to be one of the most disruptive products from the clean energy and electric vehicle company in the past decade. Seeing one up close near one of the largest cities in the world was shocking.
Transportation as we know it could evolve in the next few years due to autonomous vehicle technology from companies like Waymo, Zoox and Tesla.
Here's why seeing a Cybercab in the tri-state area was so surprising.
Tesla is testing the Cybercab near major cities
The American EV company is testing the Cybercab robotaxi in Austin, Texas, and offering early public service rides in the region as well. Surprisingly,
tests aren't limited to Texas, despite potential regulatory hurdles the self-driving vehicle could face across the country.
Check out the Cybercab below for yourself:
Aside from my Tesla Cybercab spotting near the George Washington Bridge just outside of New York City, Cybercab models have also been seen near Washington, D.C., and the greater Seattle area. Cybercab test models are being driven by human safety drivers for mapping purposes in and around several major American cities.
Public service models have no steering wheel or pedals.
How close is the Tesla Cybercab robotaxi to a national launch?
It may seem like the Tesla Cybercab is taking over American roads because of its testing near major metropolitan areas, but Tesla's robotaxi service is a long way from becoming nationally popular. In fact, Waymo and Zoox both operate larger autonomous vehicle fleets.
In the first quarter of 2026, Waymo provided more than 500,000 paid rides every week, according to TechCrunch. I tested Zoox's robotaxi service in Las Vegas and was astounded by how advanced the technology was.
Fully autonomous vehicles are quickly improving, and robotaxi services are gaining traction, but we are still years away from the vehicles becoming widely available for public use. If any robotaxi service is offered nationwide, Waymo is currently in the best position to lead the charge.
Are popular robotaxi services inevitable, or do you anticipate major obstacles that will prevent these vehicles from being used across the country?
Let me know your thoughts on autonomous vehicles and Tesla's Cybercab robotaxi service at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I spotted the new Tesla Cybercab robotaxi. Here's what surprised me
