Tesla launched its Cybercab self-driving robotaxi at a private event in Austin, Texas on September 3, where attendees got to experience Cybercab ridesharing on public roads.
There are only around 45 Cybercabs in the Austin, Texas fleet so far, but several videos of the futuristic new vehicles have gone viral. Tesla also posted official promotional videos showcasing some of the electric vehicle's capabilities and how it could be practical for riders.
Here's a breakdown of Tesla's new Cybercab promotional video along with some of the self-driving vehicle's coolest tech features.
Tesla releases new Cybercab promotional videos upon launch
Tesla displays some of the coolest available Cybercab features in a recent video posted to X. The two-door liftback coupe has no steering wheels or pedals.
The focal point
of the EV's cabin is a massive 22.0-inch touchscreen display, like most modern vehicles. The infotainment system hosts several apps for both productivity and entertainment. It will soon be equipped with V5 Starlink hardware, according to the company.
Tesla's autonomous electric vehicle has around 418 miles of driving range and regenerative braking will help conserve battery capacity while driving.
Things passengers can do in a Tesla Cybercab
- Attend video calls and meetings
- Play video games via the Tesla Arcade
- Stream videos and movies
- Stream music
The promotional video shows riders napping, watching sports games, doing homework, hanging out with pets and more. The Cybercab's interior is intended to be a lounge-like space that's passenger-centric.
Tesla Cybercab expectations vs. reality
The Tesla Cybercab was originally unveiled in the fall of 2024 with promises of an impactful production output from CEO Elon Musk by 2027. The year 2026 is coming to a close and competitors Waymo and Zoox both operate larger fleets and are active in more markets than Tesla's robotaxi service.
TechCrunch reported that Waymo was "providing 500,000 paid robotaxi rides every week across 10 U.S. cities" back in the first quarter of 2026. I tested the Zoox autonomous vehicle ridesharing service for USA TODAY Cars in July and found the testing experience to be both safe and enjoyable.
The robotaxi wars are underway and Tesla may be the top dog when it comes to electric vehicle sales in America, but other companies are ahead in the autonomous rideshare space.
Why the Tesla Cybercab has massive potential
The American robotaxi market is projected to reach approximately $48 billion, says Goldman Sachs. Tesla's service may be lagging behind Zoox and Waymo, but the American clean energy and electric vehicle company remains a major player in the space.
Tesla was once a huge underdog in the auto industry and has become dominant in the electric vehicle arena, beating out Ford, Hyundai, Volkswagen and other major automakers for the top sales position consecutively for years with the Model 3 sedan and Model Y small electric SUV.
Furthermore, many major automakers have collaborated with Tesla to provide charging to customers for their EVs because of the popularity and utility of Tesla Superchargers. The American automaker has also been developing, improving and providing supervised self-driving software to Tesla drivers for years with ambitions to make driving completely autonomous.
Is the Tesla Cybercab facing regulatory hurdles?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation on the Cybercab to ensure that the vehicle is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards on September 3. Tesla says the Cybercab is compliant, but its unique design and lack of conventional controls warrants an investigation for passenger safety purposes.
Tesla Robotaxi LLC is currently fully cleared to operate in Texas. The rideshare service may not be as ubiquitous as Elon Musk promised yet, but Tesla's growth in the last decade proves the company can't be counted out.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tesla previews coolest Cybercab features in new promo video
