Tesla opens Cybercab pre-orders to select US buyers at about $29,990

Pre-orders and price

Tesla is letting some selected customers in the United States pre-order the Cybercab, a robotaxi designed without a steering wheel or pedals, for private ownership. The price is estimated at 29,990 dollars, roughly 27,000 euros at current rates, and autonomous operation carries a monthly subscription fee of 299 dollars. Delivery is listed for December. The reports do not say how many vehicles will go to private owners. The move fulfils an earlier promise, although Musk said a few weeks ago that most Cybercabs would operate in Tesla's own robotaxi fleet.

Limits on private owners

Buyers face restrictions. Ashok Elluswamy, the Tesla manager responsible for the vehicle, wrote on X that autonomous driving will only be available in areas where Tesla's robotaxi service operates. So far that means the city of Austin in Texas, parts of other cities in the state and parts of Florida. The company also stresses that only private use is permitted.

Camera-only technology and criticism

Musk intends for the autonomous operation of these vehicles to rely exclusively on cameras. Rivals such as Waymo, a sister company of Google, also use laser radar, which can sense the surroundings in poor visibility. Some experts and rivals argue that a camera-only system is not reliable enough. Waymo has said it wants to bring its own self-driving technology into private cars over time.

Dispute with the US regulator

US rules generally require some physical controls, such as a brake pedal. Manufacturers can obtain an exemption from the NHTSA to put up to 2,500 vehicles without a steering wheel and pedals on the road. Tesla did not apply for such an exemption, but it said the Cybercabs meet the safety requirements. The agency has asked Tesla to explain its position on how the vehicles comply, and the report was cut off before giving further detail.