NEW YORK: Tesla has teased the imminent launch of its purpose-built Cybercab robotaxi, announcing a September 3 event in Austin, Texas, as the electric vehicle maker steps up its push into autonomous transportation.
The Elon Musk-led company shared a promotional image on social media offering “exclusive access” to Cybercabs at the event at its headquarters.
“We’re celebrating the launch of our Cybercab robotaxi with an exclusive event in Austin — and you could be there,” Tesla said while promoting a sweepstakes offering attendance at the launch.
First unveiled in October 2024, the gold-coloured Cybercab represents a significant departure from Tesla’s conventional vehicles. Designed for two passengers, it has neither a steering wheel nor pedals and is intended to operate autonomously.
Musk previously said Tesla planned to begin Cybercab production before 2027 and eventually offer the vehicle to private buyers for less than $30,000.
Cybercab Robotaxi rollout takes shape
The Information reported that Tesla employees have been told the initial rollout will involve staff taking Cybercab rides on public roads before the vehicles are added to Tesla’s Robotaxi service in Austin.
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Speculation about an approaching launch has intensified in recent weeks after Tesla enthusiasts reported seeing parking areas containing large numbers of Cybercabs.
Tesla’s Cybercab launch event is set for September 3 in Austin, Texas
The two-seat robotaxi has no steering wheel or pedals and is designed exclusively for autonomous ride-sharing in the Robotaxi network pic.twitter.com/8g2ITtyGdV
— Dima Zeniuk (@DimaZeniuk) August 22, 2026
Tesla launched its Robotaxi service in Austin last year using Model Y SUVs and has since gradually expanded autonomous ride services into other locations in Texas, Florida and California.
However, regulations in several states still require autonomous vehicles to have human safety supervisors or drivers capable of taking control when necessary.
Cybercab will enter an increasingly competitive US autonomous transport market. Waymo, the self-driving vehicle business owned by Google parent Alphabet, currently operates services across 11 US cities.
The September event could provide further details about Tesla’s Cybercab deployment strategy and how quickly the purpose-built vehicle will join its existing Robotaxi fleet.
