Tesla is moving ahead with its ambition to deploy autonomous vehicles by increasing the number of Cybercab prototypes under active testing in Austin and California’s Bay Area. Over recent weeks, local residents have reported multiple sightings of these uniquely designed vehicles, a clear sign that the company seeks to reach its first production milestone sooner rather than later. Speculation is mounting among industry watchers about how these vehicles might reshape urban mobility, though the immediate impact remains limited as they are not yet open to public use.
Recent reports indicate that earlier testing primarily relied on retrofitted Model Y vehicles for Tesla’s robotaxi aspirations. At that time, only occasional prototype Cybercab sightings punctuated a landscape otherwise dominated by more conventional models. The growing presence of Cybercabs now signals Tesla’s commitment to a distinctive, purpose-built design rather than adapting existing vehicles. Unlike earlier stages where plans seemed fluid, the brand’s latest moves show an advancing and more structured development effort.
How Is Tesla Expanding Its Cybercab Fleet?
Seven Cybercab units are now operating between Austin and the Bay Area, with three vehicles observed in Texas and two in California joining the fleet over a single weekend. The first Cybercab surfaced last December in Austin, and in less than a month, the numbers have grown as per data from Robotaxi Tracker. This expansion illustrates Tesla’s effort to distribute testing and adjustments across different environments and driver patterns.
What Makes the Cybercab Stand Out from Tesla’s Previous Test Vehicles?
Differentiating itself from the more familiar Model Y robotaxis, the Cybercab introduces a new visual element to city streets with its angular lines—reminiscent of the Cybertruck but with a subtler approach. Public reactions suggest that while the Cybercab distinctly marks a shift in vehicle aesthetics, it avoids the divisive reception that greeted the Cybertruck’s bold debut. As a spokesperson remarked,
“The Cybercab really changes the look of the roads, but without the shock factor of the Cybertruck. It’s a pretty good balance, imo.”
When Could the Cybercab Be Available for Public Use?
Although test production has begun at Gigafactory Texas, wider deployment will require overcoming regulatory and technical hurdles, particularly regarding Tesla’s ambitious plan for a steering wheel- and pedal-free design targeting Level 5 vehicle autonomy. CEO Elon Musk commented,
“Tesla has already started some test production phases of the vehicle at Gigafactory Texas.”
The timeline for customer use thus remains uncertain as full autonomous certification is a prerequisite before any public rollout.
Tesla’s approach—opting for a gradual rollout and highly visible testing—signals a distinctive strategy compared to competitors, who have sometimes launched limited public trials before achieving full technical readiness. For consumers and city planners, the critical questions center on safety validation, autonomous capability, and future regulation. The Cybercab may eventually offer new ride-hailing options without human drivers, but the technology’s real-world performance and regulatory acceptance will determine its rollout speed. Prospective riders can follow the ongoing developments closely, with the expanding test fleet offering real data for those monitoring the path towards fully autonomous urban mobility.
