Elon Musk reveals Tesla Cybercab at We, Robot event, driverless and no steering wheel in the car

During the We, Robot event, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a prototype of a fully autonomous car, called the Cybercab.

In Short

• Cybercab aims for a completely hands-off experience
• The robotaxi will charge wirelessly using an inductive charger
• The production is scheduled to begin in 2026

Musk has once again captured global attention with the unveiling of the dreamy "Cybercab," a fully autonomous vehicle designed without traditional controls such as steering wheels or pedals. Revealing this bold innovation, at the We,Robot event, is part of Tesla's broader vision of a future dominated by driverless technology. The introduction of the Cybercab not only advances the conversation about the capabilities of autonomous vehicles but also signals a paradigm shift in the way people will move around in the coming years.

Musk’s vision for the Cybercab is clear: create a vehicle that is truly autonomous, requiring no human intervention for navigation or control. Unlike previous iterations of autonomous driving systems that require drivers to remain alert and ready to take control, the Cybercab aims to offer a completely hands-off experience. This could redefine the concept of personal transportation, where passengers are no longer drivers, but simply occupants who can relax, work, or even sleep during their journeys.

Musk at the event said, "It will be cheaper than mass transit. Unsupervised, full self-driving capable cars should be available in Texas and California by next year on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y for starters. Model S and Cybertruck too. Production of Cybercab optimised for fully autonomous self-driving will start sometime in 2026.

Tesla’s focus on full autonomy aligns with its broader mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. Musk has often spoken about the importance of electric vehicles in reducing carbon emissions, and the Cybercab takes this commitment one step further. "The robotaxi will charge wirelessly using an inductive charger," Musk mentioned in the event. Tesla has hinted at wireless charging for its electric vehicles in past events and tweets.

Cybercab: Design and features

The Cybercab’s design is futuristic, yet functional. The absence of a steering wheel and pedals opens up more interior space, allowing for a more flexible seating arrangement and additional amenities. While the exact details of the vehicle’s layout have not been fully disclosed, it is expected that the design will focus on maximising comfort and utility for passengers. This makes the Cybercab not just a vehicle, but a reimagined space for travel, work, and relaxation.

In terms of technology, the Cybercab will undoubtedly leverage Tesla’s advanced Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, which uses AI and machine learning to navigate complex traffic environments. Over the years, Tesla has continually improved its autonomous driving systems, and the Cybercab represents the culmination of these efforts.
During the event, Musk pitched the idea of autonomous cars as primarily a time-saver. “Think about the cumulative time that people spend in a car,” he said, “and the time they will get back that they can now spend on their books or watching a movie or doing work or whatever.”

But the challenges persist!

However, challenges remain. Regulatory hurdles, concerns over safety, and questions about public acceptance of fully autonomous vehicles need to be addressed. Nevertheless, the Cybercab demonstrates that the era of driverless vehicles is no longer a distant dream. With Musk at the helm, Tesla is at the forefront of making this future a reality. The Cybercab is not just a new vehicle—it’s a glimpse into a new way of life.

Robotaxi is not a recent project. It started quite a while ago, but with a bumpy rollout. Previously, several accidents have been reported due to robotaxis, including blocked vehicles, traffic jams, and even a handful of injuries.