The launch of Tesla’s Cybercab robotaxi has sent ripples through the automotive and technology industries, with its recent appearances at various venues including Giga New York and the UK’s Westfield London. While the concept of self-driving taxis has sparked excitement, the reactions have been mixed, especially after first-hand views of the vehicle.
At the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Tesla Cybercab was under scrutiny. Travis Langness, who extensively covered the event, expressed skepticism about the vehicle's practicality and quality. He noted, "After years of broken promises and delayed launches from Tesla, I’ve grown pretty skeptical of the brand." The Cybercab, often touted as the next big thing for transportation, seems to echo many past disappointments from the manufacturer.
The Cybercab’s exterior has raised eyebrows, particularly its build quality. Langness pointed out, "The flat gold color looks cheap from just about every angle," likening the vehicle's paint job to something done at home rather than by professionals. This initial impression has created doubt about the product’s mass-market viability, especially if priced around $30,000 as suggested by Tesla.
Another point of concern is the seating configuration. Traditionally, taxis accommodate multiple passengers, but the Cybercab features only two seats. This design choice has left many wondering how the vehicle is supposed to function as a ride-sharing solution when it lacks sufficient space for passengers. Compounding the awkwardness of the design are the Cybercab’s unusual butterfly doors, which require ample space to open—a potential issue for urban settings with tight parking.
The discontinuation of conventional driving controls—specifically the absence of steering wheels and pedals—has led to concerns over safety. Langness remarked, “I don’t trust the Cybercab to navigate on its own, especially considering several reported incidents involving Tesla’s driver aids.” With Tesla’s autonomous driving technology still under scrutiny from regulatory bodies and subject to federal investigations, the decision to forgo steering capabilities feels risky.
Meanwhile, Tesla has rolled out the Cybercab at Giga New York, where it has captured the attention of employees, even if they can’t experience the interiors firsthand. Pictures circulating on social media show Tesla workers engaging with the Cybercab, documenting what they see. This excitement, albeit limited to observation, highlights the tech giant's drive to showcase its innovations, particularly to its internal teams.
The Cybercab is marketed as part of Tesla’s ambition to democratize electric transportation, with the aim of making it both affordable and fully autonomous soon. CEO Elon Musk has framed this development as part of Tesla’s broader mission to revolutionize the transport sector. Trials for autonomous taxis are already underway, with other companies like Waymo leading the way with their self-driving cars.
During its UK debut, the Cybercab was positioned as Tesla’s next leap forward. Running until December 8, it is embarking on a European tour before production is fully realized expected to roll out by 2026. Economically, Tesla is promoting the Cybercab as not just innovative but also as transformative for urban mobility.
Although many enthusiasts are eager to see the Cybercab realized, concerns around its readiness and practicality remain. The skepticism expressed at events like the Los Angeles Auto Show reflects the broader unease about whether Tesla can deliver on its grand promises of fully autonomous vehicle fleets. Observers are left wondering if the Cybercab will end up as another flashy prototype with more style than substance.