Tesla unveils gold-painted Cybercab robotaxi in Austin test drive

During a trial in Austin, a reporter experienced Tesla's Cybercab, a $30,000 robotaxi painted in gold and devoid of traditional driver controls. The car used a massive touchscreen to steer, accelerate and brake, successfully reversing and navigating congested streets, but offered no manual override or side mirrors. Safety officials expressed concerns about rescue procedures if the screen or electronics fail.

Ride availability remains sparse, with wait times often exceeding an hour and the service confined to downtown cores, unable to reach airports or highways. Compared with Tesla's Model Y robotaxi, which retains a steering wheel, the Cybercab is slower and less convenient for passengers with luggage or mobility needs. Analysts see the launch as a high-visibility move to challenge Uber, Lyft and Waymo, though widespread adoption will depend on expanding coverage and proving reliability at higher speeds.