The Cybercab is Tesla’s ‘fork in the road’ moment
Tesla is hosting a major event in Austin to launch its Cybercab, an autonomous two-seater vehicle without pedals or a steering wheel. The event represents a critical pivot for the company as it attempts to transition from an automaker into an AI and robotics-focused enterprise.
Why it matters
The success of the Cybercab is seen as a make-or-break moment for Tesla's valuation and its long-term strategy to dominate the autonomous ride-sharing market.
Today could be the day Tesla changes forever.
In a couple of hours, Tesla will “launch” the Cybercab — a small, gold, two-seater sedan with no steering wheel or pedals that uses cameras and AI to navigate the world — in its hometown of Austin, Texas.
The company hasn’t said what the launch will entail, exactly. It could be a few cars offering rides in a small area downtown, or a far grander affair in both size and scope.
Tesla certainly wants you to believe it’s the latter.
In the runup to the event, Tesla staged dozens — perhaps more – of its Cybercabs around Austin and in many other U.S. cities. At the time this story was published, 420 autonomous vehicles were registered in Texas, according to the state’s automated vehicle tracker .
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