Federal regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration immediately initiated an Audit Query regarding how Tesla self-certified its wheel-less, pedal-free design against safety guidelines. Unlike competitor Zoox, which formally applied for regulatory exemptions prior to operating similar vehicles, the electric automaker deployed its fleet without seeking such waivers. Currently, state authorities report 45 Cybercabs are registered through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. These golden, two-passenger autonomous cabs now operate commercial transport across a 288-square-mile perimeter throughout the state capital. This expansion aligns with Elon Musk’s long-standing strategy of “going balls to the wall for autonomy” to establish unsupervised robotaxis.
Hailing one of these machines around 6PM on a Friday revealed significant scheduling delays. A trip under two miles costing $15 initially indicated an estimated delay exceeding an hour, though the vehicle ultimately arrived in approximately 45 minutes. Passengers unlock the upward-swinging butterfly doors by tapping their smartphone screen, granting access to a minimalist gray fabric interior furnished with twin seats and a center cup holder. Missing traditional driving controls allows for expanded legroom, while a massive central monitor displays real-time 3D spatial mapping alongside entertainment options like Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and playable video games via an external PlayStation controller.
During an initial 15-minute journey on a sunny 95-degree afternoon, the vehicle’s windshield wipers inexplicably activated multiple times. Navigating toward downtown near a familiar underpass, the system mistakenly maneuvered into a highway left-turn lane before abruptly correcting its path back into straight traffic. Despite software behavior that occasionally mirrored an indecisive, overly cautious novice driver, the overall mechanical motion proved remarkably smooth. The physical comfort and cabin ambiance noticeably surpassed a competing Waymo ride, with overall trip costs ranging from $15 to $21, closely aligning with standard Uber pricing.
The vehicle’s distinct metallic gold exterior, saucer-like wheel caps, and mirrorless teardrop profile attract immense public fascination throughout city streets. Pedestrians frequently point in astonishment, while a neighboring motorist rolled down his window to query, “No steering wheel?” before exclaiming, “Damn, bro!” upon learning that foot pedals were likewise absent. However, the lack of side mirrors creates an uncomfortable blind-spot sensation for occupants accustomed to scanning their surroundings. Further issues arise from erratic drop-off locations, such as stopping directly in the active lane near Barton Springs pool, frustrating nearby drivers while leaving passengers feeling deeply self-conscious.
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