Tesla Cybercab Launch in Austin Begins With Employee Rides

Tesla is preparing for the imminent launch of its driverless Cybercab service in Austin, Texas, with internal plans targeting employee rides on public roads in late August. This would mark the first deployment of a Tesla vehicle completely devoid of traditional driver controls like a steering wheel or pedals. The rollout is expected to begin with company staff testing the vehicles, followed within days by integration into the broader Robotaxi service for public use.

The phased approach involves first offering Cybercab rides to employees on public roads before opening the service more widely. This structured introduction follows months of preliminary work, including test drives and employee rides on private roads around Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas campus, which began in July. The company has also completed mandatory emergency training with Austin first responders, focusing on procedures for handling the autonomous vehicles in accidents or emergencies.

Tesla’s preparations have included adding a Starlink satellite antenna to the Cybercab’s liftgate, though the specific need for this connectivity remains unclear. This modification suggests potential retrofitting for earlier units if...