Tesla has begun commercialising its long-promised Cybercab robotaxi in Austin, Texas, taking another step towards its ambition of turning autonomous driving into a major part of its business.
The electric vehicle maker began offering limited rides in the two-seater Cybercab on September 3, which marks the first commercial deployment of a vehicle designed specifically for autonomous ride-hailing.
Unlike conventional cars, the Cybercab has no steering wheel, accelerator or brake pedals. Tesla is positioning the vehicle as a purpose-built autonomous taxi that can operate without a human driver.
The launch, however, has immediately raised questions about regulation and safety.
On September 4, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an audit into Tesla’s self-certification of the Cybercab.
