Tesla Cybercab test drive reveals strengths and weaknesses

Key facts

• A Tesla Cybercab, a fully self-driving vehicle, was test-driven in Austin, Texas.
• The Cybercab lacks a steering wheel, gas pedal, and brake, controlled via a large screen.
• The vehicle demonstrated assertive driving and advanced maneuvering in chaotic parking lot conditions.
• Tesla aims for the Cybercab to cost $30,000 and have operating costs of $0.20 to $0.40 per mile.
• Austin fire departments have trained to extricate the steering-wheel-less cars in emergencies.
• Concerns exist about controlling the car in emergencies if the screen or electronics fail.

Business Insider reporter Jan Klauth recently experienced Tesla's new Cybercab, a fully autonomous vehicle, during a test drive in Austin, Texas. The vehicle, which lacks traditional driving controls like a steering wheel, gas pedal, or brake, is operated via a large central screen. Klauth noted the Cybercab's assertive driving style, successfully navigating a chaotic parking lot by backing up to allow other vehicles to maneuver, a feat that might challenge other self-driving systems.

Elon Musk's vision for the Cybercab is to disrupt the ride-hailing market, aiming for a low purchase price of $30,000 and significantly lower operating costs than competitors like Waymo and Zoox. The vehicle's design, including upward-swinging doors and a sleek appearance, draws comparisons to luxury sports cars and video games. The interior features a large screen offering entertainment options like Spotify, YouTube, and Netflix.

However, the test drive also highlighted potential weaknesses. The lack of direct driver control and reliance on app-based operation, especially in emergencies, raises concerns. An Austin fire captain, Matthew McElearney, has called for higher safety standards, questioning how the vehicle could be managed if its electronic systems or screen fail. Furthermore, the service's user-friendliness is currently lacking, with significant wait times reported for booking a ride, suggesting that passengers need to be patient and flexible.