Tesla's Cybercab robotaxis have reportedly been operating in New York since August 2026 without any formal announcement from the company. Unlike the previously shown design, the vehicles are equipped with a steering wheel and carry a person sitting behind it, which the report attributes to a specific reason. No official confirmation of the service has been issued.
Tesla's robotaxis and Cybercabs are not permitted to operate on highways, forcing longer surface-street routes. One passenger's trip that would normally take about 10 minutes stretched to roughly 70 minutes because of the detour. The restriction highlights the limited operational area of Tesla's autonomous ride service.
A video circulating on YouTube shows a 98-year-old Tesla owner saying he no longer needs to monitor the road while his car drives itself. Elon Musk responded approvingly to the clip, which appears to contradict Tesla's own rules requiring drivers to stay attentive and ready to take over with Full Self-Driving engaged. The exchange highlights ongoing scrutiny of how Tesla and its CEO publicly frame the limits of its driver-assistance software.