Currently: Tesla plans to deploy the first Cybercab robot taxis in Austin starting in August, according to reports.
Image: Tesla (Cybercab at the Texas Gigafactory)
August could prove interesting for Tesla and its supporters as well as shareholders. As reported over the weekend, a presentation of the long-awaited new roadster is planned before the end of the month. And now, the same publication reported that Tesla also intends to start using the two-seater Cybercabs in its robotaxi service in Austin this month. In line with this, the company itself announced a launch event for which one can qualify by August 23. Update: Tesla later revealed the location but not yet a date (see bottom).
Cybercabs as Robotaxis in Austin
In both cases, the source is the paid U.S. publication The Information, which cites people familiar with the plans. Tesla is said to have internally shared information about plans for a Cybercab as a robotaxi in Austin. Initially, the autonomous two-seater vehicle is expected to be available for booking only by Tesla’s own employees in the Texas city, with external robotaxi customers allowed to use it after a few days.
Tesla launched its first robotaxi service in Austin in June 2025. It started with a few Model Y vehicles in parts of the city, always accompanied by a human in the driver’s or passenger seat to monitor the autonomous driving software FSD. Since then, the service area has been expanded several times, the need for a human supervisor in Austin was removed, and Tesla now offers similar robotaxi services using Model Y vehicles in several other cities in Texas and Florida.
Tesla Invite Suggests Event in August
The Cybercab, specifically developed for this purpose, was introduced by Tesla in October 2024 as a fully autonomous vehicle. Production of this golden two-seater at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas began this April, according to the company. Since then, Cybercabs have been spotted on public roads repeatedly. Most of them were in use with a human driver and equipped with a steering wheel and pedals. CEO Elon Musk recently explained this by saying the new electric car needs to be calibrated using real driving data first.
Ride in Robotaxi through 8/23 for a shot to attend our Cybercab launch event
More rides = better odds pic.twitter.com/NxA4H9sWF2
— Tesla Robotaxi (@robotaxi) August 18, 2026
These preparations seem to be progressing, if we believe The Information’s report. This is also supported by a post Tesla removed from X after it was published: those who book Robotaxi rides by August 23 have a chance of being invited to a launch event for the Cybercab, it states. The more rides booked, the higher the likelihood of being selected. No date or location for the event is mentioned, but the duration of the campaign would fit within the planned Cybercab launch still in August.
Update: Cybercab event planned in Austin
Update: On Tuesday, Tesla confirmed via X that an event is coming soon. The Robotaxi account linked to a website for a “Cybertruck Launch Event” where the launch of the Cybercab robotaxi would be celebrated. No specific date or even just a month has been given yet, but Austin is listed as the location. In addition to booking Robotaxi rides, people can also enter a lottery for invitations by mail. However, only those with U.S. residency are eligible for either option.