Tesla has begun production of its Cybercab robotaxi at its Austin factory, with the first two-seater vehicle rolling off the line. The company also secured a key waiver from the US Federal Communications Commission for inductive charging technology. These developments raise questions about the vehicle's features, target market, and liability.
The first Cybercab, a fully autonomous two-seater robotaxi without pedals or a steering wheel, has been built at Tesla's factory in Austin, Texas, as reported on February 21, 2026. This marks the start of series production for the vehicle, which Tesla plans to price at $30,000 or less. However, details remain unclear, including whether it includes traditional controls like a steering wheel and pedals. An official photograph shows the vehicle surrounded by workers but reveals no interior specifics.
During a January earnings call, Elon Musk stated, “There’s no fallback mechanism here. It’s like this car either drives itself or it does not drive.” Potential target audiences could include older drivers with mobility issues, entrepreneurs deploying fleets for income, or Tesla operating them as robotaxis. Ownership models are hazy; Musk described it in October 2024 as a vehicle consumers can buy and add to a Tesla robotaxi network when not in use, while the chief designer in December 2024 called it a “different type of ownership experience.”
On the regulatory front, the FCC granted Tesla a waiver to use ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology for its inductive charging system. This static setup involves a ground pad and vehicle receiver for wireless power transfer via magnetic coils, with UWB ensuring precise alignment. An FCC document notes: “The Tesla positioning system is a pulse UWB radio system that enables peer-to-peer communication between a UWB transceiver installed in the electric vehicle (EV) and a second UWB transceiver installed on a ground-level charging station.” Signals are brief and attenuated by the vehicle. Tesla plans Bluetooth as an interim solution and confirms Cybercab prototypes charge at standard Superchargers.
Past incidents highlight liability concerns. In a Florida Keys crash involving Autopilot, a jury awarded $129 million in actual damages and $200 million in punitive damages. On February 19, 2026, Judge Beth Bloom upheld the verdict, stating the evidence supported it and rejecting Tesla's motion for a new trial. Plaintiff counsel Brett Schreiber commented, “We are of course pleased, but also completely unsurprised that the honorable Judge Bloom upheld the jury’s verdict finding Tesla liable.” A separate Model 3 fatal crash led to sanctions against Tesla on October 23, 2025, for discovery violations. Reports indicate Tesla robotaxis are four times more likely to collide than human-driven vehicles.
