A Tesla Cybercab validation unit has been spotted driving on public roads in Austin, Texas, without side mirrors for the first time. This marks a significant step in the vehicle's development toward a fully camera-based autonomous system. The sighting aligns with Tesla's vision for its purpose-built Robotaxi.
Tesla's upcoming Cybercab, a two-seat, all-electric autonomous vehicle designed for the company's Robotaxi network, appeared on Austin streets without traditional side mirrors during recent testing. The high-quality footage, captured by photographer Art Guajardo (@artsimage), shows the mirror-less prototype navigating public roads, a departure from earlier models that retained conventional hardware.
This development underscores Tesla's commitment to eliminating legacy components in favor of cameras and neural networks powered by its Full Self-Driving system. Unlike current Tesla vehicles, the production Cybercab will lack a steering wheel, pedals, and side mirrors, enabling continuous operation in a shared fleet for ride-hailing.
Testing has progressed rapidly. The first Cybercab validation unit was sighted on public roads in California in October, followed by appearances in Austin late last year. In recent weeks, activity has intensified, with units operating in New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts. At least eleven Cybercabs are now actively testing nationwide, signaling the approach of final validation before production.
Tesla maintains that volume production remains on track for April. While test vehicles still include manual controls, the removal of mirrors indicates growing confidence in the camera-only approach under real-world conditions. Observers speculate that the next change could involve ditching the steering wheel entirely, further distinguishing the Cybercab from conventional cars.
The tweet from Sawyer Merritt highlighted the event: "NEWS: Tesla Cybercab spotted testing on public roads in Austin with no mirrors for the first time. No steering wheel next?" This evolution positions the Cybercab as a radical rethink of urban mobility.
