Tesla invites selected customers to order steering-wheel-free Cybercabs with recurring operation fees

Tesla has started inviting select customers in the United States to pre-order its autonomous, two-seater Cybercab for personal use at a purchase price of $29,990. The vehicle, which features neither pedals nor a steering wheel, requires a $1,000 non-refundable deposit. Deliveries are estimated to begin in December 2026, though buyers must accept delivery in designated Texas locations. [1][2][4]

The purchase is tied to a mandatory $299 monthly Autonomy Subscription, which covers self-driving capability after the first month included with the sale. Because the vehicle completely lacks manual driving controls, it cannot function without an active plan. Under Tesla's subscription terms, the car is strictly confined to approved geofenced areas where Robotaxi services run, and owners are barred from putting the vehicle onto ride-hailing networks or delivery apps without written permission. Tesla also reserves the right to modify operating zones and adjust the monthly subscription price with advance notice. [1][4][5]

Tesla CEO Elon Musk conceded publicly that the $299 fee is too high, stating it should align closer to the roughly $115 monthly cost of Full Self-Driving and connectivity packages. He also noted that broader, nationwide availability will depend on securing regulatory approval. In the meantime, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an audit query examining how Tesla self-certified the vehicle given its lack of conventional controls like mirrors, pedals, and steering wheels. [1][2][4]