Tesla has opened pre-orders for its Cybercab, the company’s purpose-built autonomous vehicle, offering the model for personal use under a subscription model priced at $299 per month. The company confirmed that orders will be subject to geographic restrictions, with availability limited to regions where its regulatory approvals and operational infrastructure are already in place. Tesla did not disclose a full list of eligible markets, but indicated that the rollout would follow the expansion of its robotaxi network. The announcement marks a shift from Tesla’s earlier positioning of the Cybercab as a fleet-only vehicle, signaling a push into private ownership for its autonomous platform.
The pricing drew immediate scrutiny, including from Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, who publicly acknowledged that the $299 monthly fee is “too high.” Musk’s comment, made on social media, did not include a revised pricing plan, though analysts interpreted it as a signal that Tesla may adjust subscription costs or introduce tiered options ahead of deliveries. Industry observers noted that the combination of recurring fees and geo restrictions could limit early adoption, particularly as competitors and regulators scrutinize autonomous vehicle costs and safety records. Tesla has not confirmed a delivery timeline or whether the subscription will include insurance, maintenance, and software updates.
Independent reporting synthesized from primary wires and global correspondents.