Tesla starts testing Cybercab without pedals or a steering wheel in Austin

Tesla has had its own growing pains with the Austin robotaxi network, but some of those have flown under the radar simply because it is using very lightly modified versions of its consumer Model Y SUVs. Waymo’s sensor-laden I-Pace SUVs (and its light blue Zeekr vans, which are starting to hit roads now) are far easier to spot when they are doing something wrong.

Rolling out gold-colored, two-seater Cybercabs will put an even greater spotlight on Tesla’s push to develop a nationwide robotaxi network, making both its struggles and successes much more visible.