Tesla Opens Cybercab Pre-Orders for Personal Use with Geo Restrictions and $299 Monthly Fee

Tesla has opened pre-orders for its Cybercab robotaxi for personal use, according to TechCrunch. The pre-orders come with geographic restrictions and a monthly fee of $299. Notably, even Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the monthly fee is "too high."

Background

The Cybercab is Tesla's dedicated robotaxi vehicle, which has been presented as a key part of the company's autonomous driving ambitions. Until now, it was primarily discussed as a vehicle for Tesla's own robotaxi network. This pre-order announcement marks a shift by making the vehicle available for personal ownership, albeit with conditions.

Implications

The geographic restrictions mean that not all interested customers will be able to place pre-orders, though the specific regions were not detailed in the source. The $299 monthly fee adds a recurring cost to ownership, which could affect affordability. Musk's own comment that the fee is "too high" suggests internal acknowledgment of potential pricing concerns.

What to Watch

It remains to be seen how customers respond to the pre-order offer and whether Tesla adjusts the pricing or restrictions. Further details on the geographic availability and the full terms of the monthly fee are likely to emerge as the pre-order process unfolds.