Tesla has officially begun production of its Cybercab, the company’s fully autonomous robotaxi, at its Gigafactory in Austin, Texas. The announcement came on Thursday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), where Tesla shared a video filmed from inside the driverless vehicle as it exited the factory. The caption read: "Purpose built for autonomy."

While Tesla produced a small batch of Cybercabs in February, continuous manufacturing only commenced this month. The development marks a significant milestone for Tesla’s autonomous vehicle ambitions, but the rollout is progressing at a slower pace than many industry observers anticipated.

Elon Musk’s cautious approach has left Tesla watchers questioning the future of the Cybercab, particularly as the company faces increasing scrutiny over its autonomous driving timelines. The delay contrasts with earlier projections that suggested a more aggressive deployment strategy for the robotaxi.

Tesla has yet to provide a specific date for when the Cybercab will be available to the public or when it will begin offering robotaxi services. The company’s measured rollout suggests Musk is prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance over speed, despite the competitive pressure in the autonomous vehicle market.

Source: The Verge