A $29,990 Cybercab requires a $299 monthly subscription—Tesla is inviting people to buy one for personal use, so read the fine print

Who can place an order

Tesla’s invitation is limited to select customers in areas where its Robotaxi service operates. The company says initial availability is limited, and the listed price is $29,990, alongside a mandatory $299 monthly Autonomy Subscription.

Tesla began offering Cybercab rides through its Model Y-powered Robotaxi service in Austin in September. The crowd-sourced Robotaxi Tracker puts the number of Cybercabs in operation at 278, about 40 percent of the fleet. Buyers must pay a non-refundable $1,000 deposit to join a line for a December delivery window that is not guaranteed.

Subscription raises the cost

Over five years, the required monthly fee adds $17,940, including the first month, according to the article’s calculation. That puts the estimated baseline at roughly $47,600 before taxes, charging and insurance—more than a new Model 3 or Model Y.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk introduced the Cybercab in 2024 as a $30,000 driverless vehicle, but did not mention a subscription at the time. Tesla currently charges $99 a month for its Full Self-Driving feature. Musk called the Cybercab’s $299 monthly fee too high and suggested $115, or a price nearer the FSD subscription.

No manual driving fallback

Tesla’s terms say the Cybercab has no manual fallback. If an owner cancels the Autonomy Subscription, the vehicle cannot be used on public roads, unlike a standard Tesla whose driver can take over manually after canceling FSD.

Wider rollout remains uncertain

Musk has promised a broader rollout, subject to regulatory approval. The article says he has often described approval as a key external obstacle to robotaxi timelines, while safety and liability questions remain around the offer.