Tesla’s Cybercab has been spotted testing on public roads in downtown Austin, Texas for the first time.
The sighting was shared by X user @JT59052914, showing a production-ready Cybercab on Austin streets. However, the sighting was only shared through a pair of photos, and only after it had passed the spotter, so it remains unclear whether the vehicle was equipped with a steering wheel.
@niccruzpatane @wholemars @SawyerMerritt My friend just spotted this Cybercab testing in downtown Austin pic.twitter.com/oGr8xwmWle
— LadiesMan217 (@JT59052914) December 18, 2025
The uncertainty around whether the Austin Cybercab had a steering wheel is particularly notable. Tesla has previously stated that its robotaxi concept is designed without pedals or a steering wheel, relying entirely on autonomous operation, although some fans have vehemently disagreed and are certain it will be released with manual controls.
However, regulatory requirements often necessitate temporary manual controls during testing phases, especially on public roads.
Outside of Austin, the Cybercab has been spotted on public roads in California, having even visited an In-N-Out drive-thru, something which Tesla only does after finalizing the design of a new vehicle. Tesla has also put a production-ready Cybercab on display in California, and that one is without a steering wheel and pedals.
Adding to the debate, a similar production-ready Cybercab was spotted at the Apple Visitor Center in Cupertino, California, in late November, and that vehicle did have a steering wheel, reinforcing the theory that regulatory requirements are behind the manual controls in test vehicles.
#Cybercab spotted at #Apple visitor center pic.twitter.com/YOv1TC3Q2n
— J.C. (@justinchencya) November 29, 2025
The move to public-road testing strongly suggests Tesla is getting closer to Cybercab production. Elon Musk has previously said production will begin in April 2026, real-world testing and validation remains one of the biggest hurdles to deployment, with or without a steering wheel and pedals.
