Tesla’s Cybercab: New Details Emerge After Quiet Launch

Tesla’s private Cybercab event, held this week, was a departure from its usual flashy showcases. The keynote lasted around 15 minutes, and CEO Elon Musk reportedly did not speak. But the company released a trove of information through PDFs and updated terms of service, revealing critical details about the autonomous vehicle’s safety features, passenger restrictions, and design choices. Here’s what we learned.

No Riders Under 13

Tesla’s fine print for the Cybercab states that minors under 13 are not allowed to ride at this time. This is a notable restriction, especially since Tesla’s “Robotaxi” Model Y SUVs do permit riders aged 8 to 17, with guidelines for child seats in both vehicles.

One reason for the age limit could be the absence of standard LATCH anchors for child seats in the Cybercab. Instead, child seats must be secured solely with the seat belt. Tesla executives have emphasized cost-cutting by removing unnecessary parts, but this decision seems drastic given Musk’s public focus on population growth. The company has not explained the reasoning behind the age restriction or the lack of LATCH anchors.

Crash Response Protocols

In the event of a crash, the Cybercab’s system is designed to respond in a specific sequence: airbags deploy, doors unlock, hazard and interior lights turn on, the high-voltage battery is disabled, windows vent, the vehicle brakes to a stop and parks, and the infotainment system connects riders with Tesla’s support team. The automatic door unlocking is particularly important, as Tesla has faced criticism over electronic door latches that could trap passengers after a collision.

Just last month, Tesla agreed to recall 3 million cars in China due to concerns about electronic door latches, as part of a broader industry investigation. That recall highlights the stakes of relying on electronic systems for door operation.

Manual Door Releases and Brake-by-Wire

The Cybercab’s doors open automatically at the start and end of rides, controlled by electronic latches. There’s also a small exterior button for riders to manually open doors. Inside, the manual release is located prominently on the armrest, addressing past criticism that such releases are hard to find in emergencies.

Tesla continues to innovate with a brake-by-wire system, which replaces traditional hydraulic brakes with electronic actuators on the calipers. Musk explained, “Having electric brakes avoids the complexity of a hydraulic system: no need to rout [sic] plumbing all around the car.” This follows Tesla’s earlier adoption of steer-by-wire in the Cybertruck, which removed the physical connection between the steering wheel and wheels.

Windows That Won’t Fully Open

Oddly, the Cybercab’s windows cannot be fully opened at this time. Tesla has not explained this limitation in its documentation. The inability to fully open windows could affect passenger comfort and emergency egress, though the company may have design reasons.

Powerful USB-C Charging

According to influencer Jeremy Judkins, the Cybercab’s USB-C outlets provide 90W of power—roughly four times the standard output in most vehicles. This could support charging laptops and other devices during rides.

Regulatory Scrutiny

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has already opened an investigation into Tesla’s Cybercab rollout. Tesla must now prove the vehicle is safe to the public, local governments, and regulators. As the Cybercab deployment proceeds, these new details will be critical for riders and authorities alike.