[AutonomousVehicles] Review of Good and Bad about Tesla Cybercab

[Cornelius Butler]

Out of Spec just did a comprehensive review of the new Tesla Cyber Cab.
They go over the good and bad. They are not fans of the doors.

Below is video link and summary:

Video Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKLgc0Xv8hA&list=WL&index=1&t=370s
My First Ride In Tesla Cybercab! Some Good, Some Bad

In this Out of Spec Reviews video, host Kyle Conner and his friend Andreas
take their first ride in Tesla’s purpose-built autonomous robotaxi, the
Tesla Cybercab, on the streets of Austin, Texas.

The video covers how the Cybercab works in real-world ride-hailing
conditions, highlighting both its impressive technology and some practical
limitations.
1. Booking and Pickup

   -

   The ride is booked through Tesla’s ride-hailing app.
   -

   The app shows the vehicle’s arrival time, pickup countdown, and vehicle
   status.
   -

   The Cybercab can wait up to seven minutes for the passenger.
   -

   To make the assigned vehicle easier to identify, its exterior lights
   pulse as it approaches.
   -

   The interior lighting and screen also display a matching identification
   color.
   -

   The vehicle includes cabin cameras for passenger safety.
   -

   Grok AI is integrated into the cabin and can answer questions or assist
   passengers during the ride.

2. Cybercab Engineering and Design

   -

   The Cybercab uses a fully electronic brake-by-wire system.
   -

   There are no traditional hydraulic brake-fluid lines. Electronic
   actuators control the brakes at all four wheels.
   -

   The vehicle does not have a front trunk, or frunk.
   -

   The front of the vehicle is filled with HVAC and thermal-management
   equipment.
   -

   The front fascia is extremely low, partly to reduce the severity of
   injuries in a pedestrian collision.
   -

   Tesla has focused heavily on reducing manufacturing and operating costs.
   -

   The Cybercab uses unpainted body panels, aerodynamic wheel covers, and
   durable materials designed for fleet use.

3. Butterfly Doors

One of the biggest concerns in the video involves the Cybercab’s
upward-opening butterfly doors.

Tesla says the doors create a large, unobstructed opening that can make
entering and exiting easier for passengers, including people with mobility
challenges.

However, Kyle points out a potential real-world safety problem.

When the doors open at the curb, they can swing into the sidewalk and
potentially interfere with pedestrians. They can also extend toward the
roadway, creating a risk that a passing vehicle could strike them.

This happened several times during the test ride, with pedestrians passing
very close to the open doors.
4. Ride Quality and Autonomous Driving

   -

   The Cybercab operates completely without a driver.
   -

   It uses Tesla’s camera-based Full Self-Driving system rather than LiDAR.
   -

   Kyle describes the driving as extremely smooth.
   -

   Acceleration, braking, lane positioning, and pedestrian handling were
   impressive during the ride.
   -

   The cabin feels spacious because it is designed for only two passengers.
   -

   It includes a very large central touchscreen for entertainment and
   vehicle controls.
   -

   Kyle and Andreas say the ride is more comfortable than many traditional
   Uber or Lyft rides.
   -

   There is no human driver, no aggressive acceleration, and no variation
   in driving style from one trip to another.

5. Remote Assistance and Fleet Operations

The video also demonstrates Tesla’s remote fleet-support system.

After the ride, Kyle deliberately stands in front of the Cybercab while it
is attempting to leave.

The vehicle detects him and refuses to move.

A Tesla remote support operator named Isaiah then connects to the vehicle.

Using the Cybercab’s exterior speakers and microphones, the operator speaks
directly to Kyle and asks him to move away from the vehicle.

After Kyle moves, the Cybercab prepares to leave.

The vehicle also automatically activates its windshield wipers to clean the
area around its forward-facing cameras before continuing to its next
destination.
6. The Good

   -

   Extremely smooth autonomous driving.
   -

   No human driver required.
   -

   Large and spacious two-seat interior.
   -

   Massive central entertainment and control screen.
   -

   Advanced remote fleet monitoring.
   -

   Remote operators can communicate through exterior speakers.
   -

   Ground-up robotaxi design.
   -

   Brake-by-wire system.
   -

   Low-cost manufacturing approach.
   -

   Durable fleet-focused materials.
   -

   Clean and consistent passenger experience.

7. The Bad and Limitations

   -

   The butterfly doors may create safety problems around pedestrians and
   traffic.
   -

   The Cybercab only carries two passengers.
   -

   It cannot handle families or groups of three or more.
   -

   A Tesla Model Y robotaxi can carry more passengers and provide similar
   transportation.
   -

   The Cybercab currently appears focused on fleet operation rather than
   normal private ownership.
   -

   Its two-seat configuration limits its usefulness compared with larger
   robotaxi vehicles.

Overall Takeaway

Kyle comes away impressed with how well the Cybercab actually drives.

The autonomous driving is smooth, comfortable, and highly polished, and the
vehicle demonstrates several interesting fleet-management features,
including remote assistance and exterior two-way communication.

However, the video also raises important questions about the Cybercab’s
design.

The butterfly doors appear potentially problematic in crowded urban
environments, and the two-passenger limit makes the vehicle less versatile
than something like a Model Y robotaxi.

Overall, the Cybercab demonstrates impressive autonomous-driving
technology, but some of its purpose-built design decisions may create
practical limitations in everyday ride-hailing service.
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