Tesla Reveals New Details About Cybercab, Including Restrictions on Child Passengers

Tesla recently held a private event to share new information about its Cybercab, a fully autonomous vehicle designed to operate without a human driver. Unlike Tesla’s usual large-scale launches, this event was low-key, lasting about 15 minutes, and did not feature CEO Elon Musk speaking. The Cybercab aims to offer a camera- and AI-driven ride at a lower cost than competitors like Waymo. However, many details were scattered across company PDFs and updated terms of service in Tesla’s Robotaxi app. One notable update is Tesla’s current policy restricting children under 13 from riding in the Cybercab. While minors aged 8 to 17 can ride in Tesla’s Robotaxi Model Y SUVs, the Cybercab lacks standard LATCH anchors for child seats, requiring seat belts for securing child restraints. All passengers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This cautious approach to younger riders may reflect ongoing safety considerations. In the event of a crash, the Cybercab is programmed to deploy airbags, unlock doors, activate hazard and interior lights, disable the high-voltage battery, vent the windows slightly, apply brakes to stop, and establish a two-way connection with Tesla’s rider support team. The automatic unlocking of doors addresses previous safety concerns related to Tesla’s electronic door latches, which have faced scrutiny and recalls, particularly in China. The Cybercab features electronic door latches that open automatically at ride start and end, with an exterior button for riders to open doors. Inside, manual door release buttons are prominently placed on each door’s armrest to ensure accessibility during emergencies. Tesla has implemented a brake-by-wire system in the Cybercab, replacing traditional hydraulic brakes with electronic actuators. This design simplifies the vehicle’s mechanics by eliminating hydraulic plumbing. Tesla previously introduced steer-by-wire technology in its Cybertruck, removing the mechanical link between steering wheel and wheels. Another unusual feature is that Cybercab windows cannot be fully opened, though Tesla has not provided an explanation for this limitation. Additionally, the vehicle offers USB-C ports capable of delivering 90 watts of power, significantly higher than typical in-car charging outlets, enhancing device charging capabilities for passengers. These details highlight Tesla’s ongoing efforts to innovate in autonomous vehicle design while addressing safety and usability challenges. The company now faces the task of demonstrating the Cybercab’s safety to regulators and the public, amid an active investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.