Writing on the side of the Cybercab read “Tesla Engineering Prototype”, as it’s in the region undergoing cold weather testing.
The Cybercab, designed to accommodate two passengers, also features upward-opening butterfly doors and a minimalist interior.
Visually, the Cybercab shares strong design cues with the Cybertruck, which made headlines for its sharp, angular exterior and rugged appearance.
New Zealand law means the Cybercab has a steering wheel and pedals.
FutureCentre.nz founder Melissa Clark-Reynolds confirmed on Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive that while there may be some self-driving cars used for personal use, the Cybercab was designed to be used as a taxi, rather than a personal vehicle.
“This is a commercial vehicle designed to be deployed as a taxi,” she said.
“I’m a regular visitor to San Francisco and I always use Waymos, which is [Tesla’s] competition, like fully autonomous taxis.
“Tesla’s been a bit slow to get into that market and they’re kind of trying to catch up.”
She said self-driving cars in New Zealand were required to have a steering wheel because fully autonomous vehicles are not yet allowed on the road.
“Under New Zealand law, they’re going to have to put someone to sit in the seat behind that steering wheel and be able to grab it if needed,” she said.
“So it can’t be fully autonomous on New Zealand roads, but they can get around it as long as they have a steering wheel and a person sitting in the seat.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk told media at the 2024 launch the Cybercab would be made “in very high volume”.
Musk said at the time autonomous vehicles would play a revolutionary role in the future of transport.