Electrek readers skeptical of Tesla Cybercab's major

Nearly two thirds of respondents in a recent Electrek survey expressed doubt that Tesla's newly re-unveiled Cybercab will be a major vehicle. The survey, which gathered nearly 2,700 responses, asked readers if the autonomous taxi would change how people get around or simply be "just another car."

The poll coincided with a limited, invitation-only demonstration of the Cybercab in Austin, Texas. According to the source report from Electrek, the overwhelming negative sentiment was surprising. The most popular survey response stated, "It (Tesla's Cybercab) won't even be 'just another car,' if no one can drive it, and Tesla hasn't yet proven its AI can drive it."

Commenters on the site linked their skepticism to recent news and past promises. One user, OliveAirBalloon, wrote on August 30, "The car company that isn't a car company wants to sell you a car you don't need because of all these cabs they're making." The commenter also referenced the idea that owners could put their own vehicles to work as robotaxis, adding, "Oh, by the way, you will be able to put your own car out there to be used as a cab and compete with the company cabs. Yep. Any day now."

Referencing past promises

Several other commenters pointed to previous claims from Tesla CEO Elon Musk that owners would generate income from their Full Self-Driving vehicles. One quoted comment read, "Wait, I thought your Tesla was going to make you money, while you were sleeping or working?" Regular commenter Mrvc noted a pattern, saying, "The same people have been saying it will be major for years. It looks like just another autonomous taxi you can’t own."

The survey period also saw negative press for Tesla's autonomous efforts. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration opened an investigation into the Cybercab's safety. Tesla's own data confirmed its Autopilot or Full Self-Driving system was active in two separate fatal crashes. The company also settled a lawsuit involving a fatal Autopilot collision with a fire truck, avoiding a jury trial.

Cautious optimism from some

Not all responses were wholly negative. Some readers expressed cautious, practical optimism about the Cybercab's potential impact. One commenter predicted Tesla would get the technology working at some scale, capturing a portion of the ride-share market. They added, "for that effort they will make pennies. Investors will move onto the next thing Tesla will 'revolutionize.'"

Another commenter, David M, saw a limited geographic application. "It's going to be huge in places where you barely need a car (think Manhattan, SF, DC, mostly that's it)." they wrote. They argued the lower operating cost compared to traditional cabs or Uber could replace those services and marginally reduce car ownership in dense urban cores. However, they concluded it would be irrelevant in more spread-out areas due to the impracticality of achieving sufficient vehicle saturation.

Notable absence of superfans

The Electrek report highlighted the notable absence of typically vocal Tesla superfans in the survey responses and comments. The author questioned whether broken promises and shifting timelines had eroded trust, or if those supporters simply did not participate in this poll. The report ends by inviting readers to share their thoughts on the significance of that absence in the comments section.