A Tesla Cybercab robotaxi prototype has been spotted in the wild, showcasing its unique butterfly doors. The doors, which open in a distinctive upward motion reminiscent of supercars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis, add a touch of luxury and innovation to the vehicle. Unlike traditional vehicles, the Cybercab does not have door handles, making the butterfly doors a standout feature.
During the Cybercab unveiling event on October 10, 2024, CEO Elon Musk arrived on stage in one of the prototypes, demonstrating the seamless operation of the butterfly doors. The live stream of the event captured the moment as Musk effortlessly entered the vehicle, with the door closing automatically behind him.
The latest sighting of a Cybercab prototype in Austin, Texas, revealed the futuristic design and functionality of the vehicle. Tesla employees are currently testing these prototypes, fine-tuning their performance and features before production begins.
Tesla’s move towards handle-less doors is evident in the Cybertruck as well, where traditional door handles have been replaced with electromechanical buttons on the B and C pillars. The Cybercab seems to follow a similar design approach, with no visible buttons on the rear pillar or window for opening the doors.
It appears that the entry process involves a finger scan or swipe, similar to the swipe-down function seen in the next-gen Tesla Roadster prototypes. Once inside the Cybercab, the door closes automatically, either triggered by the occupancy sensor or through a digital button on the center touchscreen.
While the prototype showcased some panel gaps and misalignments, which drew criticism from Tesla critics on social media, these issues are expected to be resolved in the production version of the Cybercab. Tesla has been working on improving build quality and finish in recent years, ensuring that the final product meets the highest standards.
Crash safety testing of multiple Cybercab prototypes has already been conducted at Giga Texas, with production expected to start in 2026. Delays are possible due to the introduction of a new platform and the need for new tooling and machinery.
As Tesla continues to innovate and push the boundaries of electric vehicles, the Cybercab represents a glimpse into the future of autonomous transportation. Stay tuned for more updates on Tesla’s latest developments and advancements in the world of electric vehicles.