Tesla is continuing to push boundaries with its purpose-built autonomous vehicle, the Cybercab, by subjecting it to extreme winter testing in Alaska. This marks the sixth U.S. state where Tesla is actively validating the vehicle ahead of production.
The company recently shared updates on X, showcasing images of the Cybercab undergoing winter testing in Alaska. The photos depict the vehicle covered in snow and grime, highlighting Tesla’s commitment to testing the vehicle in real-world cold-weather scenarios rather than controlled environments.
The Cybercab is Tesla’s dedicated, two-seat autonomous vehicle designed specifically for its Robotaxi network. Unlike existing Teslas that owners can add to the ride-hailing fleet, the Cybercab has been engineered from the ground up for autonomy and high utilization. Tesla is expected to start volume production of the Cybercab in April, signaling that the program is entering its final validation phase.
While Cybercab sightings were initially rare, sightings have increased in recent months. The vehicle was first spotted on public roads in California, followed by appearances in Austin and now in several new states including New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Alaska. At least 16 Cybercab units are believed to be operating on public roads across these regions, undergoing rigorous testing in various driving environments.
Alaska presents some of the most challenging conditions for autonomous driving, including snow-covered roads, ice, limited daylight, and unpredictable weather. Successfully navigating these scenarios would be a significant milestone for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system, which the Cybercab will rely on entirely.
Upon entering production, the Cybercab is expected to ship without a steering wheel, pedals, or side mirrors, relying solely on Tesla’s autonomous software. The company recently started offering completely unsupervised rides to the public in Austin, showcasing its confidence in the technology. With winter testing underway in Alaska, Tesla is determined to demonstrate that its Robotaxi ambitions are not limited by geography, climate, or convention.
Overall, Tesla’s rigorous testing and validation process in harsh winter conditions highlight the company’s commitment to developing cutting-edge autonomous technology for the future of transportation.