Tesla’s autonomous future just made a high-profile stop in the nation’s capital. For the first time ever, the company has put the production-ready version of its Cybercab on public display at the USDOT Headquarters in Washington, D.C., for the National Autonomous Vehicle Safety Forum.
The display allowed the public to sit inside and experience the cabin firsthand, according to @TeslaMaryland. This showcase marks a major shift from the validation units we’ve seen previously to a vehicle that looks ready for the assembly line.
The Tesla Robotaxi
The Cybercab is a purpose-built, two-seat electric vehicle designed to be the backbone of Tesla's Robotaxi network. Unlike a standard car, it is engineered specifically for high-utilization ride-hailing. While owners will eventually be able to add their own vehicles to the fleet, the Cybercab is designed to scale the service quickly with an ultra-low cost of ownership.
Cabin Camera, Interior Trunk Camera and More
The production version on display at the DOT reveals several refinements over the original concept. One of the most striking updates is the screen — a roughly 21-inch display that is the largest ever fitted to a Tesla vehicle. The interior also features two USB-C ports in the center console and an unusually large interior camera.
Interestingly, while the earlier concept featured a carpeted rear storage area, the production version has swapped this for a more durable, non-carpeted material. The interior, however, is still carpeted but features ample legroom for even the tallest of riders. The cabin is also incredibly sparse; there are no steering wheels or pedals, with the only manual input being an emergency stop button located above the screen. There are also a couple of door release buttons located below the cupholders in the center console.
On the exterior, the headlights are now integrated directly into the front lightbar, creating a seamless look that differs from the Model Y's layout. The vehicle also appears to feature a trunk camera — a first for Tesla — which could be used to ensure passengers don't leave belongings behind. To ensure the Full Self-Driving hardware always has a clear view, the Cybercab is equipped with a high-pressure washer system for every external camera, powered by a dedicated tank and multi-port discharge system.
Cybercab Side and Rear camera washer operation. I captured this today as Cybercabs were being loaded onto transport trucks.
— Joe Tegtmeyer 🚀 🤠🛸😎 (@JoeTegtmeyer) March 10, 2026
This is a good view of how these work! pic.twitter.com/jfLtkTHzZD
Door Opening Button
We also get our first look at the door-opening button on the Cybercab, which is similar to the Cybertruck. Although similar in functionality, the Cybercab’s button seems much more resistant to road grime and ice that could otherwise affect its operation. The Cybertruck’s door button, on the other hand, is a larger, physical button that’s pressed down.
While neither is very intuitive at first, especially without any labeling, the Cybercab version seems a lot more durable and less prone to winter issues.
Mass Production and Rollout
The Cybercab is central to Tesla’s pivot from a traditional automaker into an AI and robotics powerhouse. Mass production is officially slated to begin at Gigafactory Texas in April, with deliveries expected to ramp up in the following months.
While the unit shown in D.C. lacks traditional controls, Tesla has acknowledged that early units might ship with steering wheels if regional regulations require them. Tesla does appear to be confident in its wheel-less design, however, especially since the company is already offering fully unsupervised Robotaxi rides in Austin. While the display model also still appears to have a concealed charging port, the ultimate goal is for the Cybercab to use wireless induction charging.
As Tesla moves toward this April production target, the D.C. showcase serves as a final "sanity check" for regulators and the public alike. The transition to a driverless society is no longer a "someday" project; for Tesla, it starts next month.
