Tesla is courting buyers for Cybercab robotaxi fleets in Austin — but critics say owners would carry the capital risk while Tesla keeps software margins and fare cuts.
Futurism summarises Electrek’s Fred Lambert: if running Cybercabs were highly profitable, Tesla would keep the vehicles rather than sell fleets via a “Robotaxi interest form.” Musk has long pitched autonomous ride-hail as passive income; Lambert argues Tesla sets the network, software, prices and revenue split, leaving fleet buyers with purchase cost and depreciation. Cybercabs began appearing in Austin; NHTSA has opened questions on whether the model meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Camera-only autonomy and past FSD liability disputes add to the caution.