The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published the technical specifications of the Tesla Cybercab in a 15-page document. This reveals important details about the planned robotaxi – yet many questions remain unanswered, especially regarding approval in Europe.
Technical Details in Detail
According to the EPA document, the Cybercab features:
- Battery: 326-volt system, 146 Ah – equivalent to approximately 50 kWh capacity
- Motor: 163 kW (219 hp), front-mounted AC permanent magnet motor
- Weight: approx. 1,412 kg (curb weight)
- Drive: Front-wheel drive
Comparison with Other Tesla Models
Regulatory Hurdles in Europe
Despite EPA approval, the Cybercab still has a long way to go in Europe. The current vehicle approval in the Netherlands for FSD Supervised is only nationally valid and is not automatically recognized in other EU states. For the Cybercab as a robotaxi without a steering wheel or pedals, entirely new homologations under the UNECE regulation would be required.
Impact on Robotaxi Plans
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly announced that the Cybercab should go into series production by 2026. The EPA data confirms the vehicle is technically designed – but the success of the robotaxi depends on two critical factors:
1. Software maturity: The autonomous driving software must reach Level 4 or 5, which has not yet been achieved in any production vehicle.
2. Regulatory approval: Even in the US, no nationwide operating permits for driverless robotaxis have been granted – exceptions are Waymo in San Francisco and Phoenix.
Open Questions
- Will the Cybercab also be used as a robotaxi in Europe?
- What range will the vehicle achieve under real-world conditions?
- Is the 50 kWh battery sufficient for a full working day in taxi operation?
- How will the interior be designed without a driver's seat?
Conclusion
The EPA publication is another step on the way to the Tesla robotaxi. However, as the history of FSD in Europe shows, regulatory hurdles should not be underestimated. Whether the Cybercab will ever drive on European