Tesla Solicits Interest in Operating Cybercab Fleets as Autonomous Ambitions Expand

Tesla released an inquiry form on Thursday targeting businesses keen on acquiring Cybercab fleets or supplying infrastructure for its autonomous network. This development indicates that the company’s vision for its gold-colored self-driving vehicle extends well beyond operating as a standalone robotaxi service.

The interest form, distributed ahead of Tesla’s upcoming Cybercab event in Austin, does not guarantee that the automaker will sell its autonomous vehicles to outside operators. However, it strongly suggests that Tesla’s long-term strategy involves scaling operations through partnerships rather than handling everything in-house.

For years, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has articulated plans for a vast fleet of low-cost robotaxis. Initially, these plans relied on personally owned Tesla vehicles equipped with self-driving software. As far back as 2016, Musk discussed a future where owners could monetize their cars by renting them out through the Tesla Network. This concept was further detailed during the company’s 2019 Autonomy Day, where Musk explained that owners could integrate their autonomous vehicles into a ride-sharing application similar to Uber’s model.

“I feel very confident predicting that there will be autonomous robotaxis from Tesla next year — not in all jurisdictions because we won’t have regulatory approval everywhere,” Musk stated in 2020. That promise ultimately did not come to fruition.

Instead, Tesla shifted its focus to testing and operating its own robotaxi fleet, starting with Model Y vehicles and now moving to the purpose-built Cybercab. Previously, the company appeared committed to keeping its robotaxi operations internal. The new form, which states it “helps us build our robotaxi network,” implies Tesla sees potential profit and growth in expanding its network to include third-party operators.

The specific arrangements remain undefined. Interested parties are asked to select from various options, including purchasing Cybercab fleets, developing mobility hubs and infrastructure, collaborating on events, or other categories.

This move aligns with a broader trend of companies entering the robotaxi fleet management sector. Moove, an African fintech startup that began by financing vehicles for ride-hailing drivers, is expanding into autonomous fleet management. After raising $250 million last month at a $2.1 billion valuation, Moove serves as the fleet operator for Waymo in Phoenix, Miami, Las Vegas, and eventually London. While Moove currently does not own the Waymo vehicles, its CEO indicated plans to acquire them in the future.

Other entities involved in autonomous fleet management include Avomo and New Horizon, both of which have partnered with Uber as it seeks a stake in the robotaxi market. Traditional rental car giants such as Avis and Hertz are also participating in this space.

Tesla’s openness to fleet operators may encourage smaller companies to enter the market, potentially helping Tesla saturate new regions more rapidly.