Tesla opens $29,990 Cybercab orders, but owners face $299 monthly fee to drive

Tesla's $29,990 Cybercab is finally being offered to private buyers, but the purchase price comes with a rather substantial catch. Owners will need to pay another $299 every month simply to operate the vehicle, which has neither a steering wheel nor pedals.

The company began inviting selected customers to order the autonomous two-seater on 13 November 2026, marking a departure from its original emphasis on robotaxi fleets. The invitation-only offer requires a $1,000 non-refundable deposit, with deliveries estimated to begin in December 2026.

Buying the car is only part of the cost

The compulsory Autonomy Subscription covers the Cybercab's self-driving functionality, with the first month included. Tesla's subscription agreement makes clear that the vehicle cannot operate without an active subscription, while required inspections and maintenance must also be carried out.

At $299 per month, the subscription adds $3,588 a year to the cost of ownership after the introductory period, on top of the vehicle's purchase price.

There is another important limitation. The Cybercab can only operate within Tesla-approved areas, meaning ownership does not come with the freedom to travel anywhere in the US. The agreement also restricts commercial use, preventing owners from adding their vehicles to ride-hailing or delivery services without Tesla's authorisation.

Tesla can change the subscription price with notice and restrict access under certain circumstances, potentially leaving owners unable to use a vehicle they have already purchased.

Even Elon Musk has questioned the pricing. As TechCrunch reported, the Tesla CEO acknowledged that the monthly fee was too high and suggested bringing it closer to the cost of the company's existing assisted-driving and connectivity subscriptions.

Meanwhile, Musk says nationwide availability will depend on regulatory approval. US safety regulators are also examining whether the Cybercab complies with federal vehicle safety standards.

For now, Tesla is offering something unusual: a car that customers can own outright, but whose ability to drive remains tied to a continuing subscription.