Tesla Starts Selling Cybercab at $29,900, but With Strings Attached

US electric carmaker Tesla has officially started selling its autonomous two-seat Cybercab. The starting price is $29,900, close to the $30,000 the company promised earlier. However, the offer comes with conditions that significantly affect the total cost.

Two key conditions

First, only customers who have received a special invitation can currently place an order. No public ordering page is available yet. Placing an order requires a non-refundable deposit of $1,000.

Second, buyers must subscribe to Tesla's Autonomy driving system, previously known as Full Self Driving. It costs $299 per month. If the price stays unchanged, the subscription alone adds just under $18,000 over five years, bringing the total cost of the car over that period to $47,840.

Is it worth it?

Whether nearly $50,000 for a two-seater is a good deal depends on the autonomous driving capabilities. If passengers can watch a film, work or sleep during a trip, and also use the car as a driverless taxi, its value is higher than that of an ordinary car.

There is a risk, though: the Cybercab has neither a steering wheel nor pedals, so the owner is fully dependent on Tesla and the monthly fee it sets. If the company raises the subscription price, the buyer will have to either pay more or sell the car. Not everyone, moreover, believes in Tesla's chosen "vision only" self-driving approach.

Those who order a Cybercab now can expect delivery this December.