In the past, Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk has repeated multiple times that ‘safety is paramount’ to us. The automaker continually improves its safety measures in light of this principle.
With the launch of its fully autonomous ride-hailing service using the Cybercab and Model Y robotaxis, Tesla has an even greater responsibility for public safety. Not just the occupants; these autonomous cars should also be safe for the entire community they operate in.
In a recent short video shared by Tesla, the automaker showed how it’s ensuring that first responders are trained and ready to handle any incident involving a Cybercab or a Model Y Robotaxi.
Austin, Texas, was the first city where Tesla launched its Unsupervised Robotaxi Service using Model Y mid-sized electric SUVs in January. In September, Tesla once again chose Austin to launch the Cybercab (no steering wheel, pedals, or a human safety supervisor).
As of this writing, Tesla has registered 49 Cybercabs in Austin, Texas, as robotaxi ride-hailing vehicles.
The Need for Cybercab Safety Training
As the number of Tesla Robotaxis gradually increases on city streets, first responders (police, fire, rescue departments, etc.) increasingly need to know these vehicles inside and out.
In recognition of this need, Tesla is working with the Austin Metro Police and other local government departments to strengthen public road safety.
In recent years, there have been multiple electric vehicle fires. As the technology was new, most firefighters were not well aware of how to extinguish a lithium battery fire. Over time, emergency first responders are being trained to handle EV fires and how to handle the overall situation.
Tesla vehicles are designed and engineered differently in many ways. For example, external door handles and how doors open from the inside differ from traditional vehicles.
Cybercab is even more different. It does not even have door handles, and the butterfly doors open upward rather than outward. Safety personnel need to know these differences and how to open them after an accident.
Train like you fight, fight like you train
— Robotaxi (@robotaxi) September 18, 2026
First responder feedback is directly incorporated into the design & safe operation of Cybercab pic.twitter.com/AqNyM53Kdh
Tesla Cybercab Crash and Fire Safety
Tesla started crash testing of the Cybercab at the Giga Texas Crash Lab at the end of last year.
Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) AI self-driving system has a lower probability of a crash compared to human drivers, but Unsupervised FSD has limited testing data available as of now.
In the last ~9 months since its launch in 6 cities, Tesla Robotaxis haven’t yet been involved in a major incident. Cybercab has been operational only for a few weeks, and it has kept its safety streak intact.
Tesla cars have also improved fire-related safety in crash incidents over the years. Even after falling off a cliff (intentionally), even a legacy Model 3 did not catch fire. Newer-generation Tesla models are even safer as they receive continuous engineering improvements.
The data, training, and feedback loop from first responders will further improve safety for Tesla’s unsupervised vehicles. This will play a pivotal role in Cybercab and Tesla Robotaxi ride-hailing adoption in the future.
Train like you fight, fight like you train.
First responder feedback is directly incorporated into the design & safe operation of Cybercab.
Tesla, Inc. (TSLA).
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 shares how it's using the first responders' training and feedback to maximize the safety of Cybercab and Model Y Robotaxis (video and details).){kind=link}