Tesla Nearly Quadruples Texas Cybercab Approvals

Tesla has nearly quadrupled the number of Cybercabs authorized for commercial service in Texas, from 45 at the September launch to 169 a month later, as it tries to scale its Austin robotaxi business. The steering-wheel-free two-seaters have drawn complaints from passengers about long waits, incorrect pickup and drop-off locations, and problems with doors and trunks. The debut is an early test of Tesla’s plan to make autonomous ride-hailing a major growth engine, but the company must improve the service as its conventional vehicle business faces weak deliveries and competition from lower-priced Chinese electric vehicles. Waymo, meanwhile, has a larger authorized Texas fleet and is expanding in U.S. cities while planning international launches.