Tesla Cybercab to Let Riders See Rear and Side Camera Feeds

Tesla is developing a software feature that will allow Cybercab riders to view rear and side camera feeds on demand during their trip, addressing a current limitation where passengers have no visual access to the vehicle’s surroundings while in motion.

What Happened

Following a ride in the Cybercab, Tesla enthusiast Dan Burkland requested the ability to pull up rear and repeater cameras for peace of mind. Evan, a UI software engineer at Tesla, confirmed the feature is "In development," though no release date was provided. Currently, the Cybercab’s eight external cameras only display video on a "Please Exit Safely" screen when a ride concludes, showing left, rear, and right views to help passengers check for traffic before opening doors. The vehicle lacks physical side and rear-view mirrors, meaning riders currently have no way to see out the back or sides during the ride itself.

Why It Matters

The addition of on-demand camera views could improve passenger comfort, particularly for first-time riders accustomed to traditional vehicles. With no steering wheel, brake pedal, or driver present, visual access to the environment may help alleviate anxiety. This update is part of a broader set of cabin improvements teased by Cybercab chief engineer Eric Earley, which also includes new seats. As Tesla expands its robotaxi fleet to more than 300 vehicles in Austin and prepares to launch in Dallas, software enhancements remain a primary method for refining the user experience without hardware changes.

The Bottom Line

The feature is currently in development and will likely be deployed to the existing fleet via over-the-air update once ready, requiring no new hardware. Meanwhile, the Cybercab’s lack of mirrors continues to draw regulatory scrutiny, with NHTSA recently granting Tesla a 30-day extension to respond to questions regarding the vehicle’s compliance with federal safety standards.