What happened
Tesla officially added the steering-wheel-free Cybercab to its autonomous taxi fleet last week, beginning passenger service in Austin, Texas.
The service, which appears futuristic in videos, has drawn a largely negative reaction from online commenters.
Why it matters
Public perception is crucial for the adoption of autonomous vehicles, and widespread skepticism could slow regulatory acceptance and market growth.
The negative sentiment suggests that even with advanced technology, trust and comfort remain significant hurdles for driverless services.
Key facts
Tesla added the Cybercab to its robotaxi fleet last week.
The Cybercab has no steering wheel.
Passenger service started in Austin, Texas.
Most online commenters expressed a negative attitude toward the Cybercab.
What to watch next
Whether Tesla addresses public concerns through communication or service improvements.
How the service performs in Austin and whether it expands to other cities despite the skepticism.