Tesla Giga Texas Expands Cybercab Production with New Castings, Targets 2026 Rollout

Today, Sawyer Merritt shared images on X revealing Tesla‘s Giga Texas facility preparing for Cybercab production, with casting racks labeled “CTTX” (Cybertruck Texas) and “RTTX” (Robotaxi Texas). Joe Tegtmeyer also posted photos showing new castings distinct from Model Y and Cybertruck designs, hinting at Tesla’s next-gen autonomous vehicle components. This development signals Tesla’s push toward mass production of its Cybercab, with a timeline set for early 2026.

Cybercab Castings Signal Production Ramp-Up

Merritt’s photos show racks of castings at Giga Texas, a facility known for its Giga Press machines that produce large-scale aluminum castings for vehicle frames. The labels “CTTX” and “RTTX” indicate components for Cybertruck and Robotaxi models. Tegtmeyer noted, “several new kinds of castings that do not look like Model Y or @cybertruck,” suggesting Tesla is diversifying its production line for the Cybercab, an all-electric, fully autonomous vehicle aimed at revolutionizing urban transport.

Tesla has been installing Cybercab production equipment for months, according to Merritt. He referenced a public interview where Lars Moravy, Tesla’s Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, stated, “the first Cybercab prototype builds were slated to start this summer, with general mass production to start in early 2026.” This aligns with Tesla’s aggressive timeline to dominate the robotaxi market.

Industry Context and Market Implications

Tesla’s Giga Press technology, capable of producing single-piece castings up to 9,000 tons of clamping force, reduces assembly complexity and cuts production costs by approximately 20%, per industry estimates. The new castings could enable a lighter, more efficient Cybercab frame, potentially lowering the vehicle’s cost to around $25,000 USD, a competitive price point for mass-market adoption. However, regulatory hurdles remain, as the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has yet to fully approve Level 5 autonomous vehicles for public roads.

EVXL’s Take

Tesla’s Cybercab production signals a bold step toward autonomous EV dominance, but the 2026 timeline raises questions. Scaling production while navigating regulatory uncertainty could delay market entry. Still, Tesla’s Giga Press advancements and focus on cost efficiency position the Cybercab as a potential game-changer for urban mobility, challenging competitors like Waymo and Cruise. EV enthusiasts should watch closely as Tesla balances innovation with practical deployment.

Photos courtesy of Sawyer Merritt and Joe Tegtmeyer.