Tesla Cybercab Spotted Testing in Chicago, Faces Trademark Woes

Elon Musk aims for $30,000 price tag as production nears, but legal challenges loom.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tesla's upcoming Cybercab autonomous vehicle was recently spotted testing on a highway near Chicago, as the company gears up for April production and a targeted $30,000 retail price. However, Tesla is also facing trademark challenges from a beverage wholesaler, Unibev, which has allegedly squatted on related trademarks like 'Cybertaxi' in an attempt to extract money from the automaker.

Why it matters

The Cybercab is a crucial part of Tesla's robotaxi and self-driving ambitions, so any production delays or legal issues could impact the company's broader autonomous vehicle strategy. Additionally, the $30,000 price point is an important milestone for making Tesla's technology more accessible to mainstream consumers.

The details

In a video posted on X, a user shared footage of the Cybercab testing on a highway near Chicago, noting that the vehicle appeared to be driven by a human rather than in autonomous mode. Tesla has recently filed an appeal with the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office against Unibev, alleging the company has fraudulently obtained trademarks related to the Cybercab and other Tesla products in an attempt to extract money from the automaker.

  • Tesla recently rolled off the first production-ready version of the Cybercab.
  • Elon Musk has stated the Cybercab will be available for purchase at $30,000 or less.
  • Tesla filed its trademark appeal against Unibev in recent weeks.

The players

Tesla Inc.

An American electric vehicle and clean energy company that designs and manufactures electric cars, battery energy storage from home to grid-scale products, and related products.

Elon Musk

The CEO and co-founder of Tesla, who has been driving the company's push into autonomous vehicles and robotaxis.

Unibev

A beverage wholesaler that Tesla alleges has fraudulently obtained trademarks related to the Cybercab and other Tesla products.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“After coming back from finding a @Waymo, tonight I see a Cybercab cruising down the highway back to its base in Avondale.”

— @tnertz, X user (X)

“You can tell by the flutter of the brake light engagement and late signal that it's not on fsd.”

— @tnertz, X user (X)

What’s next

The judge in Tesla's trademark case against Unibev will rule on the appeal in the coming weeks, which could impact the Cybercab's production timeline and branding.

The takeaway

Tesla's Cybercab represents a crucial step in the company's autonomous vehicle ambitions, but legal challenges around trademarks could complicate the rollout of this $30,000 robotaxi. The outcome of Tesla's trademark dispute will be an important factor in determining the Cybercab's path to market.