Tesla Cybercab Purchase Agreement Reveals Strict Ownership and Operating Restrictions

Tesla's Cybercab purchase terms, shared via screenshots on X by user @scotsrule08, reveal a set of restrictive ownership and operating conditions that go well beyond a standard vehicle purchase. The documents, which accompany the $29,990 price tag and $299/month autonomy subscription announced earlier this week, give Tesla significant control over how customers use, modify, transfer, and retain ownership of the autonomous vehicle.

Resale and buyback terms

Under the purchase agreement, owners cannot sell or transfer their Cybercab without Tesla's written permission. Unauthorized transactions carry contractual damages of at least US$50,000, or the full transaction value if higher. Tesla also reserves the right to repurchase a Cybercab at any time at a fair market value determined by the company, with the owner covering the cost of returning the vehicle.

Subscription and operating restrictions

The Autonomy Subscription agreement limits Cybercab operation to Tesla-approved geographic areas, which the company can expand or reduce. The subscription, priced at US$299 per month, covers autonomous driving, connectivity, roadside assistance, and selected maintenance services including tires, windshields, wipers, cabin filters, and camera cleaning. However, owners remain responsible for insurance, charging, registration, and other expenses. Commercial activities, including ride-hailing and rentals, require separate authorization from Tesla.

Enforcement and modifications

• Strikeout system: Three or more infractions for improper or unsafe use trigger a one-week suspension of autonomous driving, without a subscription refund.
• Remote control: Tesla can remotely restrict or disable vehicle operation.
• Modifications: Wraps, window tinting, and wheel changes must go through Tesla or authorized providers.
• Pricing changes: Subscription pricing may change with one month's notice.

What this means for Canadian buyers

While the initial Cybercab deliveries are targeted for Austin, Texas, in December 2026, the restrictive terms set a precedent for how Tesla may structure autonomous vehicle ownership across all markets. For Canadian buyers, the key considerations are the ongoing subscription cost relative to vehicle price, the limited resale market due to transfer restrictions, and the geographic service area constraints. The agreement signals that Tesla envisions the Cybercab less as a traditional owned asset and more as a service-enabled product with significant ongoing operational dependencies.

Screenshots of the agreements were shared by @scotsrule08 on X and reviewed by Drive Tesla Canada.

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