Oops! Many Tesla Cybercabs Actually Do Have Steering Wheels, Undercutting a Core Promise
Tesla has launched limited commercial operations in Austin using Cybercabs that lack steering wheels and pedals, directly undercutting its earlier promise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration responded by launching an investigation and issuing a Special Order requesting information on the technical and legal basis Tesla used to self-certify compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Audit Query AQ26002 specifically examines how Tesla certified a wheel-free vehicle against standards designed for human drivers. Meanwhile, Austin firefighters have expressed worries because touchscreen-only controls prove unreliable during emergency scenes.
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- ✓ Tesla has started limited commercial operations in Austin with Cybercabs that lack steering wheels and pedals.
- ✓ The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation and issued a Special Order demanding information on how Tesla self-certified compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
- ✓ Audit Query AQ26002 examines how Tesla certified a wheel-free Cybercab against federal safety standards written for human drivers.
What changed
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation and issued a Special Order requesting information on Tesla's self-certification.
Live updates
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Tesla Cybercab Steering Wheel Removal Prompts Federal Audit and Safety Concerns
Tesla has launched limited commercial operations in Austin using Cybercabs that lack steering wheels and pedals, directly undercutting its earlier promise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration responded by launching an investigation and issuing a Special Order requesting information on the technical and legal basis Tesla used to self-certify compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Audit Query AQ26002 specifically examines how Tesla certified a wheel-free vehicle against standards designed for human drivers. Meanwhile, Austin firefighters have expressed worries because touchscreen-only controls prove unreliable during emergency scenes.
Why it matters
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is auditing Tesla over its decision to self-certify the vehicle rather than seeking formal exemptions for the pedal-free and steering-wheel-free design. Buyers face ongoing legal and practical restrictions because the two-seater lacks manual controls and authorized driverless capabilities. Despite these regulatory hurdles and safety questions regarding touchscreen reliance, retail customer deliveries remain slated for before the end of 2026.
What is confirmed
- Tesla has started limited commercial operations in Austin with Cybercabs that lack steering wheels and pedals.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation and issued a Special Order demanding information on how Tesla self-certified compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
- Audit Query AQ26002 examines how Tesla certified a wheel-free Cybercab against federal safety standards written for human drivers.
Still unconfirmed
- Austin firefighters and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are worried about the Cybercab's steering-wheel-free design because touchscreen-only controls prove unreliable at emergency scenes.
- The Tesla Cybercab could reach retail customers before 2026 ends.
What to watch next
- Tesla's response to Audit Query AQ26002 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Special Order
- Any formal federal exemption requests or enforcement actions regarding the steering-wheel-free design
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.gadgetreview.com — Tesla Removed the Steering Wheel. Now Firefighters Have ...
- www.all-about-industries.com — Tesla Is Getting Rid of the Steering Wheel—Who Will Now ...
- www.elonosphere.com — Elonosphere - What Federal Standards Ask of a Car With No ...
- startupfortune.com — NHTSA deadlines on Tesla's robotaxi pile up just as Waymo ...
- roitv.com — Tesla Cybercab: The Car You Can’t Drive Yourself - ROI TV
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Tesla Cybercab Faces NHTSA Scrutiny Over Steering-Wheel-Free Design
Tesla maintains plans to begin delivering its Cybercab autonomous vehicles to retail customers by the end of 2026 despite lacking unsupervised autonomous driving approval. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is auditing the vehicle due to Tesla choosing to self-certify its steering-wheel-free and pedal-free design instead of seeking formal exemptions. Buyers continue to face legal and practical restrictions because the two-seater lacks traditional manual controls and authorized driverless capabilities. Regulatory hurdles remain as customer deliveries approach, leaving the vehicle facing a critical regulatory crossroads.
Why it matters
Tesla executives confirmed the delivery timeline during the company third-quarter earnings call. The vehicle design relies entirely on autonomous systems without standard human driving controls. Regulators are actively reviewing the self-certification approach as the company attempts to scale a robotaxi fleet.
What is confirmed
- Tesla plans to begin delivering Cybercab autonomous vehicles to customers by the end of 2026.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Tesla self-certification that the Cybercab meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.
- The Cybercab lacks a steering wheel, brake pedal, or traditional human controls.
Still unconfirmed
- Many Tesla Cybercabs actually do have steering wheels, undercutting a core promise.
What to watch next
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration audit conclusions regarding the self-certification process.
- Decisions on whether Tesla will seek formal federal exemptions for the steering-wheel-free design.
- Actual customer delivery dates before the end of the year.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- finance.yahoo.com — Tesla wants to sell a car with no steering wheel this year
- carcody.com — Tesla Cybercab’s NHTSA Problem: Controls, Compliance and ...
- www.autoblog.com — Tesla Wants to Sell Cybercabs This Year, But There's a ...
- autoautous.com — NHTSA Investigation: Tesla Cybercab Faces Regulatory ...
- lapaasvoice.com — Tesla Says It Will Start Selling Cybercabs by the End of 2026
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Tesla Cybercab Receives Software Update As NHTSA Audit Continues
Tesla riders can now use a live rearview camera feed and a new quiet mode on the Cybercab, with a Tesla engineer stating that Grok helped tune the feature. This arrives as federal regulators audit the vehicle following the company choice to self-certify its steering-wheel-free design instead of pursuing formal exemptions. Tesla previously confirmed plans to sell the pedal-free and steering wheel-free two-seater to retail customers before the end of the year despite lacking unsupervised autonomous driving approval. Buyers continue to face legal and practical restrictions due to the lack of traditional manual controls and authorized driverless capabilities.
Why it matters
Tesla plans to begin selling the Cybercab before the end of the year, targeting retail customers despite regulatory hurdles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an audit into the vehicle hours after launch because Tesla self-certified the design instead of seeking a formal exemption like competitor Zoox. This leaves significant questions regarding how consumers will legally operate the vehicles given the absence of traditional controls and unsupervised autonomous driving approval.
What is confirmed
- Tesla Cybercab riders can now access a live rearview camera feed and a quiet mode.
- A Tesla engineer stated that Grok helped tune the new Cybercab features.
- NHTSA opened an audit into the Cybercab after Tesla self-certified the vehicle.
- Tesla plans to start selling the Cybercab to customers before the end of the year.
What to watch next
- The conclusion of the NHTSA audit into the self-certified Cybercab design
- Any official updates on retail sales of the Cybercab before the end of the year
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.teslarati.com — Tesla makes good on its Cybercab promise in just two weeks
- theautowire.com — Tesla’s Steering-Wheel-Free Cybercab Skipped a Step Every ...
- finance.yahoo.com — Tesla says it will start selling Cybercabs by end of year
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Tesla Plans Cybercab Sales by Year-End Despite Missing Controls
Tesla plans to start selling its pedal-free and steering wheel-free Cybercab to customers before the end of the year, despite lacking unsupervised autonomous driving approval. Lars Moravy, Tesla vice president of engineering, confirmed the retail sales target during the company third-quarter earnings call. However, retail buyers face severe legal and practical restrictions because the two-seater lacks authorized driverless capabilities and traditional manual controls. Federal regulators are simultaneously investigating whether the gold-hued vehicle meets proper safety standards, leaving questions about how consumers will legally operate the cars.
Why it matters
The automaker previously deployed a fleet of more than 300 robotaxis in Austin and targeted Dallas for expansion, though existing test units unexpectedly retained manual steering wheels. Offering the vehicle for direct consumer purchase opens a new revenue stream beyond the initial strategy of a Tesla-owned ride-hailing network. Regulators have already set an October 30 deadline for safety compliance explanations regarding alleged speeding violations.
What is confirmed
- Tesla plans to start selling its autonomous Cybercab two-seater to customers by the end of the year.
- Lars Moravy, Tesla vice president of engineering, confirmed the sales plan during the company third-quarter earnings call.
- The Cybercab lacks a steering wheel, pedals, and traditional controls.
- Federal regulators are investigating whether the vehicle meets vehicle safety standards.
Still unconfirmed
- Tesla wants to sell Cybercabs to other transport companies before the year ends.
- Almost all Cybercabs delivered to customers this year will stay in Tesla's own fleet according to Musk.
What to watch next
- Federal safety compliance explanations due by October 30.
- Regulatory decisions regarding unsupervised autonomous driving approval for the Cybercab.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- evdigest.org — Tesla Plans to Sell Steering Wheel-Free Cybercab to Consumers ...
- electrek.co — Tesla wants to sell you a useless car with no steering wheel ...
- finance.yahoo.com — Tesla says it will start selling Cybercabs by end of year
- www.engadget.com — Tesla Plans To Start Selling Cybercabs By The End Of The ...
- www.androguider.com — Tesla Cybercab Sales Launching by End of 2026 Despite Federal ...
- www.digitaltrends.com — Musk says you can’t just buy the Cybercab. It’s primarily for Tesla-owned cab service
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Tesla Cybercab Fleet Expands in Austin as Steering Wheel Discrepancies Emerge
Tesla expanded its Austin robotaxi fleet from fewer than 40 vehicles to more than 300 in about a month, with Dallas designated as the next deployment target. The rollout underscores ongoing attention toward the vehicle's $25,000 price point and autonomous capability. However, test units in various locations retain steering wheels and manual controls, creating a contradiction with initial promises of a design entirely lacking a steering wheel and pedals. Meanwhile, federal regulators are reviewing petitions regarding alleged speeding violations and have established an October 30 deadline for safety compliance explanations.
Why it matters
The Austin fleet expansion highlights Tesla's push into autonomous ride-hailing services. At the same time, discrepancies between promotional designs and regional test units complicate the rollout. Regulatory scrutiny regarding speeding allegations adds compliance pressure as the company introduces the two-seater to new markets like Dallas.
What is confirmed
- Tesla's robotaxi fleet in Austin grew from fewer than 40 vehicles to more than 300 in about a month.
- Federal regulators gave Tesla until October 30 to explain how the vehicle design complies with safety standards.
- Federal regulators are reviewing petitions to investigate alleged speeding violations by Tesla driverless vehicles.
Still unconfirmed
- The Cybercab model's entry into the European market is possible no earlier than 2027 and depends on obtaining permits.
- Prominent Tesla watcher @wholemars highlighted the $25,000 price point as a landmark moment for EV accessibility.
What to watch next
- Tesla's response to federal regulators regarding safety standards compliance by October 30
- The official launch of the Cybercab fleet in Dallas
- Decisions by federal regulators regarding the investigation of alleged speeding violations
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.fool.com — Tesla's Cybercab Robotaxi Fleet Jumped Eightfold in a Month ...
- motoram.ru — Tesla brought Cybercab without steering wheel and pedals to ...
- dallasinnovates.com — Tesla Cybercab Heads to Dallas: How It Differs From Robotaxi
- teslanorth.com — Tesla Brings a Cybercab to the Paris Motor Show
- www.teslarati.com — Tesla Cybercab and Robotaxi's real advantage won't be the ...
- www.fool.com — Tesla Just Launched the Cybercab in Austin. Here's How Many ...
- autos.yahoo.com — Tesla Went From 40 to 300 Cybercabs in a Month—and the Car Has No Steering Wheel
- www.basenor.com — Tesla Cybercab Revealed: The First Tesla With No Steering Wheel
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Tesla's Austin Cybercab Fleet Swells to 300+, Feds Scrutinize Safety
Tesla's Cybercab robotaxi fleet in Austin has grown to over 300 vehicles, an eightfold increase in 30 days. However, test units in other locations still have steering wheels and manual controls, contradicting initial promises of a steering wheel-less design. Federal regulators are reviewing petitions to investigate alleged speeding violations by Tesla's driverless vehicles and have given Tesla until October 30 to explain how the design complies with safety standards.
Why it matters
Tesla's push into autonomous vehicle sales relies heavily on the success of the Cybercab, which launched in Austin as a two-seater. The vehicle's road-legal status is under federal regulatory scrutiny. The Cybercab's design and safety features are crucial to its adoption and Tesla's future in the autonomous vehicle market.
What is confirmed
- Tesla's Cybercab fleet in Austin has grown to over 300 vehicles.
- The Cybercab fleet in Austin increased eightfold in 30 days.
- Federal regulators are reviewing a petition to investigate alleged speeding violations by Tesla's driverless vehicles.
- Tesla has until October 30 to explain how the Cybercab's design complies with safety standards.
Still unconfirmed
- Cybercabs will launch in Dallas soon.
What to watch next
- Tesla's response to federal regulators on the Cybercab's safety standards by October 30
- Investigations into alleged speeding violations by Tesla's driverless vehicles
- Expansion of the Cybercab fleet to other locations, including Dallas
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- teslanorth.com — Tesla Scales Austin Cybercab Fleet to 300+
- gizmodo.com — Feds Eye Probe Into Reports of Tesla Robotaxis Zooming Through School Zones
- topelectricsuv.com — First Look Review: Tesla Cybercab wants to make driverless ...
- wheelfront.com — Tesla's Cybercab Bet: Sell the Ride or Sell the Time? | Wheel ...
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Tesla Cybercabs Spotted With Steering Wheels Amid Expansion
Tesla continues to expand its Texas Cybercab robotaxi fleet while facing ongoing federal regulatory scrutiny over the vehicle's road-legal status. Elon Musk's push to pivot his company toward autonomous vehicle sales relies heavily on the success of the Cybercab, which launched in Austin as a two-seater. However, test units spotted in other locations maintain steering wheels and manual controls to operate via human-driven Level 2 driver-assistance systems for street mapping. Meanwhile, federal regulators granted Tesla until October 30 to explain how the steering wheel-less design complies with safety standards.
Why it matters
The presence of manual controls in test vehicles undercuts Tesla's core promise of a completely autonomous, wheel-less robotaxi cabin. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe into the vehicle just hours after its initial Austin launch, creating regulatory pressure for the manufacturer. While the company scales its fleet size and extends operating hours in Austin, it faces an uphill battle to close the robotaxi lead held by competitors like Waymo.
What is confirmed
- Tesla launched the Cybercab robotaxi in Austin.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave Tesla until October 30 to explain how the steering wheel-less Cybercab meets federal safety standards.
- Tesla builds the Cybercab at Giga Texas in Austin.
Still unconfirmed
- A potential 24/7 robotaxi launch in Austin is tied to FSD v15 this month.
- A fleet of at least 18 Cybercabs was parked in New York following sightings in Boston and Philadelphia.
What to watch next
- Tesla's official response to the NHTSA probe due by October 30.
- Potential deployment of a 24/7 robotaxi service in Austin tied to FSD v15.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (10)
- www.cnbc.com — Tesla Cybercab pressure to expand after rocky first month in ...
- www.tekedia.com — Tesla’s Cybercab Fleet Is Growing Fast, but Waymo’s Robotaxi Lead Is Getting Harder to Close
- startupfortune.com — Tesla's Cybercab Hits an NHTSA Probe Just Hours Into Its ...
- www.basenor.com — Cybercab UK Showcase: 5 Details That Matter - basenor.com
- www.cybercab.news — CyberCab.News
- www.notateslaapp.com — Tesla Gets Extension to Respond to NHTSA's Cybercab Probe
- www.notateslaapp.com — Tesla Extends Robotaxi Hours in Austin, Adds 111 Cybercabs
- aboutthecars.com — 2026 Tesla Cybercab production starts at Gigafactory Texas
- autoautous.com — Cybercab’s Hidden Manuals and What It Means for Tesla’s ...
- www.basenor.com — Tesla Cybercab's 21-Inch Screen Redefines the In-Ride Experience
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Tesla Expands Texas Cybercab Fleet Amid Scrutiny Over Controls
Tesla has expanded its registered Texas Cybercab robotaxi fleet to 158 vehicles, more than doubling the total in less than two weeks according to Texas DMV data. This rapid growth occurs while federal regulators investigate the vehicle's road-legal status. The autonomous robotaxi was initially launched in Austin as a two-seater lacking traditional driving controls like a steering wheel and pedals. However, test units spotted elsewhere maintain these manual controls to operate via human-driven Level 2 driver-assistance systems for street mapping and data collection.
Why it matters
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration previously launched a formal inquiry into the vehicle design by issuing a Special Order with 21 detailed questions. Regulatory scrutiny focuses on how Tesla achieves legal compliance for vehicles missing standard physical controls. Meanwhile, test vehicles equipped with steering wheels and pedals use human drivers to gather mapping data.
What is confirmed
- Tesla's registered Cybercab fleet in Texas reached 158 vehicles by October 2, up from 69 units on September 23.
- The latest registration batch added 32 vehicles to the Texas fleet.
- Tesla's purpose-built robotaxi removes the steering wheel and pedals while featuring entertainment elements and butterfly doors.
What to watch next
- Tesla's formal responses to the 21 detailed questions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Further updates from the Texas DMV regarding fleet registration numbers.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.basenor.com — Tesla Cybercab Fleet Hits 158 in Texas: Your Questions Answered
- autos.yahoo.com — Inside Tesla's Cybercab: No steering wheel, no pedals and a ...
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Tesla Cybercab Fleets Face Scrutiny Over Missing Steering Wheels
Tesla launched its two-seater autonomous Cybercab in Austin without a steering wheel or pedals, triggering a federal inquiry. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a formal Special Order demanding sworn answers regarding how these vehicles achieve road-legal status. Meanwhile, test vehicles spotted elsewhere feature steering wheels and pedals, relying on a Level 2 driver-assistance system operated by human drivers to map streets and collect data. Federal regulators set a deadline for Tesla to answer 21 detailed questions about removable controls.
Why it matters
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is examining how Tesla vehicles achieve road-legal status without standard controls like steering wheels, pedals, or mirrors. Precedent from competitors like Zoox shows that removable controls can result in federal exemptions capped at 2,500 cars per year. Tesla doubled its Austin robotaxi fleet to over 100 units while facing this regulatory pressure.
What is confirmed
- Tesla introduced the Cybercab as a two-seater autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals that began operating in Austin.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a formal Special Order requiring sworn answers regarding how the vehicles achieve road-legal status without standard steering wheels, pedals, or mirrors.
- Test vehicles spotted in West Seattle feature steering wheels and pedals, using a Level 2 driver-assistance system operated by human drivers to map streets and collect data.
Still unconfirmed
- Tesla responses to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Special Order were due September 30.
- The regulatory inquiry could end in an exemption capped at 2,500 cars a year, based on the Zoox precedent.
What to watch next
- Public release of Tesla's sworn answers to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration special order.
- Federal decisions regarding vehicle safety exemptions for fleets without steering wheels or pedals.
- Expansion or restriction of the Austin robotaxi fleet size.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- theautowire.com — Tesla Cybercab NHTSA Answers Due Sept. 30, and the Zoox Precedent
- www.fingid.com.ua — Tesla Launched Cybercab Without a Steering Wheel or Pedals in ...
- electrek.co — Tesla Cybercab | Electrek
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Tesla Cybercabs Spotted With Steering Wheels Amid NHTSA Scrutiny
Tesla doubled its Austin robotaxi fleet to over 100 units over the weekend while facing a federal deadline to answer 21 detailed questions from safety regulators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a formal Special Order demanding sworn answers regarding how the vehicles achieve road-legal status without standard steering wheels, pedals, or mirrors. Meanwhile, test vehicles spotted in West Seattle feature steering wheels and pedals, using a Level 2 driver-assistance system operated by human drivers to map streets and collect data.
Why it matters
The regulatory inquiry centers on whether removable controls factored into the certification of a vehicle lacking traditional driver inputs. Competitor Zoox previously required a three-year process for its similar vehicle files, indicating that federal exemptions may be capped at 2,500 cars per year. Tesla must justify its approach under driver-era safety rules.
What is confirmed
- Tesla doubled its Cybercab robotaxi fleet in Austin, Texas, to well over 100 units over the weekend.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a formal Special Order on September 10, 2026, demanding sworn answers to 21 detailed questions.
- Tesla's response to the federal safety inquiry was due by the end of day on September 30, 2026.
- Tesla Cybercabs spotted during test runs in West Seattle are equipped with steering wheels and pedals and are operated by human drivers using a Level 2 driver-assistance system.
Still unconfirmed
- Removable controls figured into the Cybercab's certification process.
What to watch next
- Tesla's official response to the 21 questions posed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Any federal regulatory decisions regarding exemptions or road-legal status for vehicles without standard driver controls.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.teslarati.com — Tesla Cybercab fleet doubles to well over 100 units - TESLARATI
- www.basenor.com — NHTSA's Cybercab Inquiry: What Tesla Must Answer Today
- www.evshift.com — NHTSA’s Cybercab Inquiry: What Tesla Must Answer Today
- autos.yahoo.com — Tesla Owes NHTSA 21 Cybercab Answers Today. Zoox’s Version ...
- bellevueseattle.com — FOLLOWUP: What SDOT says about those Cybercab sightings
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Tesla Faces NHTSA Scrutiny Over Cybercab Steering
Tesla must prove to government regulators that its steering-wheel-free Cybercab is legal to sell and safe for the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration demanded answers regarding the vehicle, which lacks steering wheels, pedals, or sensors. Meanwhile, a Cybercab touring Australia revealed consumer-focused software on a 21-inch center screen, and CubCloud AI applied to host Montana's first fleet of the autonomous vehicles. These developments unfold as used Model 3 and Model Y prices drop because older hardware versions miss out on unsupervised full self-driving capabilities.
Why it matters
The regulatory inquiry centers on the severe divide between standard supervised driver-assistance products and fully control-free robotaxis. While supervised systems place liability on the human driver, vehicles lacking steering controls must pass rigorous federal safety certifications and operating permissions before hitting public roads. Tesla faces substantial financial liabilities if it fails to verify its self-certification process with federal safety officials.
What is confirmed
- Tesla must prove to government regulators that the Cybercab is legal to sell and safe for the road.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requested answers regarding the vehicle by September 30.
- A Cybercab touring Australia displayed consumer-focused software running on a 21-inch center screen.
- CubCloud AI applied to host Montana's first fleet of Tesla Cybercabs in early September.
Still unconfirmed
- Some Cybercab units possess steering wheels and joysticks while others do not.
What to watch next
- Tesla's formal response to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding vehicle safety and certification.
- Federal decisions regarding potential penalties or sales restrictions on control-free vehicles.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (9)
- finance.yahoo.com — Tesla must prove Cybercab is legal to sell, NHTSA says
- finance.yahoo.com — Tesla's new Cybercab has no steering wheel, pedals or sensors — and NHTSA wants answers by Sept. 30
- www.youtube.com — Tesla Cybercab Is Finally REAL — No Steering Wheel, No Driver!
- nova.kapualabs.com — Regulatory and Legal Environment - nova.kapualabs.com
- carbuzz.com — Tesla's Cybercab Launch Just Turned 2021-2024 Model 3 And ...
- futurism.com — Futurism | Science and Technology News
- www.notateslaapp.com — What the Cybercab's Consumer-Facing UI Looks Like [VIDEO]
- teslahubs.com — What the Cybercab's Consumer-Facing UI Looks Like – Hub
- www.montanakaimin.com — CubCloud AI applies to host Montana’s first fleet of Tesla ...
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NHTSA Demands Proof of Cybercab Legality Amid Conflicting Wheel Reports
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a Special Order requiring Tesla to prove under oath that the steering-wheel-less Cybercab complies with federal safety standards. This legal demand arrives as reports on the vehicle's interior remain contradictory. While some accounts claim units possess steering wheels and joysticks, a recent test drive of a golden model confirmed the absence of both a steering wheel and brake pedal. Tesla faces potential liabilities of $139M if it cannot verify its self-certification process.
Why it matters
Tesla marketed the Cybercab as a fully autonomous taxi without manual controls. This design creates friction with US safety regulators and emergency responders who rely on standard vehicle interfaces for recovery.
What is confirmed
- The NHTSA issued a Special Order demanding Tesla prove under oath that the steering-wheel-less Cybercab meets federal safety standards.
- A test drive of a golden Cybercab confirmed the vehicle lacks a steering wheel and brake pedal.
Still unconfirmed
- Some Cybercab units possess steering wheels and hidden joystick controls.
- Texas fire departments issued warnings regarding the recovery of models lacking steering wheels.
- US safety regulators are auditing approximately 1,000 vehicles regarding Tesla's self-certification process.
What to watch next
- Tesla's sworn response to the NHTSA Special Order
- The outcome of the $139M safety standards dispute
- Confirmation of whether steering wheels exist in production units
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.businessinsider.com — I took Elon Musk's 'golden robot' for a test drive — and saw the Cybercab's strengths and weaknesses first-hand
- electrek.co — NHTSA orders Tesla to prove its Cybercab is legal to sell, under oath
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Tesla Cybercab Manual Controls Surface Amid Regulatory Audit
Tesla Cybercabs are appearing with steering wheels and hidden joystick controls, contradicting the company's promise of a wheel-less autonomous taxi. While Elon Musk marketed the vehicle without pedals, mirrors, or steering wheels, reports indicate some units possess these manual interfaces. This discrepancy comes as US safety regulators launch an audit of approximately 1,000 vehicles regarding Tesla's self-certification process. Simultaneously, the lack of steering wheels in some models has drawn warnings from Texas fire departments regarding emergency vehicle recovery.
Why it matters
The Cybercab was designed as a fully autonomous robotaxi to eliminate human driving interfaces. The discovery of manual controls suggests a gap between the product's marketing and its actual deployment. This raises legal questions about how the cars are certified for public roads.
What is confirmed
- US safety regulators have opened an audit of about 1,000 cars over Tesla's self-certification.
- Tesla Cybercabs have begun operating on the streets of New York City.
- The Cybercab was designed to operate without pedals, mirrors, or a steering wheel.
Still unconfirmed
- A software glitch caused a Tesla Cybercab robotaxi ride to fail.
- Texas fire departments expressed concern over the lack of steering wheels in the Cybercab.
What to watch next
- Results of the US safety regulator audit of 1,000 vehicles
- Official Tesla confirmation regarding the presence of manual controls in production units
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (10)
- MotorTrend — Tesla Cybercab First Ride: What It’s Really Like to Use Tesla’s New Autonomous Taxi
- NBC News — Tesla Cybercab draws concern from Texas fire department over lack of steering wheel
- Gothamist — Autonomous Tesla Cybercabs hit the streets of New York City
- Car and Driver — Tesla Reinvents the Steering Wheel Once Again with Hidden Cybercab Joystick Controls
- MotorTrend — A Software Glitch Took Down Our Tesla Cybercab Robotaxi Ride
- Futurism — Firefighters Say There’s a Glaring Issue With Tesla’s Cybercab
- Futurism — There’s a Huge Economic Problem With Tesla’s Cybercabs
- Futurism — Oops! Many Tesla Cybercabs Actually Do Have Steering Wheels, Undercutting a Core Promise
- The Times of India — Elon Musk's Cybercab has no steering wheel, pedals or mirrors; US safety regulators open audit of about 1,000 cars over Tesla's self-certification
- autos.yahoo.com — Tesla Cybercab’s Hidden Joystick Adds a New Twist to Its Autonomy Story, and the NHTSA May Want Answers
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