Feds Launch Probe Into Tesla's Steering-Wheel-Free Cybercabs
Apnews · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Federal regulators have launched an investigation into Tesla's self-certification of its new Cybercab vehicles, a day after Elon Musk began offering rides in the steering-wheel-free taxis in Austin, Texas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is examining whether the vehicles, which lack traditional controls, comply with federal safety rules. The probe comes as Tesla faces broader scrutiny over its autonomous driving technology.
Key Points
- NHTSA opened an investigation on September 3, 2026, covering approximately 1,000 Cybercab vehicles Tesla deployed in Austin, Texas
- The Cybercabs lack conventional manual controls including brake pedals, gas pedals, steering wheels, and mirrors
- Tesla certified the vehicles as compliant with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards before deployment
- Tesla stock fell nearly 6% to $354.08 on Friday, erasing gains from the launch excitement
- Rival autonomous taxi service Zoox faced a similar probe three years ago and received approval only after a formal review
Why It Matters
The investigation highlights the regulatory challenges facing autonomous vehicle technology as companies push to deploy vehicles without traditional controls on public roads. The outcome could set precedents for how future steering-wheel-free vehicles are certified and deployed across the United States .
The investigation highlights the regulatory challenges facing autonomous vehicle technology as companies push to deploy vehicles without traditional controls on public roads. The outcome could set precedents for how future steering-wheel-free vehicles are certified and deployed across the United States .