Tesla’s Wheel-Free Cybercabs Under US Safety Investigation Following Launch
Just a day after Tesla launched its wheel-free Cybercabs in Austin, Texas, the vehicles are under investigation by the U.S. auto safety regulator. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is assessing whether the new taxis, which lack traditional controls like steering wheels and brake pedals, comply with federal safety regulations.
The NHTSA’s inquiry will focus on Tesla’s self-certification process for the Cybercabs. The agency is examining whether the two-seat vehicles meet federal requirements. Tesla had previously stated it relied on self-certification to ensure compliance before deploying the Cybercabs on public roads. The NHTSA plans to conduct an audit to review the technical data and processes Tesla used for certification.
Automakers typically self-certify vehicles before public release, but investigations arise when regulators suspect a violation of federal rules. The Cybercab’s design introduces significant changes that could present new safety issues, prompting the NHTSA’s scrutiny.
Musk plans national robotaxi rollout
Elon Musk’s launch of the Cybercab service in Austin is part of a broader vision for a nationwide rollout of a driverless taxi service. Musk claims this initiative will revolutionize transportation. The Cybercabs do not include manual controls for passengers, which means they cannot take over in emergencies. Tesla intends to integrate these vehicles into its existing cab service, which has previously utilized conventional Tesla models.
Tesla’s robotaxi network has been operational in Austin for over a year and has expanded to five other cities in Texas and Florida. Following the launch, Tesla’s shares dropped nearly 6% to $354.08, erasing gains made the previous day amid initial excitement.
Zoox faced similar probe
Tesla is not alone in facing regulatory challenges regarding steering-wheel-free taxis. Zoox, a rival taxi service, underwent a similar investigation three years ago after self-certifying its own steering-wheel-free vehicles. Approval was granted only after a formal review by regulators.
In addition to the Cybercab investigation, Tesla is currently dealing with multiple federal inquiries into the safety of its self-driving software. One investigation examines the software’s involvement in crashes under low-visibility conditions, including a fatal incident involving a pedestrian. Another probe focuses on incidents where Teslas using partial self-driving software ran red lights or drove on the wrong side of the road, resulting in injuries. A third investigation is looking into Tesla’s compliance with regulatory requirements regarding timely crash reporting.
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