Tesla’s upcoming Cybercab robotaxi may end up launching with a steering wheel and pedals after all, despite earlier claims it would be fully autonomous and control-free.
Regulatory Pressure Forces Possible Redesign
Tesla plans to release the Cybercab in Q2 next year, but safety regulations may prevent the company from removing driving controls.
Robyn Denholm, Tesla’s Chair of the Board, said in a Bloomberg interview that Tesla may need to adapt:
“If we have to have a steering wheel, it can have a steering wheel and pedals.”
This represents a major shift from Tesla’s original concept.
Original Design Had No Driver Controls
Tesla first revealed the Cybercab at the We Robot event in Los Angeles last year. The vehicle was designed as a Level 5 autonomous ride-sharing car with:
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No steering wheel or pedals
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Two-passenger seating
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Design optimized for low cost per mile
Elon Musk has repeatedly emphasized that the Cybercab is built specifically for full autonomy and not traditional driving.
Musk Still Pushing Full Autonomy Vision
Musk recently reiterated that the Cybercab is “optimized for full autonomy” and does not need traditional driving controls. He explained that Tesla designed it differently from performance vehicles because it focuses on comfort and efficiency, not aggressive acceleration or high-speed driving.
Regulations Stand in the Way
Current U.S. regulations still require steering wheels and pedals, even for autonomous vehicles like those from Waymo or Tesla. This could delay Tesla’s original vision.
If regulations don’t change in time, Tesla may launch the Cybercab with traditional controls to meet legal requirements.
What’s Next
Tesla is still pushing toward a driverless future, but regulators may determine the final Cybercab design. The company has made it clear it is willing to adjust if necessary to get the Cybercab on the road.