Technology & Science
NHTSA opens probe after Tesla deploys steering-wheel-free Cybercabs
The two-seat vehicle lacks a steering wheel and pedals; the inquiry is examining Tesla's claim that it complies with federal motor-vehicle safety standards.
Executive summary
- The investigation: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an Audit Query into Tesla's certification that the Cybercab complies with all applicable federal motor-vehicle safety standards.NHTSA — Investigation into Tesla Cybercab self-certificationAssociated Press — Federal probe follows Tesla Cybercab launch
- The deployment: The inquiry followed Tesla's commercial rollout of driverless Cybercabs in limited areas of Austin, Texas.NHTSA — Investigation into Tesla Cybercab self-certificationTesla — Cybercab rider informationAssociated Press — Tesla launches Cybercab service in Austin
- The design: The two-seat vehicle has no steering wheel or pedals, leaving passengers without conventional driving controls.Tesla — Cybercab rider informationAssociated Press — Federal probe follows Tesla Cybercab launchAssociated Press — Tesla launches Cybercab service in Austin
- What it means: The audit examines Tesla's self-certification; it is not a finding that the Cybercab violates a safety standard or an order removing the vehicles from service.NHTSA — Investigation into Tesla Cybercab self-certification
Federal auto-safety regulators opened an investigation into Tesla's Cybercab certification Friday, one day after the company began offering commercial rides in the steering-wheel-free vehicles in Austin, Texas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said its Audit Query will examine Tesla's assertion that the Cybercab meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.NHTSA — Investigation into Tesla Cybercab self-certificationAssociated Press — Federal probe follows Tesla Cybercab launch
The Cybercab is a two-seat autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel, brake pedal or accelerator pedal. Tesla says rides are available in limited areas of Austin through its Robotaxi service, while the Associated Press reported that dozens of the gold-colored vehicles entered service around the company's launch event Thursday.Tesla — Cybercab rider informationAssociated Press — Tesla launches Cybercab service in AustinAssociated Press — Federal probe follows Tesla Cybercab launch
Automakers certify that vehicles sold or operated in the United States comply with federal safety standards, and NHTSA can audit those certifications. The agency said the new inquiry followed Tesla's commercial deployment and will test whether the company's certification is supported by compliance with the rules that apply to the vehicle.NHTSA — Investigation into Tesla Cybercab self-certification
The opening of an Audit Query is an investigative step, not a determination that Tesla broke a safety rule. NHTSA has not announced a recall, ordered the Cybercabs out of service or published a final conclusion about their compliance.NHTSA — Investigation into Tesla Cybercab self-certificationAssociated Press — Federal probe follows Tesla Cybercab launch
The launch gives Tesla a purpose-built vehicle for its expanding ride-hailing network after initially operating modified Model Y vehicles. It also places the Cybercab's unconventional design under immediate federal scrutiny as Tesla tries to expand autonomous service beyond Austin.Tesla — Cybercab rider informationAssociated Press — Tesla launches Cybercab service in AustinAssociated Press — Federal probe follows Tesla Cybercab launch