Tesla’s ambitious Cybercab, set to roll out in 2026, is likely to include a steering wheel, a departure from its initial design as a fully autonomous vehicle. Regulatory hurdles appear to be the key factor driving this change, despite Elon Musk’s long-held vision of a steering wheel-free future.
According to Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm, adhering to federal safety standards is paramount. Selling a vehicle without a steering wheel necessitates regulatory exemptions, which could severely restrict production volume and market access. The Cybercab, originally conceived without manual controls, now faces the practical realities of navigating stringent regulations.
The decision also follows the difficulties encountered by GM’s Cruise Origin, which faced similar regulatory challenges before General Motors ultimately abandoned the project due to safety concerns.
Even with an exemption, Tesla’s Cybercab production would be capped at a mere 2,500 units annually. While the US Department of Transportation is working to expedite the exemption review process, raising the vehicle cap requires congressional approval. Complicating matters further are reported tensions between Secretary Sean Duffy and Elon Musk, potentially impacting the regulatory path for the Cybercab.