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2 sources·Started 28d ago·Updated 27d ago
Tesla Tests Production Cybercab Without Steering Wheel or Pedals in Austin
TeslaCybercabAustinNHTSAWaymoElon MuskModel YAustin robotaxi service
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TNTE
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Tesla has begun public-road testing of a production Cybercab that lacks a steering wheel and pedals, marking the first time the company has operated a vehicle without manual controls on public roads. The two-seat, gold-colored robotaxi is being tested in Austin, Texas, with a safety monitor in the right passenger seat. Tesla posted a video of the test on X, showing the vehicle navigating city streets autonomously. Source: The Next Web Source: TechCrunch
Regulatory Shift
The test follows a recent NHTSA proposal that would eliminate the requirement for brake pedals in vehicles designed exclusively for automated driving systems. The rule change, expected to go through later this year, would remove a major regulatory barrier for the Cybercab. Source: The Next Web Source: TechCrunch
Competition and Strategy
Tesla plans to outcompete current leader Waymo by building both the vehicle and the software, relying solely on cameras for perception rather than Waymo’s more expensive lidar-radar-camera suite. Tesla targets a Cybercab price under $30,000 and a long-term production goal of two million units per year. Source: The Next Web However, Waymo currently operates 577 robotaxis in Texas versus Tesla’s 42. Source: The Next Web
Challenges
Both companies have faced issues scaling autonomous driving. Tesla disclosed 17 incidents in its Austin Model Y fleet between July 2025 and April 2026, including crashes caused by teleoperators. Waymo’s vehicles have been recalled for problems with construction zones and flooded areas. Source: The Next Web Source: TechCrunch The distinctive Cybercab will attract more public scrutiny than Tesla’s modified Model Y fleet. Source: TechCrunch
Sources
7 quotesThe Next Web↗
“Tesla has begun testing a production version of its Cybercab on public roads in Austin, Texas, with no steering wheel and no pedals.”
TechCrunch↗
“Tesla has begun testing a production version of its Cybercab that has two seats, but no steering wheel or pedals, in Austin, Texas.”
The Next Web↗
“Last week, NHTSA proposed removing the federal requirement for brake pedals in vehicles designed exclusively for automated driving systems.”
TechCrunch↗
“One of the hurdles to realizing that idea is likely about to be removed. Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed a proposal that would not mandate brake pedals in 'vehicles designed to be driven exclusively by automated driving systems.'”
The Next Web↗
“Tesla argues it can out-compete Waymo because it builds both the car and the driving software, giving it greater control over costs. It also relies only on cameras for perception, while Waymo uses lidar, radar, and cameras together.”
The Next Web↗
“Tesla disclosed 17 incidents between July 2025 and April 2026, including at least two crashes caused by remote teleoperators who took control of vehicles at low speeds.”
TechCrunch↗
“Rolling out gold-colored, two-seater Cybercabs will put an even greater spotlight on Tesla’s push to develop a nationwide robotaxi network, making both its struggles and successes much more visible.”