From TechCrunch · Sean O'Kane · · 1 min
Feds Probe Tesla's Steering-Wheel-Free Cybercab
Federal regulators opened an investigation into Tesla's Cybercab deployment hours after it hit public roads without steering wheels or pedals.
In brief
Federal regulators opened an investigation into Tesla's Cybercab deployment hours after it hit public roads without steering wheels or pedals. Tesla self-certified its wheel-less Cybercab for public roads, but federal regulators are investigating whether the deployment violates safety standards. Originally reported by…
Cybercabs hit Austin streets
Tesla deployed its first Cybercabs on public roads in Austin, Texas. The vehicles were built with no steering wheel or pedals.
“...launched its new Cybercab on public roads with no steering wheel or pedals.”
Regulators open immediate probe
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation mere hours after the vehicles made their public debut.
“...opened the probe mere hours after Tesla put the first Cybercabs on the streets of Austin, Texas.”
Manual controls are still required
Federal vehicle safety rules currently require manual controls like brake pedals, though regulators recently proposed updating those mandates for autonomous designs.
“Federal vehicle safety regulations require manual controls like brake pedals...”
Tesla self-certified safety compliance
Tesla notified federal regulators that it self-certified the Cybercab as fully compliant with all federal motor vehicle safety standards.
“Tesla told the agency that it self-certified the Cybercab as being compliant with all of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).”
Investigation targets technical data
Regulators are examining Tesla's technical data and checking if the company improperly decided certain federal rules didn't apply to the Cybercab.
“...examine the process and technical data on which Tesla relied when certifying the Cybercab and related issues.”
What it means
Tesla self-certified its wheel-less Cybercab for public roads, but federal regulators are investigating whether the deployment violates safety standards.
