Tesla’s Cybercab has been deployed, and it’s already under investigation

Tesla has officially launched its Cybercab, a driverless two-seater vehicle lacking traditional steering wheels and brake pedals, in select cities across Texas and Florida. While the rollout marks a significant milestone for the company's Robotaxi ride-hail network, the vehicle is already facing scrutiny from the US federal government. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation to determine if the Cybercab complies with current federal safety standards. Although the NHTSA is in the process of updating regulations to accommodate autonomous vehicles—specifically regarding the removal of components like rearview mirrors and pedals—existing mandates remain in effect. This investigation began shortly after Tesla hosted a public launch event in Austin, highlighting the ongoing tension between rapid autonomous innovation and established safety oversight. The outcome of this probe could significantly impact the future deployment of Tesla’s driverless fleet on public roads.