Feds launch probe into Tesla's deployment of Cybercab vehicles with no brakes and steering wheels
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla's deployment of approximately 1,000 Cybercab vehicles in Austin, Texas, that have no steering wheels or brake pedals.
The vehicle is part of Tesla's fully autonomous fleet, and travelers can book a ride on Cybercabs using the company's robotaxi app, according to Tesla's website.
"The vehicles lack permanently attached, conventional manual controls, such as a brake pedal, gas pedal, steering wheel, and mirrors," per NHTSA documents.
According to the agency, Tesla notified NHTSA of its decision to certify Cybercabs as the company says the vehicles comply with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Tesla said it plans to gradually expand the deployment of Cybercabs to other locations and vehicle models.
As part of the investigation, NHTSA says it will examine the process and technical data Tesla used to certify the Cybercabs, including whether the company was correct in determining that certain federal vehicle safety standards were not applicable to the Cybercab vehicle.
In 2022, NHTSA performed a similar review of Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox after the company announced its certification of self-driving vehicles. Last year, the agency closed its investigation and granted Zoox permission to commercially deploy its robotaxis through its first-ever temporary exemption for American built autonomous vehicles.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment from ABC News.
