NHTSA Opens Probe Into 1,000 Tesla Cybercabs Over Safety Compliance

U.S. auto safety regulators have launched an audit into approximately 1,000 Tesla Cybercab vehicles, questioning the electric vehicle maker's basis for certifying the autonomous vehicle's compliance with federal safety standards. The probe focuses on the unique design of the Cybercab, which operates without conventional manual controls.

Scrutiny Over Self-Certification

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it has opened the audit to examine the process and technical data Tesla relied on to claim compliance. A key focus of the investigation is the Cybercab's lack of permanently attached manual controls, including a steering wheel, brake and accelerator pedals, and mirrors.

The agency stated it will examine the basis for Tesla's certification and related issues. This includes scrutinizing the extent to which the company determined that certain Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards were not applicable to its vehicle design.

Context of the Launch

Ad

The regulatory action follows Tesla's recent commercial deployment of a small number of the two-seater Cybercabs in Austin, Texas. The company had announced plans to gradually expand the autonomous ride-hailing service to additional vehicles and locations.

According to the Reuters report, which cited state records, Tesla had 420 autonomous vehicles registered in Texas as of Friday morning, 45 of which were identified as Cybercabs. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the NHTSA probe.

Implications for Autonomous Vehicles

This NHTSA investigation represents a significant regulatory test for the burgeoning autonomous vehicle industry and the established self-certification process used by automakers. The outcome could set a critical precedent for how vehicles without traditional driver controls are evaluated and approved for public roads in the United States, potentially influencing the path to market for similar vehicles from other manufacturers.