Tesla Hints at Steering Wheel for Cybercab: What This Means for the Future of Ride-Hailing

Tesla’s Cybercab is making waves, but it’s not all smooth sailing. The company initially designed this two-seater electric car without a steering wheel or pedals. CEO Elon Musk envisioned it as a fully autonomous vehicle—essentially a robotaxi. He famously stated that it shouldn’t be a “halfway car.”

However, the reality is different. Tesla has yet to master unsupervised autonomous driving, and Musk’s predictions about when it will happen have often missed the mark. Currently, the Cybercab is set to launch in 2026, with Musk emphasizing it will be a key item in Tesla’s production lineup.

Recently, Tesla’s chairwoman Robin Denholm hinted that they might include a steering wheel and pedals if needed. This shift suggests a recognition of the challenges in achieving full autonomy. The vehicle is meant to be a more affordable option compared to the Model Y for its Robotaxi service. However, new federal regulations only allow for 2,500 vehicles without steering wheels or pedals to be produced each year. This raises questions about how Tesla will navigate these limits.

Experts in the field emphasize that while technology is evolving, regulations are also a significant barrier. Self-driving technology is improving but not at the pace some industry leaders had hoped. For example, even with advancements, current self-driving features still require human supervision.

As Tesla looks to ramp up production at its Gigafactory in Texas, the debate continues. Many believe that for the Cybercab to succeed, it may need to pivot back to more familiar car controls—redefining the vision Musk initially had.

The conversation around the Cybercab is reflective of larger trends in the auto industry. Companies are racing to innovate, but they must balance ambition with regulatory realities and technological limits.



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