Tesla Tests Cybercab Without Pedals or Steering Wheel in Texas

Tesla has begun testing a Cybercab without pedals or a steering wheel in Austin, Texas.

Tesla is advancing its robotaxi program by trialing a two-seat Cybercab designed exclusively for automated driving systems. This marks a structural shift in vehicle design, aligning with recent regulatory proposals that could ease requirements for traditional controls.

The Cybercab, revealed nearly two years ago, is undergoing real-world testing without conventional driving interfaces, with a safety monitor seated to the right. Tesla has previously tested Cybercab prototypes equipped with steering wheels and pedals in multiple U.S. cities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently proposed a rule to eliminate the need for brake pedals in fully autonomous vehicles, a change expected to finalize later this year. Tesla’s approach differs from competitors such as Waymo, which relies on lidar and radar sensors and has faced significant operational challenges, including recalls impacting nearly 4,000 vehicles.

As testing continues, Tesla aims to build a nationwide robotaxi network that leverages its integrated vehicle and software production for cost advantages.

While Montana is not mentioned specifically, the state’s expansive geography and rural character could influence the adoption and operational challenges of autonomous taxi services. The local economy might find both opportunities and risks in such technologies, depending on infrastructure and regulatory developments in the region.

Tesla starts testing Cybercab without pedals or a steering wheel in Austin
By Sean O’Kane, TechCrunch