Tesla Deploys Cybercabs in Austin; US Safety Regulator Opens Probe

Elon Musk sent dozens of self-driving Cybercabs onto the streets of Austin, Texas, on Thursday, launching an invitation-only robotaxi service.

The gold-colored Cybercabs operate without steering wheels or brake pedals, offering passengers no way to take control in an emergency. Tesla teased the launch on X, with Musk posting an image of a giant Cybercab above the Austin skyline. The Cybercab is a two-seater robotaxi featuring scissor or butterfly doors, interactive touchscreens, and no mirrors or sound for the turn signal.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an audit query into Tesla Cybercab's self-certification on Thursday. NHTSA is examining the process and technical data Tesla relied on to claim compliance with federal vehicle safety standards. Tesla informed NHTSA that the Cybercab meets all applicable standards. NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison stated his agency supports automated vehicles but must ensure all laws are followed.

Ann Carlson, a former acting NHTSA administrator, suggested the investigation indicates NHTSA's frustration with Tesla for not seeking an exemption from federal rules, as Amazon's Zoox did. NHTSA can require an automaker to change its vehicle or process and pursue civil penalties. Tesla already operates Model Y Robotaxis in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, some with safety monitors and some without drivers.

Tesla's camera-only system contrasts with rivals like Waymo and Amazon's Zoox, which supplement cameras with radar and lidar. A Pew Research Center survey in February found seven in 10 US adults were not too or not at all comfortable riding in a driverless car. Tesla shares slid 6% on Friday after the Cybercab launch and NHTSA probe, following a 5.4% gain on Thursday.