Tesla presses ahead with Cybercab sales plan amid US probe

Tesla aims to begin selling its Cybercab robotaxis to the public by year's end, according to its engineering chief, despite the U.S. auto safety agency investigating the vehicles that lack manual controls required by federal regulations. The gold two-seaters, equipped with butterfly doors and autonomous driving capabilities without any steering wheel, pedals, or mirrors, represent a key strategy for Tesla CEO Elon Musk in transforming the EV company into an AI and robotics powerhouse.

Lars Moravy, Tesla's vice president of vehicle engineering, revealed to analysts after reporting third-quarter results that the company plans to deliver Cybercabs to customers by the end of 2026. Initially offering paid rides on a small fleet of Cybercabs in Austin, Texas last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into the vehicles to determine how Tesla ensured compliance with federal vehicle-safety regulations.

Unlike most countries, the U.S. allows automakers to deploy new models and technologies on public roads by self-certifying they meet federal standards. NHTSA has proposed changes to federal safety standards to permit autonomous vehicles without human controls, but until those changes are finalized, existing regulations remain in effect. Tesla has until October 30 to respond to NHTSA's inquiry.