Tesla’s Cybercab: Steering Wheel May Be Back in the Driver’s Seat
The future of autonomous vehicles, as envisioned by Tesla, may be taking a detour back to the past. The Cybercab, a sleek two-seater designed to be a purpose-built autonomous vehicle, might end up with a steering wheel, a feature conspicuously absent in its initial unveiling.
The Regulatory Roadblock
Tesla’s chair of the board of directors, Robyn Denholm, hinted at this potential design shift in an interview. The reason? Regulations. Current federal safety rules favor vehicles with steering wheels, and obtaining an exemption to sell a car without one is a complex process. This could significantly delay the Cybercab’s market entry, currently scheduled for 2026.
The Risks of Going Wheel-less
Tesla unveiled the Cybercab in Hollywood last year, with Elon Musk touting it as the future of mobility. The absence of a steering wheel was meant to underscore Tesla’s commitment to autonomous technology. However, this bold move carries considerable risk. As seen with General Motors and its Cruise Origin shuttles, securing an exemption can take years, and the consequences can be dire. General Motors scrapped its plans and shut down Cruise altogether after safety lapses.
The Problem With Exemptions
Even if Tesla were to receive an exemption, it would likely be limited to a small number of vehicles per year. This restriction would hinder Tesla’s plans to become an AI and robotics powerhouse. The US Department of Transportation, under Secretary Sean Duffy, has expressed a desire to streamline the exemption process. However, the current political climate, and a recent dispute between Duffy and Musk over a SpaceX contract, further complicate matters. It remains unclear when fully autonomous vehicles can be fully realized.
Looking Ahead
The potential inclusion of a steering wheel and pedals in the Cybercab underscores the challenges of introducing truly autonomous vehicles. While the lack of a steering wheel was intended to convey the seriousness with which Tesla was approaching autonomous technology, regulatory and political realities may force a more conventional approach. The Cybercab’s future, and Tesla’s broader ambitions in the autonomous vehicle space, now hinge on navigating these complex hurdles.
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