Tesla’s vision for the Cybercab is facing an unexpected obstacle. The company revealed its autonomous vehicle concept in October 2024 with twenty functional prototypes designed without a steering wheel or pedals. Elon Musk described the vehicle as “enhanced for full autonomy” during an earnings call. However, reports now suggest Tesla may be reconsidering this wheel-less design.
Tesla’s wheel-less Cybercab concept faces regulatory headwinds as the company reconsiders its autonomous-only design approach.
The original Cybercab specifications show impressive features. It has a 200-mile range, a 35 kilowatt-hour battery, and expected efficiency of 5.5 miles per kilowatt-hour. The two-passenger vehicle also includes an inductive charging system with over 90 percent efficiency. These details were confirmed in Tesla’s official documentation and public statements. Musk’s 2020 robotaxi prediction of one million autonomous vehicles by year-end highlighted how dramatically Tesla’s timeline expectations have shifted since that ambitious goal.
The problem is regulatory approval. Current transportation laws in many jurisdictions require vehicles to have manual controls. Safety certification processes for fully driverless vehicles remain complex and uncertain. Regulatory bodies may demand a steering wheel before allowing the Cybercab on public roads. This requirement could delay Tesla’s production timeline, originally set to begin before 2027.
Tesla appears to be developing a contingency plan. A hybrid solution is reportedly under consideration that would include a steering wheel as a fallback option. This design would maintain autonomous capabilities while satisfying regulatory requirements. The vehicle would shift from passenger-only configuration to include full drivability features.
Adding a steering wheel creates challenges. Tesla’s interior was originally tailored for autonomous operation only. A steering wheel means redesigning the passenger space. It also adds mechanical complexity and weight that could affect energy efficiency. Manual control systems must meet the same safety standards as traditional cars. Given Tesla’s no-haggle pricing approach across all vehicle models, the Cybercab will likely follow the same fixed pricing structure regardless of design changes.
Industry analysts suggest this hybrid approach could benefit Tesla’s market position. Many consumers prefer having the option to drive manually during the changeover to full autonomy. The design could increase acceptance in regions with strict driving regulations.
The Cybercab represents Tesla’s ambitious robotaxi vision. Yet the company’s path forward requires balancing innovation with practical regulatory realities. Whether Tesla maintains its wheel-less design or adopts the hybrid solution will shape the vehicle’s future and the broader autonomous vehicle industry.