Elon Musk Podcast Tesla's Cybercab Deadline and the Steering Wheel Question
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Jan 7, 2026 Tesla's ambitious Cybercab is set for production in April 2026, promising a bold design without steering wheels or pedals. However, prototypes reveal a different reality, sporting traditional controls as regulations pose limits on unsupervised vehicles. Current Full Self-Driving technology still demands human oversight, challenging Tesla's rollout plans. Meanwhile, comparisons with Waymo highlight contrasting approaches to autonomy, leaving the future of Cybercab uncertain without potential design changes for broader consumer acceptance.
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CyberCab Is A High-Volume Robotaxi Bet
- Tesla plans CyberCab production April 2026 targeting a 10-second cycle time and huge volume.
- The vehicle is designed as a two-seat, minimal-control robotaxi with a ~$30,000 target price.
Prototypes Spotted With Steering Wheels
- Multiple CyberCab prototypes were spotted testing in Austin with visible steering wheels and drivers.
- The prototypes wore engineering decals and safety drivers sat ready to intervene during public-road tests.
Regulatory Cap Threatens Wheelless Vision
- Tesla executives privately acknowledged a steering-wheel fallback may be needed for regulatory reasons.
- Federal rules cap steering-wheel-less vehicle sales at 2,500 units per manufacturer per year without exemptions.