Tesla Cybercab launches, NHTSA probes safety

Tesla has launched its Cybercab, a purpose-built autonomous vehicle without traditional driving controls, in Austin, Texas, initiating public rides on Friday, September 4, 2026. The introduction of the driverless, two-seat vehicle, which features a central touchscreen and no steering wheel or pedals, has drawn immediate scrutiny from federal regulators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into the process and technical data Tesla relied upon when self-certifying the Cybercabs as compliant with federal motor vehicle safety standards. The probe covers up to 1,000 vehicles and centers on whether the Cybercab, lacking permanently attached steering wheels, brake pedals, accelerator pedals, or rearview mirrors, meets existing safety requirements. Tesla has stated that the vehicles are engineered for safety and has not yet responded to requests for comment on the investigation. The launch event, held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, was an invite-only affair without a livestream or broad media access. Public rides commenced the following day.