US Probes Tesla's Steering-Wheel-Free Taxis

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Tesla's new Cybercab robotaxis, which have begun operating on public roads in Austin, Texas. The probe focuses on whether the approximately 1,000 vehicles, which lack conventional manual controls like steering wheels and pedals, were properly self-certified as compliant with federal safety standards. Tesla has stated the vehicles meet all applicable rules, but the agency is auditing the process and technical data used in the certification. Unlike most new models, the Cybercab features significant changes that present new safety issues, and Tesla has not sought an exemption, a process previously navigated by rival Zoox for its steering-wheel-free cabs. The investigation follows Tesla's customer launch of the service, which Elon Musk aims to expand nationally. Tesla's stock fell nearly 6% following the news.