The US auto safety regulator has opened an investigation into Tesla’s new Cybercab vehicles in Austin, Texas, examining whether the driverless taxis comply with federal safety requirements.
The probe comes just a day after the wheel-free vehicles began operating on city streets.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is examining whether Tesla was in full compliance with federal requirements when it deployed the two-seat Cybercabs. The vehicles do not have steering wheels, mirrors or brake pedals typically found in conventional vehicles.
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NHTSA Examines Tesla’s Federal Compliance
Before the launch, Tesla had said it relied on a self-certification process to ensure the Cybercabs complied with federal standards. NHTSA is now examining whether the vehicles actually meet those requirements.
In its filing on the probe, the agency said it would conduct an audit to examine the process and technical data Tesla used in its certification. Automakers generally self-certify vehicles before putting new models on public roads.
However, a regulatory audit or investigation does not automatically mean that the certification was improper. Regulators may investigate when they believe a certification could violate federal rules. According to the agency, the Cybercab presents new safety issues because it involves significant changes rather than minor modifications.
Musk Plans National Robotaxi Rollout
Tesla chief Elon Musk launched the Cybercab service in Austin on Thursday, sending dozens of the futuristic taxis onto city streets and hosting a launch event for invitees.
The Austin launch marked the beginning of what Musk has described as a national rollout of a cheap, driverless taxi service that he says will transform people’s travel. The Cybercabs do not have manual controls that passengers could use to take over in an emergency.
Musk plans to integrate the vehicles into Tesla’s existing service, which has so far used conventional Tesla vehicles. Tesla’s robotaxi network has been operating in Austin for more than a year and has also started offering rides in five other cities in Texas and Florida.
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Tesla shares fell nearly 6% to $354.08 on Friday, wiping out all of the gains made a day earlier amid excitement over the launch.
The NHTSA investigation adds a regulatory test to Tesla’s rollout of the Cybercab, as the agency assesses the certification process and technical data behind the vehicles.
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