Tesla’s Autonomous Vehicle May Get Traditional Controls
Tesla may be forced to install a conventional steering wheel and pedals in its Cybercab model to achieve planned production volumes. The initial idea was to create a fully autonomous vehicle without these elements, but regulatory constraints and technological challenges are forcing the manufacturer to reconsider the approach.
Key Points
From Idea to Reality
The Cybercab was conceived as Tesla’s first car without a steering wheel or pedals, created exclusively for autonomous driving. Elon Musk announced plans to produce millions of such two-seater electric vehicles costing less than $30,000, transforming self-driving technology from an experiment into an accessible product.
However, the manufacturer now acknowledges that to achieve the stated scale, it may have to equip the Cybercab with traditional control elements.
Pragmatic Approach
Tesla Chairman Robyn Denholm emphasized that the company views the Cybercab as the long-awaited affordable model that investors and media have called Model 2. However, the minimalist two-seat layout limits the car’s practicality, and the absence of a conventional steering wheel complicates its mass adoption, as the software for full autonomous driving has not yet reached the required level.
If we need to have a steering wheel, it can be installed along with pedals
Regulatory Barriers
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration allows manufacturers to produce only up to 2,500 autonomous vehicles per year without traditional control elements. This significantly limits Tesla’s plans for mass production of the Cybercab.
Elon Musk, who has made significant political contributions, hoped to influence rule changes, but regulators have not yet conceded. His dissatisfaction has spilled over into public comments about government officials, indicating tension in the relationship between the company and regulatory bodies.
Strategic Flexibility
Denholm demonstrates the company’s willingness to adapt to requirements:
The initial Model Y also wasn’t supposed to have a steering wheel or pedals. If we can’t sell something due to the absence of certain elements, we will work with regulators to decide what needs to be done
This approach reflects a shift in emphasis in Tesla’s strategy – from a radical autonomous concept to a more practical solution that considers market realities and legislative constraints. The transition to a more traditional design could become a compromise that allows the company to scale production faster and offer a truly affordable electric vehicle, even if it means departing from the initial vision. Technological progress in autonomous driving continues to evolve, and such adjustments may prove to be temporary measures on the path to full autonomy.