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Tesla Cybercab test vehicle spotted with bolted-on steering wheel, report says

Electrek reports that a pre-production prototype in California used a Cybertruck steering wheel for road testing.

The short version

  • A pre-production Tesla Cybercab was photographed in Berkeley, California, fitted with a Cybertruck steering wheel on a temporary column.[Electrek]
  • Tesla originally debuted the Cybercab without a steering wheel, pedals, or mirrors, projecting a retail price under $30,000.[Electrek]
  • The physical controls were added to satisfy public-road testing regulations that mandate a human driver capable of taking over.[Electrek]

Key facts

  • A pre-production Tesla Cybercab test vehicle was observed parked in Berkeley, California, equipped with a Cybertruck steering wheel.[Electrek]
  • Tesla revealed the Cybercab in October 2024 as a dedicated robotaxi devoid of mirrors, pedals, or a steering wheel.[Electrek]
  • The company has already commenced producing units lacking steering wheels at Giga Texas.[Electrek]
  • Temporary steering columns and wheels are bolted into test prototypes to comply with public road regulations requiring human intervention.[Electrek]

What remains uncertain

  • The timeline for regulatory clearance allowing autonomous prototypes to operate on public roads entirely without manual controls remains unstated.[Electrek]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.