Tesla Cybercab Can Now Legally Grow a Steering Wheel

TL;DR

Tesla execs confirm the Cybercab may include a steering wheel and pedals if regulations demand it — even Team Autonomy needs a plan B.

Meta: Tesla’s Cybercab will have an optional steering wheel if required, marking a regulatory pivot in its self-driving design philosophy.

The Wheel Returns (Maybe)

It seems Tesla's upcoming Cybercab is taking a (literal) U-turn on design philosophy — not quite "Mad Max" mode, but certainly "Just In Case". A Tesla executive recently confirmed that if regulators don’t greenlight level-5 autonomy, the Cybercab will come fitted with a steering wheel and pedals. Hey, robotaxis gotta follow rules too.

The revelation is catching attention because the Cybercab was expected to be born wheel-less — a sleek, autonomous-only EV champ. But the new comment signals Tesla's pragmatic side: even if AI's in the driver’s seat, a human might still need an out.

“If we have to have a steering wheel, it can have a steering wheel and pedals.” — Tesla Exec

Design Meets Red Tape

While the quote may sound casual, the implications aren't. It suggests Tesla is hedging against possible delays in regulatory go-aheads for full self-driving (FSD) usage in public fleets. It's the design equivalent of carrying an umbrella on a cloudy day — just in case.

Adding manual controls doesn't just impact design. It affects manufacturing, safety validation, and software integration. Cybercab was meant to be different — not just in looks, but in operation. A steering wheel dings the whole vibe of a control-free cab rolling up to whisk you away like an Uber sponsored by The Jetsons.

Don’t forget — Cybercab is part of a trifecta of Tesla’s next-gen products, including the Semi and Megapack 3, all headed for volume production in 2026. Flexibility here could keep timelines (and investors) sane if autonomy rules drag their feet.

What’s Next

Before you throw away your driver’s license, hold up. The Cybercab's production isn’t even scheduled until mid-2026. Between now and then, Tesla has miles of testing, red tape, and probably more surprise software updates to get through.

Meanwhile, expect Tesla to continue pushing the driverless envelope in places like Austin and the Bay Area, where robotaxi pilot programs are already inching forward.

Closing Line

So yeah, the Cybercab might get a wheel — but only because the law can't keep up with sci-fi. Welcome to the future, where even the robots check the rulebook.

(Eddie voice) “Man, even the robot cars are like, ‘I got hands if I need to… but I ain’t trying to use 'em.’”