A recent sighting of Tesla Cybercab prototypes in Austin, Texas has sparked a debate regarding the vehicle’s design. The prototypes were seen with steering wheels, which is standard for testing purposes, but it raises concerns about whether Tesla can uphold its promise to launch the vehicle without steering wheels given the current state of its self-driving technology.
The images of the prototypes driving in tandem on South Lamar in Austin were shared on Reddit, capturing the attention of Tesla enthusiasts. What stood out in the images was the presence of steering wheels on the vehicles, a feature that contradicts Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s previous statement that the Cybercab would have “no mirrors, no pedals, no steering wheel.”
While it is common for engineering prototypes to have manual controls for testing purposes, the inclusion of steering wheels on the Cybercab prototypes has become a focal point as the vehicle’s planned launch in 2026 approaches. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) progress has raised doubts about the company’s ability to deliver a Level 4 or 5 autonomous vehicle without the need for manual controls.
Despite Musk’s assertions about the Cybercab being designed for autonomy, Tesla Chairwoman Robyn Denholm hinted that a steering wheel might be added if necessary, acknowledging the regulatory and technical challenges. Additionally, the delay in the development of Tesla’s next-gen AI5 chip until mid-2027 means that the Cybercab may have to launch with the current AI4 hardware, which has not yet achieved unsupervised autonomy.
The sighting of the Cybercab prototypes with steering wheels in Austin may indicate a backup plan for Tesla in case the vehicle’s autonomous technology is not ready for a steering-wheel-less design. It is increasingly likely that Tesla will have to launch the Cybercab with manual controls to comply with regulations and ensure road-legal operation.
Ultimately, the concern is whether the Cybercab, if launched with a steering wheel, will be well-suited for consumers. The vehicle’s design may need to be adjusted to accommodate manual controls while maintaining its appeal as a future Robotaxi. This potential shift in design could mirror how Tesla introduced its other vehicles to the market, selling them as autonomous-ready models that can be upgraded once the software is fully developed.