Recent photographs from Austin, Texas, have sparked doubts about Tesla's ambitious plans. Elon Musk has long touted the Cybercab, envisioning it as a fully autonomous vehicle devoid of steering wheels, pedals, or mirrors. However, recent sightings of prototypes in public testing reveal otherwise, as they feature traditional steering wheels reminiscent of conventional cars.
A Reddit user reported spotting two Cybercab prototypes driving together on South Lamar, a busy area near Tesla's manufacturing facility. The images clearly depict a steering wheel inside the cabin—while seemingly minor, this detail is significant for Tesla. The company aims for these vehicles to be the first genuinely self-driving taxis, but the presence of a steering wheel raises questions about the readiness of the underlying technology.
Cybercab spotted in south lamar byu/serherjim inteslamotors
There is a straightforward reason these test cars are equipped with steering wheels. Current regulations require that vehicles testing on public roads have a means for a human driver to take control in case of a computer error. Although Tesla envisions a model without manual controls, they cannot legally test it in that configuration yet. This requirement is common across the industry for self-driving electric vehicles.
The more pressing issue is the timeline. Tesla aims to begin production of the Cybercab in late 2026, just months away. However, the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software still necessitates human supervision. Drivers are required to remain alert and keep their hands near the wheel, as the system can still make mistakes. For Tesla to eliminate the steering wheel completely, the software must demonstrate flawless performance, capable of managing every conceivable scenario independently. The promise of “unsupervised” driving has been a recurring theme from Tesla, yet it always seems to arrive as just “one year away.”
Two Tesla Cybercabs spotted testing together again today in downtown Austin, Texas. (video taken by a follower of mine) pic.twitter.com/ILcdeBuAwW
â Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) December 28, 2025
Furthermore, there's a major issue concerning the computer systems inside these vehicles. Currently, Tesla employs an AI chip known as AI4 in its cars, but the Cybercab's software is expected to rely on the more advanced AI5 chip, which won't be available until mid-2027. If Tesla proceeds with the Cybercab launch in 2026, it will need to use the older AI4 hardware. Given that millions of existing Model 3 and Model Y vehicles still require driver supervision using AI4, it's challenging to envision how the Cybercab could achieve full autonomy by next year.
The government also imposes strict regulations on vehicles lacking steering wheels. Companies wishing to produce vehicles without manual controls can typically only manufacture a limited number. Tesla intends to create millions of Cybercabs to ensure affordability. To meet this volume target, they may have to adhere to existing regulations, necessitating the inclusion of a steering wheel and pedals for most consumers.
Two Tesla Cybercabs out testing in Austin, TX again today. The roads are changing forever. pic.twitter.com/oVSYnkOqQZ
â Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) December 28, 2025
This scenario suggests a potential “Plan B” for Tesla. Instead of launching an advanced robot taxi, the Cybercab may function as a more affordable, compact electric vehicle for everyday drivers. It could initially be released with a steering wheel, allowing for manual operation while software enhancements are developed. This approach mirrors how Tesla has marketed its other vehicles, promising future software improvements while focusing on hardware sales. While a savvy business decision, it diverges from Musk’s vision of a world without steering wheels.
Ultimately, the recent observations in Austin reveal that the path to a truly autonomous vehicle is fraught with complexities. Regulatory landscapes, hardware limitations, and software challenges indicate that Tesla still has substantial work ahead. For now, don't be surprised to see a Cybercab cruising the streets with a driver positioned behind what appears to be a conventional steering wheel.
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