Cybercab WILL Have a Steering Wheel (It's not What you Think)

Recent announcements from Tesla confirm Cybercab production begins in April 2026. The vehicle is positioned as purpose-built for autonomy, sparking debate over its steering wheel absence. Everyone has been arguing about whether or not it will have one. 

To clarify, we contacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), specifically the Automation Exemptions Division. Interestingly, the representative was unfamiliar with Cybercab at all, but had heard of FSD. Yikes. 

Still we learned a lot from speaking with them. Ultimately, we DO think Tesla will release a steering wheel version of the Cybercab, but it might not be for the reasons you think.

Legal Framework for Cybercab's Design

There are a number of design elements in the Cybercab that are unconventional. The first question we had is - will these prevent Tesla from large scale manufacturing? 

Only camera-based side mirrors pose an immediate barrier.

For context, Zoox Inc. filed a Part 555 exemption application on September 25, 2025, seeking relief from FMVSS 111 (rear visibility) and others for its ADS-equipped robotaxi, highlighting the process's applicability to similar designs.

Barriers to a Part 555 Exemption for Mirrors

Tesla could pursue a Part 555 exemption for mirrors, but NHTSA guidelines make it impractical:

• Approval requires approximately one year, overlapping Cybercab's April 2026 start.
• Annual production caps at 2,500 units—insufficient for Tesla's robotaxi ambitions.
• Requests are public; no filing appears for Cybercab.

This suggests Tesla prioritizes a compliant design from launch, likely incorporating physical mirrors. An ADS-only configuration without a steering wheel remains viable under current rules.

Rationale for a Steering Wheel Variant

Despite FMVSS flexibility, we still believe Tesla will produce a steering wheel-equipped Cybercab. Factors include market dynamics, manufacturing efficiency, and strategic timing.

Market Demand

No two-seater EV dominates globally. Over 80% of rides involve two or fewer occupants. In Europe and Asia (e.g., Taiwan, JOWUA's base), compact models prevail, necessitating a drivable variant to boost sales. There is a demand for this type of vehicle. 

Platform Sharing and Manufacturing Efficiency

Cybercab employs steer-by-wire, akin to Cybertruck, with pre-integrated actuators, motors, sensors, and electronics. Adding a wheel involves minimal steps: install column, bolt, connect harness—under 5 minutes per vehicle on the line.

Automakers routinely share components for cost optimization. Toyota and Lexus exemplify this:

• Steering wheels: Lexus RX, Toyota Highlander, and Crown use identical cores; Lexus adds premium finishes.
• Switchgear: Window, mirror, and seat controls are interchangeable across trims.
• Chassis: Lexus ES and Toyota Camry share suspension, and wiring.
• Powertrain: Lexus ES250 adopts Camry's 2.5L engine and 8-speed transmission.

Tesla themselves do this, with Model Y now in several different variants, all based on the same production line. 

For Cybercab, this enables variants from a single platform at near-zero marginal cost.

The Osborne Effect

Early disclosure risks the Osborne effect, where premature announcements erode current sales. A steered Cybercab reveal could deter Model 3/Y purchases. A Tesla board member once alluded to this variant; Elon Musk swiftly redirected focus to immediate revenue.

Conclusion

Tesla will introduce a Cybercab with a steering wheel—not due to NHTSA mandates, but for manufacturing simplicity, global demand, and sales protection. The autonomous "egg" arrives first, with a drivable counterpart following. You heard it here first (or second).