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Tesla Cybercab expands testing to Houston amid NHTSA scrutiny
Tesla is expanding its autonomous vehicle operations in Texas, with its two-passenger Cybercab robotaxi beginning test drives in Houston. This follows the launch of paid passenger services in Austin, where over 40 Cybercabs are currently operational. The Cybercab is notable for its lack of a steering wheel, pedals, or side mirrors.
However, the rollout faces regulatory and technical scrutiny. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into how Tesla certified the vehicle as meeting federal safety standards without traditional controls. The agency has requested 21 specific answers from the company regarding its self-certification process.
Additionally, users in Austin have reported navigation issues, including significant route detours. Separately, Tesla's AI lead, Ashok Elluswamy, clarified that the company's Optimus humanoid robot currently relies on human operators for high-level tasks during demonstrations, rather than achieving full closed-loop autonomy.
Entities
Austin · Cybercab · Elon Musk · Houston · NHTSA · National Highway Traffic Safety Administration · Tesla
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Cybercab is a two-passenger electric vehicle designed without a steering wheel, pedals, or side mirrors. www.karsmanset.com · www.gazetebirlik.com · www.gzt.com · www.sondakika.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Elon Musk has previously indicated a retail price point of approximately $30,000 for the Cybercab. time.news
- [● 5 SOURCES] Tesla has begun testing Cybercab vehicles in Houston, Texas. www.karsmanset.com · www.cnbce.com · www.gazetebirlik.com · www.gzt.com · www.sondakika.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tesla's Optimus robot movements in demonstrations are being guided by human operators rather than full autonomy. dijitaliyidir.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Tesla has deployed more than 40 Cybercabs for paid passenger service in Austin. www.karsmanset.com · www.gazetebirlik.com · www.gzt.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The NHTSA has issued a formal order with 21 questions to Tesla regarding the certification of the Cybercab. www.pravda.sk