US regulator launches safety investigation into self-driving ​Tesla Cybercab just days after launch

Tesla stated that its new Cybercab meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), following an exclusive launch event earlier this month.

It launched its driverless Cybercab vehicles at an event in Austin, Texas, on September 3, with drivers able to experience the self-driving robotaxi for the first time.

The vehicle, which sports a striking gold exterior, does not have a steering wheel or any pedals. CEO Elon Musk said this was to create the ultimate autonomous service for motorists.

Despite this, the NHTSA has clear vehicle performance requirements that automakers must abide by to ensure their vehicles can hit the road.

It clarified that it conducts an investigation when certified vehicles "appear not to adhere to these requirements".

The NHTSA also highlighted how vehicles are subject to oversight from the agency to confirm that they are compliant and fit to be on the road.

The Tesla Cybercab faces an investigation from the United States' road safety regulator

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Some experts have suggested that the Cybercab does not adhere to these rules, given the lack of a steering wheel and pedals, meaning drivers cannot physically take over in an emergency.

The NHTSA stated that US President Donald Trump and his administration have worked to "unleash American innovation and enhance safety on our roads".

This involves the enhancement of new rules relating to brake pedals, windshield wipers, lighting, and rearview mirrors, although the updates are not finished yet.

As part of the Audit Query into Tesla, the NHTSA will "evaluate the technical data and processes Tesla relied upon to self-certify compliance for a vehicle lacking traditional human controls".

The NHTSA will also examine whether Tesla has relief on determinations that certain FMVSS requirements do not apply to Cybercabs because they are autonomous.

While it acknowledged that it wanted to remove "unnecessary barriers" to the innovation of American autonomous vehicles, safety remained paramount.

Jonathan Morrison, administrator at the NHTSA, said: "NHTSA fully supports the safe development and deployment of automated vehicles. But as the federal regulator, we need to ensure that all of our laws are followed.

"Our approach of balancing innovation with safety oversight will allow the United States to maintain its global leadership in AV innovation."

Elon Musk has not yet responded to the NHTSA investigation, but has been sharing videos of the Cybercab in action across Austin.

He said the autonomous robotaxi is the "future of transport", adding that the Cybercab development process was "unlike any other automotive production line".