Tesla Cybercab is barely real and it’s already under investigation

The Cybercab lacks traditional features like sideview mirrors and pedals, which are required under federal safety rules.

Elon Musk’s gilded robot car barely made it on public roads before federal regulators launched an investigation into the vehicle’s lack of traditional features — many of which are required by law.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was opening an audit query (AQ) into the Tesla Cybercab “to examine the process and technical data on which Tesla relied when certifying the Cybercab and related issues.” At issue is the absence of certain design features such as sideview mirrors, pedals, and steering wheel — all of which are required under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, or FMVSS.

“Among other things, NHTSA will consider the extent to which Tesla’s certification depended on determinations that certain FMVSS are inapplicable to the Cybercab,” the agency said in a notice. Tesla does not appear to have sought an exemption from these FMVSS rules, thus prompting the investigation.

“Among other things, NHTSA will consider the extent to which Tesla’s certification depended on determinations that certain FMVSS are inapplicable to the Cybercab.”

NHTSA’s investigation covers an estimated 1,000 Cybercabs, although its unclear whether there are even that many to begin with. Tesla has 45 Cybercabs currently registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

“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,” NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said in a press release. “Our approach of balancing innovation with safety oversight will allow the United States to maintain its global leadership in AV innovation.”

NHTSA is currently considering a handful of rule changes that would make it easier for automakers to sell driverless vehicles without traditional controls. But the agency is also trying to get a grip on the rapidly expanding robotaxi market, issuing a letter recently warning operators about vehicles that block emergency responders.

Tesla held a private event in Austin Thursday to celebrate the public launch of the Cybercab. Tesla has said it plans on deploying the vehicle in other cities as part of its Robotaxi service, and will eventually sell the Cybercab to individual customers for an estimated price of $30,000.