Tesla Cybercab Enters Production with Steering Wheel

[New Vehicle Launch] Tesla has begun mass production of the Cybercab, and the appearance of a steering wheel on the actual vehicle has drawn attention.

Core Development: Production Model Returns to Conventional Controls

Approximately 60 Cybercabs have appeared at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas, all equipped with a steering wheel, clearly contradicting Elon Musk’s earlier claim of a “steering-wheel-free, pedal-free” design. Most vehicles feature white interiors and are parked in the outbound staging area, marking the largest public appearance of this model to date.

Strategic Rationale: Engineering Validation Takes Priority Over Concept Realization

Industry analysts suggest these units may be intended for functional validation and testing. Temporarily retaining manual controls allows Tesla to optimize hardware and software performance in controlled environments, paving the way for future Robotaxi commercial operations in the U.S.

Industry Impact: Bold Promises Meet Real-World Constraints

Although Musk has repeatedly emphasized that large-scale production will begin in April 2026, the reappearance of the steering wheel reveals the technical and regulatory hurdles inherent in transitioning autonomous driving from concept to mass production, highlighting the tension between Tesla’s vision and engineering realities.