Tesla admits it may have to backtrack on controversial design choice for Cybercab 'if we have to'

The Tesla Cybercab, which is the company’s highly anticipated robotaxi, is once again sparking debate thanks to its controversial design.

When CEO Elon Musk rolled out the futuristic, steering-wheel-free prototype in Hollywood last year, it looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

But a new Bloomberg report suggests that some of those radical design choices might not make it to production after all.

In other words, Tesla’s most futuristic vehicle might have to take a few steps back to the present.

SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie

Regulations dictate the Cybercab design

When Musk first arrived on stage in October 2024 in a gleaming silver Cybercab, he proudly noted the car lacked both a steering wheel and pedals.

The concept was meant to embody Tesla’s bold vision of an autonomous future: where cars drive themselves, while passengers relax, scroll their phones, or even nap.

Musk made it clear this was not a car for everyday drivers, but a fully automated ride designed primarily for ridesharing services.

But according to Bloomberg, that no-controls approach may have hit a few roadblocks.

Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm recently hinted that the company might add traditional controls after all, saying the car could include ‘a steering wheel and pedals — if we have to’.

That ‘if’ might sound small, but it’s doing a lot of heavy lifting.

Current regulations require manual driving features in all street-legal cars, even those with advanced self-driving tech.

By choosing to add traditional controls, the Cybercab will become compliant with these regulations.

Tesla needs a successful product launch

Tesla is in a bit of a tricky situation recently.

The company has been struggling with bad publicity regarding its Roadster, which has been delayed for seven years.

YouTuber Marques Brownlee and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman both publicly asked for their $50,000 deposit back, putting pressure on Tesla.

Its Robotaxi rollout hasn’t been the smoothest either, with many teething issues during its Texas debut.

Even Tesla’s FSD recently made headlines after rolling out a ‘Mad Max’ mode.

If the company is willing to compromise on the vehicle’s controversial design, a successful launch of the Cybercab will undoubtedly go a long way to help Tesla turn its fortune around.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie