Tesla Cybercab Reveals Hidden Joystick Controls as NHTSA Probes Vehicles Without Steering Wheels
Updated
Updated · Car and Driver · Sep 10
Tesla Cybercab Reveals Hidden Joystick Controls as NHTSA Probes Vehicles Without Steering Wheels
3 articles · Updated · Car and Driver · Sep 10
Summary
A Tesla Cybercab rider in Austin found a hidden on-screen joystick after the vehicle display appeared to freeze, exposing controls for steering, acceleration and reversing.
The interface showed a center “hold” control, forward and reverse inputs, a horn button and a “Stop” button, suggesting Tesla has a manual-move mode despite the cab lacking any physical wheel or pedals.
The screen also appeared to show Cybercab camera views near Tesla Superchargers, pointing to likely uses such as depot moves, charging-area repositioning or production checks when the robotaxi is off duty.
The discovery lands as NHTSA examines Tesla’s self-certification of the Cybercab under federal safety standards, with autonomous-vehicle rule updates still unfinished.