Tesla tests Cybercab robotaxis with steering wheels in New York City

Tesla has begun testing its Cybercab robotaxi service on New York City streets with a human driver behind a steering wheel. The vehicles, which were originally presented without steering wheels or pedals, are being used in a supervised mode that requires drivers to intervene if necessary, according to officials. Tesla has not disclosed the number of Cybercabs operating in the city or the duration of the test.

The company has not started the permit application process with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles for fully autonomous operation, indicating that the current trials are intended to gather driving data rather than launch a commercial service. In contrast, competitors such as Waymo report completing more than half a million paid rides per week, and Amazon’s Zoox has received regulatory approval to charge for rides in vehicles that lack steering wheels.

"The drivers are testing a ‘supervised’ self-driving system, which still requires them to be able to take over control at any point," a Tesla spokesperson said.

Analysts note that Tesla’s fleet of Cybercabs remains limited, with only about 45 vehicles operating in Austin, Texas, and the New York test representing an early stage in the company’s broader robotaxi ambitions.