Tesla has begun operating its steering wheel- and brake pedal-free autonomous robotaxi, Cybercab, on roads in Austin, Texas, drawing attention to its vehicle design and self-driving strategy. Use conditions include a ban on riders under 13, and the timing of general sales remains unclear. Rivals are expanding service footprints, while South Korea’s mobility sector focuses on infrastructure, partnerships and data-based services alongside debate on EV battery durability and safety.

Tesla’s driverless robotaxi, the Cybercab, has become the subject of a U.S. federal safety standards review shortly after it began carrying regular passengers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an audit query to examine Tesla’s basis and procedures for claiming the Cybercab meets current federal vehicle safety standards without a regulatory exemption. The review covers self-certification for up to 1,000 vehicles and related technical materials, and could lead to changes or enforcement actions.