Tesla Cybercab Prototype Spotted in Los Angeles With Steering Wheel and Human Driver

Robotaxi Spotted During Testing Shows Production Version Still Has Manual Controls\n\nA Tesla Cybercab prototype has been spotted driving around Los Angeles with a steering wheel and a human driver, suggesting the production robotaxi retains manual controls for now.\n\n### What Was Seen\n\n- Cybercab prototype on LA streets with steering wheel\n- Human driver behind the wheel during testing\n- Panel gaps visible and noted by observers\n- Apparent body misalignment caught attention\n- TikTok user described it as looking like "a Pixar Model 3"\n\n### Context\n\nTesla has been developing the Cybercab as a purpose-built robotaxi with a minimalist two-seater design. The presence of a steering wheel in this prototype could indicate regulatory requirements for testing or a production design that includes manual fallback.\n\n### Competition\n\nThe robotaxi space is heating up with Waymo expanding services and Lucid also developing a two-seater autonomous vehicle. Tesla faces scrutiny over whether its camera-only approach can match competitors using lidar and other sensors.\n\nSource: The Verge, TikTok