Tesla’s Cybercab Might Finally Have a Steering Wheel
In a surprising statement, Robyn Denholm, Chair of Tesla’s Board of Directors, revealed that the Cybercab could be equipped with a steering wheel and pedals if necessary. This announcement contradicts remarks made by Elon Musk last week, who claimed the vehicle would be fully autonomous without these traditional components.
A Strategic Divergence Within Tesla
Robyn Denholm’s position appears to reflect a more pragmatic approach regarding the deployment of the Cybercab. While Elon Musk had proudly announced that production would begin in eight months with a vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, the Board Chair suggests that Tesla might adopt a compromise solution.
This flexibility in the Cybercab’s design could prove strategic for Tesla, allowing the company to more easily adapt to different international market regulations concerning autonomous vehicles.
The Context of the Japan Mobility Show 2025
These statements come as the global automotive industry gathers at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. This major event highlights the latest innovations in mobility and allows manufacturers to present their future vision of transportation.
The Cybercab represents an ambitious project for Tesla in the field of autonomous vehicles and shared transport services. The possibility of including a steering wheel and pedals could facilitate its adoption by the general public, which remains wary of fully automated driving technologies.
Governance Questions at Tesla
Alongside these revelations about the Cybercab, Robyn Denholm also addressed the uncertainties surrounding Elon Musk’s compensation. The Board Chair confirmed that Tesla is considering internal candidates to lead the company if Elon Musk were to leave, particularly if shareholders do not approve his compensation package with a potential value of $1 trillion.
This statement highlights the governance challenges Tesla faces as the company navigates between radical technological innovation and traditional operational constraints.
The Future of Autonomous Mobility
The debate over the presence or absence of a steering wheel in the Cybercab reflects broader tensions in the automotive industry regarding the pace of adoption of autonomous vehicles. While some advocate for an immediate transition to driverless vehicles, others recommend a more gradual approach.
Robyn Denholm’s flexible position regarding the steering wheel and pedals could represent a smart strategy for Tesla, allowing the company to test the market with different configurations depending on the region and the maturity of local regulations.
Implications for Production
The production of the Cybercab, scheduled within the next eight months according to Elon Musk, could be affected by this potential decision to include a steering wheel and pedals. This design flexibility would require adjustments to production lines and could influence the launch timeline.
The modular approach suggested by Robyn Denholm would allow Tesla to offer different versions of the Cybercab, thus adapting to customer preferences and the regulatory requirements of each market.