Why Tesla Cybercab WILL HAVE a Steering Wheel
Overall SentimentBullishStrength: 85%
Overall Thesis
Bhakdi argues the Cybercab will have a steering wheel and pedals but only as a regulatory hedge for NHTSA's 2,500 unit safety exemption limit - not as a consumer-targeted driver's car. He predicts Tesla will deploy 40,000 Cybercabs in 2026 (mostly Q4 after Q3 launch), which he believes will drive the stock to 2,000 within 12 months.
Narratives
TSLATesla
Strongly BullishCybercab will be prepared with optional steering wheel and pedals as a regulatory hedge for NHTSA's 2,500 vehicle safety exemption limit, but is not designed or optimized as a consumer driver's car. Bhakdi predicts 40,000 Cybercabs deployed in 2026 mostly in Q4 after a Q3 launch, which will drive the stock to 2,000 within 12 months.
Key Arguments
- Elon clearly stated on All-in podcast there will be no steering wheel designed for driving
- Chairwoman Robin Denholm hedge - 'if we have to have a steering wheel, it can'
- NHTSA limit is 2,500 vehicles per year for non-compliant cars (no steering wheel/pedals)
- To deploy millions, Tesla needs steering wheel and pedals optional for regulatory compliance
- Steer-by-wire makes it easy to install/remove steering wheel
- Q3 2026 likely launch quarter with ramp to 40,000 units
- FSD essentially solved by mid-2026 per Elon's statements
Analyzed with manual_claude_session | Extraction manual_v1 | Cost: —