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The investigation, called an Audit Query, will examine the data and process that Tesla used to make that determination, according to a government filing.<\/p>\n
In a statement, NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said his agency \u201cfully supports the safe development and deployment of automated vehicles. But as the federal regulator, we need to ensure that all of our laws are followed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n
Ann Carlson, a former acting NHTSA administrator who is now a professor of environmental law at UCLA, says the investigation is likely \u201can indication that NHTSA is super frustrated with Tesla.\u201d The agency made clear through the Zoox case that it expects driverless vehicle developers to go through the exemption process. \u201cFor Tesla to slap them in the face and ignore that\u2014that is gobsmacking,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
This kind of federal investigation can prove consequential. NHTSA can require an automaker to change its vehicle or process. The agency can also pursue enforcement actions, including civil penalties. Volvo Group North America paid $130 million in penalties in 2023 after an investigation into its recall process. The company also agreed to three years of oversight by a third-party auditor.<\/p>\n
The Cybercabs are, in many ways, symbols of Tesla\u2019s intended future. CEO Elon Musk has said that Tesla should no longer be regarded as an automaker, but as a robotics and autonomous vehicle company. While 45 of these vehicles are in Texas\u2019 Tesla fleet right now, a state database shows, the company intends to deploy millions annually.<\/p>\n