First Responders May Have to Push Tesla’s Cybercabs, Turn Front Wheels by Hand

Certain “limited areas” in Austin, Texas now have service from Tesla Cybercabs. As noticed by NBC’s David Ingram, Tesla has released a special manual for first responders who have to deal with them if they crash or break down, and they may have to push them out of the way if they become obstacles. The manual, which you can read in full here, has many important points to make if you’re a first responder. You probably know you should be cautious around the massive EV battery, and if there’s one takeaway, it’s that. Nothing new there. But remember that this is mainly the manual for a vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals. So what do you do if one is, say, stopped in an intersection? Mostly, the manual wants you to get in touch with Tesla, and they’ll move it for you remotely. However, “In some situations where a Cybercab is operable,” the manual notes, “Cybercab can be manually moved with onboard vehicle controls,” it says, which sounds fun. But there may apparently be situations where that doesn’t work either. If so, the manual also says: “In situations where there is minimal risk of fire or high voltage exposure and low voltage power is present, Cybercab can be quickly pushed in order to clear the roadway.” It’s not clear when this would be since, generally speaking, if it’s completely shut down, you’re supposed to think of a Cybercab as a giant brick that needs to be moved with a machine, because turning the wheels can turn the motors, which can be hazardous. “Pushing Cybercab when it is not in Neutral or Tow Mode can result in overheating the motor and potential risk of shock if electrical components are exposed.” Hey, I hear you asking, Since there’s no steering wheel, then if I have to push one, doesn’t that mean it can only be pushed in a straight line? Don’t be silly. If you need to turn the car, you simply push on the wheels. With your hands. I’m not joking: “If necessary, manually turn the front tires by hand to help position the vehicle.” I hope this cleared everything up for all the first responders out there.