NHTSA (U.S. vehicle-safety regulator) opened an audit inquiry into Tesla’s Cybercab certification hours after a small number of the vehicles joined Tesla’s robotaxi (autonomous taxi) network in Austin. Texas DMV records list 45 Cybercabs registered to Tesla, although the vehicle is not yet available for consumer purchase. The agency said the inquiry does not order Tesla to stop deployments or represent a finding on the vehicle’s safety or compliance. Tesla has certified that the Cybercab meets applicable federal safety standards, while NHTSA examines whether requirements for conventional controls apply to a vehicle without a steering wheel, pedals or side mirrors. Separately, Elon Musk highlighted the Cybercab’s rare-earth-free motor, and investor Sawyer Merritt said it was 18% smaller, 25% lighter and more efficient than other motors. Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management said Tesla could deploy 300 Cybercabs across Austin within the next month, while Musk said the vehicle would include Starlink internet service and usher in a “golden era of transport.” Gary Black of The Future Fund warned about Tesla’s valuation but advised against shorting the stock, citing its manufacturing cost advantage, technology and secular growth trends.