Elon Musk’s DOGE Cuts NHTSA Staff Ahead of Tesla Robotaxi Launch
Regulatory Shakeup Impacts Autonomous Vehicle Oversight
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has eliminated nearly half of a key government team regulating autonomous vehicles, according to a Washington Post report. This move comes as Tesla prepares for its highly anticipated robotaxi service launch in Austin later this year.
Key Details of the NHTSA Staff Reductions
- 10% workforce reduction across the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Three of seven employees cut from autonomous vehicle oversight office
- Probationary worker terminations and buyout offers driving reductions
- Positions eliminated included crash test specialists and safety grant administrators
Tesla’s Regulatory History and Current Investigations
The NHTSA has maintained an active oversight role regarding Tesla’s autonomous driving technology:
- Multiple investigations into Autopilot-related accidents
- Ongoing probes into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system
- October 2024 investigation launched after four low-visibility crashes (including one pedestrian fatality)
“These cuts could significantly impact the federal government’s ability to evaluate the safety of autonomous vehicles,” anonymous sources told The Post.
Broader Industry Implications
The regulatory changes affect more than just Tesla:
- Waymo (Alphabet): Facing NHTSA investigation for safety incidents
- Zoox (Amazon): Under scrutiny for sudden braking issues
- All companies developing autonomous vehicle technology may face reduced oversight
Musk’s Autonomous Driving Timeline
Tesla’s FSD system currently offers:
- Advanced driver assistance capabilities
- Urban and highway automated driving features
Musk has repeatedly stated his goal of achieving full autonomy by summer 2025, though similar predictions have been made in previous years.
TechCrunch has reached out to both NHTSA and DOGE for official comment on these developments.
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