President-elect Donald Trump’s team is looking to relax federal regulations for self-driving cars, a move that could reshape the transportation landscape. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is poised to benefit from these changes, as his company has bet big on autonomous vehicle technology.
Trump’s transition team is exploring legislative measures to ease restrictions on deploying self-driving vehicles, sources familiar with the plans said.
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Current rules limit manufacturers to only deploy 2,500 vehicles annually under exemptions. However, proposed changes could dramatically increase that number, paving the way for Tesla’s vision of a driverless “robotaxi” fleet.
Tesla’s stock has surged in response, jumping 7% in pre-market trading Monday, Nov. 18, and gaining 28% since Election Day.
Investors are optimistic about Musk’s ability to influence policy, especially after his recent appointment to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency, a new Trump administration initiative aimed at cutting regulations and reducing bureaucracy.
Musk’s Cybercab concept, a $30,000 two-seater vehicle without steering wheels or pedals, is central to Tesla’s autonomous vehicle ambitions. However, competition from Google’s Waymo and unresolved regulatory hurdles remain challenges for the company.
While Trump’s team hasn’t finalize plans, discussions include naming policy leaders with experience in transportation innovation, such as former Uber executive Emil Michael.
Bipartisan legislative efforts to regulate self-driving vehicles have repeatedly stalled in Congress but Trump’s return to the White House could revive momentum for federal action.
Musk’s growing alliance with Trump has sparked both excitement and concern. Critics warn about potential conflicts of interest, while supporters believe this collaboration could accelerate advancements in technology and infrastructure.
