Tesla's Cybertruck is encountering significant resistance in the European market, as safety advocates push for the vehicle's prohibition due to its controversial design. Concerns primarily focus on its sharp edges and unusual angular shape, which some argue could pose increased risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
Organizations like the European Transport Safety Council and the European Cyclists’ Foundation have raised alarms about the pickup’s potential hazards, particularly in the Czech Republic, where a local buyer successfully registered the truck after implementing design modifications. These adjustments included adding rubber slats to mitigate the dangers associated with the vehicle’s protruding corners. In a letter to the Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka, the groups emphasized that the Cybertruck presents an "illegal risk to all other road users," asserting that its design could worsen injury severity in accidents.
While it’s true that any vehicle can cause injury in a collision with pedestrians, the Cybertruck's weight—between 8,834 and 9,169 pounds—has also raised eyebrows. The European Union stipulates that light-duty vehicles should not exceed 3,500 kilograms (approximately 7,000 pounds). Critics argue that the vehicle’s approval in the Czech Republic exploited regulatory loopholes.
Owner Norton Slovak of Cybertruck.cz contends that the weight regulations may be subject to interpretation by Czech authorities, potentially validating his vehicle's compliance.
As discussions continue, whether Tesla will respond by introducing a smaller “international” version tailored to European standards remains uncertain. CEO Elon Musk has hinted that such a model could meet market demands and address safety concerns, thereby allowing the Cybertruck to gain acceptance abroad.
Tesla 2024 Cybertruck news from TESLARATI
