After two years of delay… Tesla It’s finally built its first Cybertruck — and today (November 30) it’s scheduled to hold a high-profile delivery event for the first customers.
The first example of the radical electric pickup was produced at the Gigafactory in Texas. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said his company plans to manufacture about 250,000 Cybertrucks annually, depending on demand, with sales starting later in 2023.
Tesla Cybertruck against the most powerful pickups and SUVs
However, there is still a big question mark over whether the Cybertruck will be sold in Europe. According to German safety certification expert TUV, the car It will require “strong modifications to the basic structure” before it can be sold On this side of the Atlantic.
Because the Cybertruck is classified as a light-duty truck in the USA, it gets exemptions from several safety regulations, including pedestrian safety. But this is not the case in Europe.
The Cybertruck is said to have up to 1.9 million pre-orders from potential buyers around the world, but exactly when it will go on sale outside of America – if it actually is possible – remains unclear.
Innocent bystanders
Stefan Teller, automotive expert at SGS-TUV Saar GmbHexplained his concerns about the Cybertruck. “The front of the car should not be harsh.” It is to explain. “TThe bumper and hood must be able to absorb energy to protect pedestrians.
this means It will be necessary to make the “aggressive infrastructure adjustments” mentioned above. To get type approval, the Cybertruck needs to, Tiller continues Comply With 50 to 60 different regulations.
Looking back at the Cybertruck’s reveal, much was made of how solid and strong its stainless steel body and panels were. They may be great for resisting damage, but less so for unwitting occupants and pedestrians.
“Big job for Mr. Musk”
Regulations require new cars to be deformed in very specific ways, depending on the nature of the accident. For the occupants, the vehicle body must collapse in order to dissipate energy. For pedestrians, the vehicle must cushion the impact in the event of a collision.
Stefan Teller explained that with the Cybertruck, “nothing deforms in the event of a collision. Instead, huge forces act on the passengers. The airbags no longer help.”
On this basis, “it will not be possible to sell it in this country (Germany) as a mass production vehicle on the basis of type approval.” With post-Brexit Britain complying with EU regulations, the same scenario seems likely here. “It’s still a big undertaking for Mr. Musk.” concludes the teller. Maybe too big, we think.
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