Tesla’s Cybertruck has continued to cause controversy since its inception. Its unconventional armored and geometric aesthetic has made it the subject of online ridicule and humor, becoming a circulated meme online among internet users. With some being die-hard fans and loyalists to the vehicles, other see it as an unfortunate blemish on the road. Now, the truck is making it into the European news for its safety shortcomings according to UK standards.
The Cybertruck receives an intense cult-following
Despite internet divide, fans of the Cybertruck have formed a somewhat cult-like following of the futuristic vehicle. Part of this is due to the influence of Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Musk has been instrumental in forward-thinking innovation, playing a major role in the electrical vehicle space. In addition, his company SpaceX has been one of the most successful private space technological companies, providing necessary partnership with government space agency NASA.
However, Musk’s unique and against-the-grain personality has made him attract die-hard fans and criticizers. With his recent partnership and involvement with the Trump administration, he has also attracted fans of President Donald Trump. Musk’s current role in government is through the external agency the Department of Government Efficiency (DODGE), which has been employed by the Trump Administration to advise on how to reduce unnecessary governmental spending.
Cybertruck is banned in Europe
While the Cybertruck is the third-best selling electric vehicle in the USA, the same kind of popularity is not being seen across the pond. Recently, a Cybertruck owner in the UK has his Tesla seized by Manchester authorities due to not possessing a “certificate of conformity”. The Cybertruk is not legal on UK roads, and thus citizens are not allowed to import and drive them. This is due to the American company’s vehicle not meeting the standard safety requirements all moto vehicles must meet for drivers in the UK to drive specific vehicles on the road.
The Cybertruck not meeting UK safety standards has been a subject of debate. Recently, the American traffic authority, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, gave the Cybertruck a rating of five in terms of its safety- the highest rating a vehicle in the US can receive. However, UK traffic and vehicle safety officials feel differently. To them, the Cybertruck falls short on the following five engineering and design decisions:
- The size and weight of the Cybertruck’s
- The sharp edges on the Cybertruck’s design
- The impact the rigidity of the vehicle has in a collision
- The visibility issues due to the light bar
- The problem of the mass of the Cybertruck combined with its torque
While these safety concerns by British authorities mean that the Cyberteuck will not be seen on British roads anytime soon, that has not stopped the success the vehicle has experienced in the US. Within one week of the vehicles unveiling in 2019, the trucks has over one million pre-orders. In addition, the Cybertruck was the best-selling pickup truck in the US in 2024, a country which is known for their pickup truck culture.
Electric vehicles continue to reign supreme
Despite the pushback from UK authorities, electrical vehicles in general are increasing in popularity around the world. As the world continues to become more eco-conscious amidst concerns over climate change, the transportation industry has identified electric vehicles as the top solution to moving away from the internal combustion engine and achieving carbon-neutrality.
Tesla has been a leader in producing electric vehicle in technology, and has continued to be a key player in driving innovation in the field. The vehicles are still seen as some of the finest engineering of electric and hybrid vehicles, as Tesla will most likely continue to develop futuristic and cutting-edge technology.
