Tesla Could Not Sell Cybertruck In Europe, TUV Expert Says

There a lot of positive and negative feedback about the revolutionary design of the Tesla Cybertruck since it was officially unveiled last month. While that’s okay because everyone is entitled to their own opinion, there is a more pressing issue that Tesla needs to address, that is, the legality of the all-electric pickup truck on the road. A new report from a TUV expert recently surfaced online, claiming that Tesla will not be able to sell the Cybertruck in Europe because it will not get certification in the Old Continent.

What we have seen during the official unveiling was just a prototype of the Tesla Cybertruck. In other words, Tesla will still modify some of its components and even its design. The electric vehicle maker could make a little redesign on the truck to make it a road-legal pickup truck. The company could integrate side mirror cameras (if there aren’t any), smaller tires, headlight clusters, and windshield wipers.

But, despite the possible redesign, the Tesla Cybertruck could still flunk European standards when it comes to safety, especially with the one we saw at the unveiling. For the Cybertruck to pass the European regulations for automobiles, it must implement strong modifications to its basic feature, according to Stefan Teller, an expert at SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH of the Automobilwoche as reported by Spiegel Online. The basic concept of the Cybertruck goes against the common European security philosophy, there are major shortcomings, occupants might feel that they are safe, but they are actually not, Teller adds.

Europe has a stricter standard when it comes to certifying the road-worthiness of vehicles. While in the US, automakers can certify the cars themselves, in Europe, there is a process that includes the government, the marque, and independent technical services like the TUV, reports Motor1. The rigid sheet metal used on the hood of the all-electric pickup truck will not pass pedestrian protection and passive safety required in Europe, the TUV expert notes.

The front of the vehicle must not be stiff. The bumper and bonnet must be able to absorb energy to protect the pedestrians. During a crash, the Cybertruck might not be affected, but the impact could be transferred to its passengers and driver, Teller adds.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is well-aware of the European standard about the vehicle. So, while the current prototype could show a lot of violations, Tesla will definitely do something about it to make it road-worthy in Europe and in other parts of the world. More expensive trims of Tesla Cybertruck will enter production in 2021, while the base model will enter production in 2022.