Tesla Cybertruck Isn't Road-Legal In Europe, Needs 'Strong Modification', Says Expert

Despite the hype of Tesla’s new electric pickup Cybertruck in terms of its disruptive design and surging pre-orders, reports suggest the pickup will require heavy modifications if it has to sell in Europe.

The old continent has rigid standards on safety. Tesla must conform to the legal norms required to ply on the road, according to experts.

The Cybertruck in three versions is expected to go into production in late 2021 and will take on at least three major new products in the segment coming from GM, Ford and start-up Rivian that is backed by Amazon.

Stringent safety standards in Europe

The Motor1.com report says the Cybertruck has to primarily satisfy the safety standards set by European regulators.

This calls for “strong modifications to the basic structure” according to Stefan Teller, an automotive safety expert at SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH.

Unlike the U.S, Europe has stricter standards in certifying vehicles for road-worthiness. In the U.S., carmakers have the liberty to certify their cars themselves. But in Europe, the process involves agencies from the government as well as independent ones like the TÜV.

Cybetruck’s structure will need an overhaul

Teller has a concern with Cybertruck's rigid sheet metal as a barrier to pass the test of safety regarding pedestrian protection requirements in Europe.

Cybertruck's rigidity is an issue. During an accident, the crash might not hit Cybertruck's body but the impact will consume the occupants. “Even the airbags won't help,” says Teller.

“The front of the vehicle must not be stiff,” Teller notes adding the bumper and bonnet must be capable enough to assimilate the energy to save the pedestrians.

However, the fancy over Cybetrtruck’s design continues as noticed in the action of a Tesla Cybertruck fan creating a Lego version of the electric truck and sending it to the Ideas program of Danish toymaker, reports Teslarati.

Meanwhile, Fox News reported Lego teased a competitor to Tesla’s electric pickup in its toy world by placing an extra box on the wheels of a similar truck.

Calling it “guaranteed shatterproof,” the toy company made a subtle dig at Tesla’s broken “armor glass” when struck by a small metal ball during the unveiling event.

Tesla stock was down 0.36 percent on Dec.13 trading close per Yahoo Finance.

Cybertruck killer in the works

A Cybertruck killer is also readying from Lordstown in Ohio, per latest news.

The place is a former hub of GM’s car manufacturing. The new player, Lordstown Motor Company is focusing on electric vehicles, specifically electric pickup trucks, to compete with the likes of Tesla Cybertruck and others, the Fossbytes report said.

Lordstown Motor CEO Steve Burns is taking the new talent from many auto companies to make a successful Tesla Cybertruck killer. The first vehicle possibly a Tesla Cybertruck rival will be named Endurance.

The Cybertruck killer may have a dual electric power train and a battery pack that offers more than 250 miles of range.