In a recent conversation with transport advocates, concerns emerged over the legality of registering Tesla’s Cybertruck, one of the first electric pickup trucks to hit the European market. Ajit Niranjan reports that the Cybertruck’s distinctive design—marked by its size and angular edges—has raised significant safety alarms, particularly in light of stringent road regulations.
James Nix, representing the nonprofit organization Transport & Environment, pointed out, “There’s been a lot of confusion about whether the Cybertruck can legally operate on European roads.” He emphasized that vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes, such as the Cybertruck, which Tesla states weighs around 4 tonnes, are mandated to have speed limiters for safety reasons. For perspective, a typical family car like a Ford Focus generally weighs about 1.9 tonnes.
The issue has become pressing, as sightings of Cybertrucks on European streets have increased, prompting safety advocates to push for urgent action. In a letter to the European Commission and Czech authorities, these campaigners have called for the immediate removal of Cybertrucks from public roads, citing concerns about the risks associated with these oversized vehicles.
Nix reiterated in our discussion, “Very oversized pickup trucks are increasingly being imported and bringing danger to our streets.” He expressed alarm over the potential safety threats these trucks pose, especially as the market progressively shifts toward larger sports utility vehicles.
Despite stringent regulations intended to limit the presence of high-risk vehicles, it appears that loopholes exist which allow the registration of such trucks through less rigorous “individual vehicle approval” processes. These approvals can bypass the thorough checks that most vehicles undergo during standard type approvals, raising questions about the legitimacy of Cybertruck registrations in Europe.
For instance, a recently registered Cybertruck in the Czech Republic weighs 3.025 tonnes but has undergone modifications purportedly to meet local lighting regulations and minimize hazards linked to its sharp edges. However, experts caution that if this vehicle were to carry additional passengers or cargo, it could exceed safety limits and potentially breach weight restrictions.
Norton Slovak, co-founder of Cybertruck.cz, recognized the discrepancies with regulatory weight standards, noting, “The calculations may not fully reflect how these regulations are applied or interpreted by Czech authorities.”
In light of this complexity, the Czech transport ministry asserts that the Cybertruck’s registration isn’t problematic as it falls under individual approval rather than the broader type approval required for EU-wide use. However, concerns arise regarding whether such vehicles can legally travel into other EU member states. Slovak voiced worries about the permissibility of vehicles registered in this manner crossing borders.
Nix emphasized the risks, stating, “Cybertrucks pose acute dangers and don’t meet European safety standards.” He urged transportation officials to suspend the Cybertruck from public roadways until a thorough assessment can be conducted.
A study conducted in March highlighted the dangers associated with larger vehicles, finding that an increase in a vehicle’s front-end height significantly raises pedestrian fatality rates, especially impacting vulnerable groups like women, children, and the elderly.
In response to these claims, Slovak countered that the Cybertruck might actually be safer than many lighter SUVs, which often have elevated front ends. He suggested that the EU should consider updating its weight regulations to accommodate innovative electric vehicle designs, acknowledging the environmental benefits despite the challenges posed by their heavier batteries.
“The need for modern, sustainable vehicle designs calls for a revision of the current rules,” Slovak proposed. “This could help ensure that vehicles like the Cybertruck not only meet safety and environmental standards but also fit into appropriate classifications.”
In the U.S., the Cybertruck has faced its own safety challenges, resulting in a fleet recall earlier this year, although Tesla has yet to comment on these recent developments.
Lastly, the European Commission has stated that more information is needed to assess the vehicle’s compliance with national regulations and safety measures and plans to address the issue with member state authorities at an upcoming enforcement meeting.
