PARIS: European motorists who have ordered a Tesla Cybertruck may not be allowed to drive it. It turns out that the American pickup is too heavy to be driven with a regular licence, a fact that could jeopardise the Cybertruck's arrival in Europe.
After a four-year wait, the first deliveries of Tesla's Cybertruck are scheduled for November 2023 in the United States. The rest of the world will have to wait a little longer. But beyond the wait, the vehicle's European debut is facing the weight issue.
According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Cybertruck weighs between 3.6 and 4.5 tonnes, depending on the version.
In Europe, however, only vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes can be driven with a regular car licence (category B). The Cybertruck would therefore be reserved for holders of a large goods vehicle licence (category C).
Unless a lighter model is produced (potentially sacrificing battery capacity and possibly range), the Cybertruck will be difficult to sell in this configuration in Europe, even if Tesla is mainly targeting the North American market.
The Cybertruck is an imposing, out-of-the-ordinary pickup truck, that's eagerly awaited.
A concept version was unveiled in 2019, but production only began this year.
In addition to its performance, including acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in less than 3 seconds — which is obviously exceptional for a pickup — the Cybertruck stands out for its ultra-futuristic styling, as well as its large storage capacity of over 2,800 litres, and towing capacity of up to just over 6 tonnes.
What's more, the vehicle is billed as withstanding all kinds of hostile impacts, including stones and even gunfire. It's even said to be so tough that it can even operate in water, according to Elon Musk.
But could the Cybertruck turn out to be Tesla's bête noire (bugbear)?
In addition to its production delay and heavy weight, the Cybertruck got off to a tricky start at its unveiling, when two armoured windows failed to withstand the impact of a steel ball.
Meanwhile, its production is proving extremely complex due to numerous new technologies. "We dug our own grave with the Cybertruck," Elon Musk admits.
