Short answer: Unlikely.
Detailed explanation: Weight Concerns
In the US, the Cybertruck is categorized as a light-duty truck, making it exempt from many safety standards aimed at protecting occupants.
In contrast, European and UK regulations are stricter. The UK mandates a Category C1 driving license for vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight (MGVW) exceeding 3.5 tonnes (7,716 lbs / 3,500 kg). Reports using VIN decoders suggest the Cybertruck’s weight ranges from 3,629 kg to 4,536 kg (8,001-10,000 lbs). This places even the lightest model above the UK’s licensing threshold, making it unlikely that many UK drivers would obtain a C1 license just to operate the Cybertruck. Moreover, the costs of reducing the vehicle’s weight for Tesla would likely be prohibitive.
Regulations on Vehicle Proportions & Safety
UK regulations set strict standards for vehicle design to ensure pedestrian safety. These include requirements for crumple zones, a limit on front-end extension beyond the front axle, and prohibitions on sharp, angular designs or protruding parts that could injure pedestrians. The Cybertruck, with its sharp angles and flat, protruding front, fails to meet several of these criteria.
Charging Compatibility
The Cybertruck uses a North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, which is incompatible with the UK’s Type 2 and CCS2 connectors used for home and fast charging. Adapting the vehicle to UK standards would require significant investment from Tesla.
Market Prospects and Regulatory Challenges
Given the regulatory challenges and the significant design changes required, Tesla is unlikely to see the UK as a viable market for the Cybertruck. This is further compounded by Tesla’s own lack of enthusiasm for adapting the vehicle to meet local standards, as indicated by statements from Tesla’s engineering vice president, suggesting no plans to modify the vehicle’s design to comply with European safety norms.
Conclusion: Considering all these factors, the arrival of the Tesla Cybertruck in the UK seems highly improbable.
Tesla Cybertruck Overview
The Tesla Cybertruck is a groundbreaking battery electric full-size pickup truck developed by Tesla, Inc., with production commencing in November 2023. The vehicle, designed by Franz von Holzhausen and Sahm Jafari, is assembled at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Austin, Texas. Notable for its distinctive, angular design crafted from flat stainless steel panels, the Cybertruck was initially introduced as a concept in November 2019.
Design and Specifications
The Cybertruck’s design features a 4-door crew cab layout and offers three different powertrain options: a single motor rear-wheel drive (RWD), a dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD), and a tri-motor AWD, branded as “Cyberbeast.” The vehicle’s electric range varies by model, from 250 to 340 miles, with an optional range extender that can increase the range to between 440 and 470 miles.
Powertrain and Performance
The Cybertruck uses a single-speed fixed transmission with a 15:1 ratio. Its battery options include a 0.192 kWh, 48 V lithium-ion battery and a 123 kWh lithium-ion pack with an optional 50 kWh range extender. Charging capabilities include an 11.5 kW AC onboard charger and up to 350 kW DC fast charging, facilitated by a NACS connector.
Dimensions and Weight
The Cybertruck has a wheelbase of 143.11 inches, a length of 223.74 inches, a width of 79.99 inches, and a height of 70.7 inches. The vehicle’s curb weight ranges from 6,603 pounds for the AWD version to 6,843 pounds for the Cyberbeast.
History and Development
Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, first hinted at the idea of a Tesla pickup truck in 2012, envisioning a powerful vehicle with dynamic air suspension and exceptional handling. The Cybertruck was formally unveiled in November 2019, with its bold design drawing inspiration from the movie “Blade Runner” and the Lotus Esprit submarine car from the James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me.”
Unveiling and Public Reception
The unveiling event in Los Angeles featured a dramatic demonstration of the Cybertruck’s “Armor Glass” windows, which unexpectedly shattered during a test. Despite this hiccup, the vehicle’s design and capabilities garnered significant attention. Tesla aimed to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-fuel-powered trucks, with the Cybertruck boasting a towing capacity comparable to the Ford F-150.
Production and Delivery
The first production unit of the Cybertruck was completed at Gigafactory Texas in July 2023. Initial deliveries took place at a special event on November 30, 2023, where Tesla handed over the first production units to customers and showcased the truck’s impressive acceleration and durability.
Design Inspiration and Styling
Musk’s vision for the Cybertruck’s design was heavily influenced by futuristic aesthetics, aiming to create a vehicle that looked straight out of a science fiction film. The design process involved extensive prototyping and iteration, resulting in a truck with a unique exoskeleton structure made from 300-series stainless steel.
Interior and Features
The Cybertruck’s interior features a five-seat configuration, with a large 18.5-inch touch-screen display for front-seat controls and a 9.4-inch screen for rear passengers. The cargo bed, known as the “vault,” offers 67 cubic feet of storage space, protected by a motorized roller cover. The vehicle also includes advanced features such as steer-by-wire technology and four-wheel steering to enhance maneuverability.
Safety and Availability
The Cybertruck’s design has raised safety concerns due to its rigid exterior and sharp edges, which may pose risks to pedestrians and other vehicles. Despite these concerns, the vehicle has passed U.S. regulatory reviews. As of early 2024, the Cybertruck is exclusively available in North America, with no immediate plans for international release.
In summary, the Tesla Cybertruck represents a significant innovation in the electric vehicle market, combining advanced technology, futuristic design, and impressive performance capabilities. Its unique appearance and robust features make it a standout addition to Tesla’s lineup.
Tesla Range that is available in the UK
Even though the Cybertruck will not be available for sale in the UK anytime soon, Tesla offers a broad range of other vehicles that are available for purchase.
Tesla’s new product releases are usually limited, despite the Californian company’s year-round buzz. However, the lineup of new electric cars for 2024 is still noteworthy.
While the new Roadster, initially scheduled for 2023, has been postponed, we can anticipate three confirmed and partly unveiled new products: the facelift of the Model Y, the performance version of the new Model 3, and finally, the Cybertruck. Additionally, there might be updates on the €25,000 (£20,000) entry-level vehicle, the Model 2, which is not expected until 2025 at the earliest.
Here are Tesla’s highlights for 2024:
Tesla Model 3 Performance
The mid-2023 facelift of the mid-range Tesla Model 3 saloon introduced some interesting range enhancements. However, the lineup remains incomplete, with the top-tier “Performance” version expected to debut in the new year. Reports suggest that this version will be available in some markets by the first half of 2024, though specifics remain undisclosed. Earlier rumors mention specially designed seats and potential changes to the drive system.
- Name: Tesla Model 3 Performance
- Body: 4-door saloon
- Engines: Electric
- Release date: 1st quarter 2024
- Prices: TBA
Tesla Model Y
Following the updated Model 3, the next in line for a facelift is the Model Y, which will see similar advancements in 2024. The new Tesla Model Y (codenamed Project Juniper) will feature slimmer headlights, a new light signature with LED matrix lights, an aerodynamic bumper, and C-shaped rear lights integrated into the new tailgate.
Internally, it retains the central 15-inch monitor, with updated infotainment compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with new transmission controls and an 8-inch rear monitor for climate, ventilation, and entertainment. The Model Y will offer rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, with outputs of 231 bhp and 340 bhp, and improved ranges: 283 miles (455 kilometers) for the Single Motor, 331 miles (533 kilometers) for the Long Range, and 319 miles (514 kilometers) for the Performance.
