The Tesla Cybertruck is potentially gearing up for a tour in Germany this spring, following its current showcase journey with the electric pickup across China.
Initiating its Cybertruck showcase across China last week, Tesla may extend its exhibition to the Stuttgart Holzgerlingen delivery center in Europe, according to statements from Andre Fink, a notable source on Sunday. Fink indicated that the distinctive electric vehicle (EV) is expected to make an appearance at the Holzgerlingen site during the spring season, although a precise arrival date remains unspecified.
While the veracity of these assertions remains uncertain, the prospect of Cybertruck displays in Germany, and potentially across Europe, isn’t entirely unexpected given Tesla’s ongoing exhibitions of the vehicle in various Chinese cities. Nevertheless, CEO Elon Musk remarked last month on the challenges of making the Cybertruck road legal in China, without elaborating on specific reasons, echoing concerns previously raised about the vehicle’s feasibility for sale in Europe.
Tesla initially commenced Cybertruck orders in Europe and China but ceased accepting orders for the vehicle in these regions as of May 2022. Regulatory differences exist between these regions, yet the overall dimensions and robustness of the Cybertruck are generally perceived to conflict with pedestrian safety standards in both areas. Lars Moravy, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, underscored the issue of protrusion resulting from the truck’s stainless steel construction, a factor impeding the vehicle’s sale in Europe due to non-compliance with European Union (EU) regulations.
“The US truck market is substantial, and European regulations stipulate a 3.2mm external radius on external projections,” Moravy elucidated to Top Gear. “Unfortunately, achieving a 3.2mm radius on a 1.4mm sheet of stainless steel is impractical.”
Nonetheless, the Cybertruck’s anticipated showcase in Germany, and potentially throughout Europe, would likely be embraced by enthusiasts, despite potential legal constraints on driving the vehicle. Since its debut in U.S. showrooms, the Cybertruck has consistently attracted significant attention, affording Tesla the opportunity to spotlight the vehicle’s technological prowess, including its 48-volt architecture, “Etherloop” wiring system, and other cutting-edge features not commonly found in conventional vehicles.
