The Cybertruck’s hood will need to be flexible with no protrusions to achieve a favorable NCAP pedestrian safety score, according to predictions by experts. Avery, an expert, identified the large wiper and boss of the Cybertruck as potential hazard areas.
In July, a modified Cybertruck was registered in the Czech Republic through the country’s Individual Vehicle Approval system. The Czech transport ministry noted that all vehicles in the N1 category, including the truck, are evaluated using EU regulation formulas from 2018 to calculate weight ratios. However, the vehicle data indicates that the Cybertruck does not meet these formulas when carrying four passengers.
To legally drive the Cybertruck in Europe, owners must possess a category C license, as the truck’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 3.5 metric tons (7,716 lbs). Norton Slovak, cofounder of Cybertruck.cz, which owns the imported Tesla truck, acknowledged the discrepancy between the vehicle weight and regulations but suggested that the calculations might not fully capture how the regulations are applied by Czech authorities.
The Czech transport ministry did not consider the discrepancy an issue, as the registration was specific to the national territory of the Czech Republic and not applicable for EU-wide type approval. Despite this, the vehicle has been driven to other EU countries, including Slovakia. An Instagram post showed the Cybertruck being tested in “Wade Mode” in a lake near Bratislava, where it got stuck and required assistance from bystanders.
Tesla, Norton Slovak, and the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic were contacted for comments but did not respond. Transport NGOs have expressed concern in an open letter, stating that without action from the European Commission, the importation of this single Cybertruck could lead to widespread importation into Europe. They argue this could pose dangers to pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists, a view supported by Euro NCAP.
