This (barely) modified Tesla Cybertruck is circulating in the Czech Republic, but is it really legal?

Tesla still does not seem decided to market its electric pick-up in Europe. Yet a slightly modified model has found a way to obtain a license in the Czech Republic. Several NGOs are sounding the alarm. They believe that the Cybertruck is not at all suitable for European roads and that it is dangerous for pedestrians.

A Cybertruck has been spotted in the Czech Republic. A surprise given that it is not yet marketed by Tesla on the Old Continent. Its presence on European soil could pose problems. Several transport NGOs said the vehicle was “ too bulky and too sharp » to be authorized to travel in Europe.

An import that raises many questions

« Cybertruck approval and registration in the European Union poses risks to all other road users », We can read in an open letter addressed to the European Commission. NGOs claim that a small number of Cybertrucks have been registered in recent months and that it is ” essential to do what is necessary to prevent them from circulating ».

The letter was also signed by leaders of the European Council, the International Pedestrian Federation and the European Cyclists’ Federation. In fact, European directives normally prohibit sharp edges on cars.

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The Cybertruck imported into the Czech Republic has been modified. It is equipped with rubber pads, ” of disturbing finesse », to try to protect the edges and reassure the authorities. Small modifications that do not change the dangerousness of the vehicle. The Czech Ministry of Transport nevertheless affirms that the registration of the electric pick-up complies with European regulations.

« A real danger for pedestrians and cyclists »

However, for it to be legally driven in Europe, its owner would need to have a heavy goods vehicle license. A permit for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVWR) greater than 3.5 tonnes. Norton Slovak, co-founder of Cybertruck.cz, the company that owns the imported pickup, said he was aware of the discrepancy between the vehicle’s weight and the regulations.

But according to him, “ THE calculations do not reflect how the law is interpreted by the Czech authorities “. Indeed, the Ministry of Transport did not consider this a problem, because registration was a ” individual approval » of a vehicle intended to operate only on the territory of the Czech Republic. But the machine was seen in Slovakia.

The signatories of the open letter believe that if the European Commission does not act, the importation of this Cybertruck “ could lead to massive imports into Europe », which would constitute a real danger for pedestrians and cyclists. A conclusion shared by Euro NCAP.

To date, the Tesla Cybertruck has not yet passed into the hands of Euro NCAP (the European assessment program for new cars) experts. However, Matthew Avery, director of strategic development at Euro NCAP, says that in “ based solely on the visual appearance of the vehicle, we can guess that it can potentially pose a threat to pedestrians and cyclists ».

Please note, however, that it is not possible to fail the Euro NCAP test. The Dacia Spring, for example, is rated 1 star (out of 5). The program awards a grade, more or less good, but the test does not represent a legal obligation.

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« If we were to see massive private imports, we might consider carrying out a test “, says Mr. Avery of Euro NCAP. He adds that “ for a car to be pedestrian friendly, it must have structures that absorb energy. The general rigidity of stainless steel poses a real problem on this point and it seems difficult to remedy it. ».