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The Cybertruck, Tesla's futuristic electric pick-up truck, will never come to France?

Tesla Cybertruck

The Tesla Cybertruck is a futuristic electric pickup truck that caused a sensation when it was unveiled in 2019. With its avant-garde design and exceptional performance, it quickly won over electric vehicle enthusiasts.

However, the chances of the Cybertruck landing in France are slim. The American pick-up does not meet current European standards, particularly in terms of weight and dimensions.

In this article, we analyze the reasons why the Cybertruck will probably never come to France.

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The Tesla Cybertruck: a dream for the French?

The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup truck that generated a lot of interest when it was unveiled in 2019. However, European fans will have to wait a little longer before they can get their hands on this vehicle.

Cybertruck: available in the United States, but not in Europe

The Tesla Cybertruck electric pickup has been available for sale in the USA since November 2023. However, it will not be marketed in Europe for the time being.

There are many reasons for this absence: 

  • European safety standards: the Cybertruck's stainless-steel body is too thin to withstand impacts, which means it doesn't meet current European safety standards. What's more, the Cybertruck is a heavy vehicle, which could pose safety problems in the event of a collision.

 

  • Charging port: the Cybertruck is equipped with a NACS charging port, a standard that is not compatible with European charging infrastructures. Tesla should therefore either adapt the Cybertruck to European standards, or offer a version of the vehicle equipped with a CCS2 charging port, the European standard.

It is therefore uncertain whether the Cybertruck will be marketed in Europe. Tesla may decide to launch the vehicle on the European market in a few years' time, when standards and infrastructures have been adapted.

The Tesla Cybertruck has been available in the USA since November 2023, but production is limited. The manufacturer wishes to avoid any speculation, which is why it is forbidden to resell the vehicle for the first year.

Tesla Cybertruck: why isn't it available in France?

Tesla Cybertruck: an out-of-the-ordinary vehicle on Europe's roads

The Tesla Cybertruck is off Europe's roads due to several obstacles to its compliance with European regulations. Firstly, the Cybertruck would not comply with the European Union's safety and protection standards for pedestrians and cyclists, requiring major modifications to its basic structure in order to be approved.

In addition, European regulations require 3.2 millimetre rounding on protruding parts, which is impossible to achieve on the 1.4 millimetre stainless steel sheet used for the Cybertruck. 

In addition, to drive the Cybertruck on European roads, it would probably require a category C1 driving license due to its weight, and its load-carrying capacity is not compatible with European loaders. Finally, the very design of the Cybertruck, notably the rigidity of its front end, could render it non-compliant with European regulations.

Tesla Cybertruck: too heavy for a B licence

The Tesla Cybertruck is too heavy to be driven with a category B driving license in Europe. In France, for example, the Cybertruck's weight exceeds the 3.5-tonne threshold above which a category C1 driving license is required, making a category B license insufficient to drive it. 

Thus, to drive the Cybertruck in Europe, it would be necessary to obtain a category C driving license, which is a "heavy goods vehicle" license allowing the driving of vehicles with a total authorized laden weight (PTAC "Poids total autorisé en charge") exceeding 3.5 tons. Consequently, the Cybertruck's considerable weight is an obstacle to driving it with a category B license in Europe.

Cybertruck: A danger for pedestrians and cyclists in Europe

The Tesla Cybertruck could pose a danger to pedestrians and cyclists in Europe due to its non-compliance with European Union safety standards. 

According to experts, the Cybertruck would have to undergo major modifications to its basic structure to be approved in Europe, as it does not meet pedestrian and cyclist protection standards, particularly with regard to deformation zones to protect pedestrians in the event of a collision. 

What's more, the Cybertruck's heavy weight would make it non-compliant with European regulations, which could compromise its safety when interacting with pedestrians and cyclists. As a result, the Cybertruck could present a risk to vulnerable road users in Europe due to its non-compliance with current safety standards.

Tesla Cybertruck is incompatible with European charging stations

The Tesla Cybertruck is not compatible with charging stations due to its charging system. Unlike conventional charging stations, the Cybertruck is designed to be compatible with Tesla's Supercharger network. This means that Cybertruck owners may have difficulty finding suitable charging stations outside the Tesla network.

This incompatibility raises concerns about the Cybertruck's ease of recharging in Europe, which could limit its practicality for owners who can't access Tesla Superchargers.

Tesla Superchargers

Table showing Tesla Cybertruck technical specifications


Model Single-engine Twin-engine Tri-motor
Transmission 4×2 (rear-wheel drive) 4×4 4×4
Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h) 6,5 s 4,5 s 3,0 s
Maximum speed 177 km/h 193 km/h 209 km/h
Autonomy 402 km 483 km 805 km
Maximum charging power 250 kW 250 kW 250 kW
80% DC recharging (250 kW) 30 min. 30 min. 30 min.
Length 5,88 m 5,88 m 5,88 m
Width 2,03 m 2,03 m 2,03 m
Height 1,90 m 1,90 m 1,90 m
Towing capacity 3,400 kg 4,500 kg 6.350 kg
Seating capacity 6 6 6
Release date end 2021 end 2021 end 2022
Price 39.900 $ 49.900 $ 69.900 $

Which Tesla models are available in France?

Tesla offers three electric vehicle models in France: the Model 3, Model Y and Model S.

  • The Tesla Model 3 is a compact sedan available in three versions: Standard Range Plus, Long Range and Performance. The Standard Range Plus version has a range of 448 km, the Long Range version has a range of 629 km and the Performance version has a range of 567 km. The Model 3 is one of the world's best-selling electric vehicles.

 

  • The Tesla Model Y is a compact SUV available in two versions: Long Range and Performance. The Long Range version has a range of 514 km, while the Performance version has a range of 480 km. The Model Y is a popular electric vehicle offering generous interior space and high performance. It is also eligible for the ecological bonus in France.

 

  • The Tesla Model S is a luxury sedan available in two versions: Long Range Plus and Plaid. The Long Range Plus version has a range of 663 km, while the Plaid version has a range of 647 km. The Model S is a powerful, fast electric vehicle offering unrivalled luxury and comfort.

Overview of Tesla models available in France


Model Versions Autonomy (WLTP) Ecological bonus
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, Long Range, Performance 448 km, 629 km, 567 km Not eligible
Tesla Model Y Long Range, Performance 514 km, 480 km Eligible
Tesla Model S Long Range Plus, Plaid 663 km, 647 km Not eligible

Our Tesla Model 3 test drive

Conclusion

The Tesla Cybertruck is a unique electric vehicle, but it doesn't meet current European standards. Its stainless steel body is too thin to withstand impact, its weight exceeds 3.5 tonnes, requiring a category C1 driving license, and its charging system is not compatible with European charging stations.

Beev is a specialist in electric mobility, offering a wide range of services to private and professional customers. We are experts in electric vehicles, and can answer all your questions about the Tesla Cybertruck and other Tesla models.

If you are interested in purchasing an electric vehicle, please contact us. We'll be happy to help you find the right vehicle for your needs.

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Imane BENSALAH

Explore the sustainable mobility revolution with me through my articles on electric vehicles. Make the switch to electric vehicles for eco-friendly, high-performance driving. Ready for change? I'll help you make the transition to greener driving!

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