U.S. Army confirms Tesla Cybertruck can't be imported in Europe(electrek.co)
electrek.co
U.S. Army confirms Tesla Cybertruck can't be imported in Europe
https://electrek.co/2025/09/30/u-s-army-confirms-tesla-cybertruck-cant-be-imported-in-europe/
94 comments
Not knowing how testing works or the criteria in USA/Canada, I'm surprised it's even allowed here. I'd rather be hit as a pedestrian by almost any other truck since at least F-150s and RAMs don't have sharp edges like the Cybertruck...
But again, here in the US we are an order of magnitude less likely to be hit by a car. EDIT: Than being in a car accident
Obviously we could get into incentives and prioritizing pedestrian safety and urbanizing. But if you take the current status quo of where Americans live and how they drive, I can very much understand regulators choosing to prioritize the safety regulations that will save the largest number of lives on the roads we have now.
Obviously we could get into incentives and prioritizing pedestrian safety and urbanizing. But if you take the current status quo of where Americans live and how they drive, I can very much understand regulators choosing to prioritize the safety regulations that will save the largest number of lives on the roads we have now.
You're right, I misrepresented the idea. Part of the thing is that US roads are just so much more dangerous in every way. Here's the actual data:
US pedestrian fatalities 2 per 100k. US driver fatalities ~7 per 100k.
European pedestrian fatalities: 0.5 per 100k. European driver fatalities: ~2 per 100k.
So it's somewhat understandable that regulators may disproportionately favor crash protection for drivers.
US pedestrian fatalities 2 per 100k. US driver fatalities ~7 per 100k.
European pedestrian fatalities: 0.5 per 100k. European driver fatalities: ~2 per 100k.
So it's somewhat understandable that regulators may disproportionately favor crash protection for drivers.
It's especially concerning when you see that US drivers tend to drive huge tanks. Whereas in Europe we have a lot of tiny compact cars. And yet they still die in the US in larger numbers :O
> But again, here in the US we are an order of magnitude less likely to be hit by a car.
hard disagree, in places where cybertrucks are most sold it is urban populated areas and pedestrian incidents and fatalities are very high
hard disagree, in places where cybertrucks are most sold it is urban populated areas and pedestrian incidents and fatalities are very high
> But again, here in the US we are an order of magnitude less likely to be hit by a car.
Huh - do you have a source for that stat?
Huh - do you have a source for that stat?
I don't care so much about the edges. I'm more worried about the height of these newer trucks and SUVs, which create massive front blindspots. The below report focuses on kids, but I'm an adult and some of these trucks seem taller than me.
https://www.wthr.com/article/news/investigations/13-investig...
https://www.wthr.com/article/news/investigations/13-investig...
> I'm more worried about the height of these newer trucks and SUVs, which create massive front blindspots.
There's a bit of meme that an M1 Abrams tank has better forward visibility than many SUVs/pickups:
* https://old.reddit.com/r/fuckcars/comments/140dgn8/many_popu...
There's a bit of meme that an M1 Abrams tank has better forward visibility than many SUVs/pickups:
* https://old.reddit.com/r/fuckcars/comments/140dgn8/many_popu...
So we need to arm children, so SUV drivers also consider good visibility a feature for their safety, just like the M1 designers did.
I drive a Mini. I frequently notice how the hoods of these trucks are taller than my entire car.
I drive a smaller hatchback as well and notice the same thing.
I’ve been on the other side of it once. I got roped into driving an acquaintance’s H3 Hummer years ago. I went to change lanes, checked my mirrors, looked over my shoulder out the window, and all seems clear. It wasn’t. There was a car that was completely invisible to me. Had other people not been in the car and looking, I would have run them right off the road. I have no idea how anyone drives those things on a daily basis. I was a nervous wreck.
I think the best visibility I had in a car was my old GTI. I could see all 4 corners and knew exactly where I was at.
I’ve been on the other side of it once. I got roped into driving an acquaintance’s H3 Hummer years ago. I went to change lanes, checked my mirrors, looked over my shoulder out the window, and all seems clear. It wasn’t. There was a car that was completely invisible to me. Had other people not been in the car and looking, I would have run them right off the road. I have no idea how anyone drives those things on a daily basis. I was a nervous wreck.
I think the best visibility I had in a car was my old GTI. I could see all 4 corners and knew exactly where I was at.
juggern(4)
There's a really good video by Road Guy Rob that goes into very good detail about the specific causes of pedestrian fatalities in the US: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEj-pyjA2oo
TL;DW: It's most likely happening at night, on an arterial street, by a truck or SUV.
TL;DW: It's most likely happening at night, on an arterial street, by a truck or SUV.
> In the EU, it's pedestrian impacts (which makes sense corresponding to the urban vs rural environments in each).
The US has a comparable urban population to Western Europe or Scandinavia. However, the urban areas are far more car centric.
The US has a comparable urban population to Western Europe or Scandinavia. However, the urban areas are far more car centric.
Maybe I'm taking your words to mean something other than intended, but are sharp corners on a car in a car vs pedestrian situation more dangerous than any other? Or is it more the angle + materials?
This is one of those things that seems visually more dangerous, but I'm not sure if it is in real world results.
Outside say a pike sticking out I wonder...
This is one of those things that seems visually more dangerous, but I'm not sure if it is in real world results.
Outside say a pike sticking out I wonder...
[deleted]
wonder if importers can qualify the truck for europe?
They used to do this for lamborghini countach in the US by adding ridiculous bumpers:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Lamborgh...
They used to do this for lamborghini countach in the US by adding ridiculous bumpers:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Lamborgh...
It's not _just_ the absurd pointiness; it's also far too heavy. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (AIUI the Cybertruck would qualify; while its empty weight is 3.2 tonnes, what matters is the laden weight, and you'd have a hard time arguing that it could only take 300kg contents) in Europe require a speed limiter. The imposed limits vary by country, but would make it pretty impractical as a car. Typically 80km/h on motorways, 50km/h in urban areas.
They also need to beep when they reverse and so forth.
They also need to beep when they reverse and so forth.
As someone who lives near two of the largest USAF bases in Europe, I'm glad the Americans can import vehicles too wide for the average street because it allows the locals to identify them at a distance and somewhat anticipate their non-existent (and often illegal) driving habits.
One very likely drunk US soldier driving a huge American SUV and speeding through a red light in Bucharest killed a famous Romanian musician.
The US blocked any attempts of a Romanian investigation and the American investigation found no wrong doing (the musicians much smaller taxi looked like an accordion, I passed on that street after the accident).
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teo_Peter
The US blocked any attempts of a Romanian investigation and the American investigation found no wrong doing (the musicians much smaller taxi looked like an accordion, I passed on that street after the accident).
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teo_Peter
[deleted]
Speculation, hearsay and edge case. Classic.
> When questioned by State Department security officials, VanGoethem told them he and Wentworth had spent the evening bar-hopping, followed by an early morning pizza at a third Bucharest establishment called Everest.
> VanGoethem also called Wentworth on his cell phone immediately following the collision and asked her to match his lie when she spoke to investigators.
https://www.stripes.com/news/vangoethem-cleared-of-major-cha...
Also, regarding hearsay... I just said that I saw myself the car wreckage the next day. And actually I also saw the metal panel fence next to the road. The Dacia was totaled, smashed like a plastic toy, and the fence next to it was also destroyed due to the Dacia (a much smaller and lighter car) being catapulted onto the fence. It's been a while since I saw it, but that road was dangerous and the direction the SUV was coming from was famous for allowing high speeds. Maybe the taxi driver ran the red light, but that's extremely unlikely as a taxi driver would have been familiar with the risky road and the possibility of getting hit by a car doing 80kmph or more.
> VanGoethem also called Wentworth on his cell phone immediately following the collision and asked her to match his lie when she spoke to investigators.
https://www.stripes.com/news/vangoethem-cleared-of-major-cha...
Also, regarding hearsay... I just said that I saw myself the car wreckage the next day. And actually I also saw the metal panel fence next to the road. The Dacia was totaled, smashed like a plastic toy, and the fence next to it was also destroyed due to the Dacia (a much smaller and lighter car) being catapulted onto the fence. It's been a while since I saw it, but that road was dangerous and the direction the SUV was coming from was famous for allowing high speeds. Maybe the taxi driver ran the red light, but that's extremely unlikely as a taxi driver would have been familiar with the risky road and the possibility of getting hit by a car doing 80kmph or more.
Anyone living near an US base has similar stories to tell
Or, God forbid, worse: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kandahar_massacre
United States Army Staff Sergeant Robert Bales murdered 16 Afghan civilians and wounded six others in the Panjwayi District of Kandahar Province, in the former Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Nine of his victims were children, and 11 of the dead were from the same family.
Bales was taken into custody later that morning when he told authorities, "I did it".Makes you wonder why America was so desperate to suppress an impartial investigation.
There was a CIA worker in the UK that drove on the wrong side of the road, killed someone and fled the country.
I thought it was the wife of the official, but maybe I'm misremembering things..
She was CIA too.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Harry_Dunn
An increasingly common problem in the UK: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4kqq8dw00o
An increasingly common problem in the UK: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4kqq8dw00o
Aren't the rejection reasons true of every US EV truck? They all have gross vehicle weight ratings over 3.5 tons, they all lack speed limiters, and they all fail EU pedestrian safety regulations.
The only exception I know of is the F-150 Lightning. It's allowed in Europe outside the EU (Norway & Switzerland), though its maximum load is limited to 805kg (including passengers) to keep it below the 3,500kg limit.[1]
Edit: Some guy in Poland (which is in the EU) has a Cybertruck.[2] I'm not sure how he made it EU compliant. He claims there are at least five Cybertrucks registered in Poland.[3] There's also a Cybertruck registered in the Czech Republic.[4]
1. https://www.motor.no/bil/ford-f-150-lightning-klar-for-norge...
2. https://x.com/norbertcala/status/1814394368452862270
3. https://x.com/norbertcala/status/1838862685724651738
4. https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/czechia-sees-its-fi...
The only exception I know of is the F-150 Lightning. It's allowed in Europe outside the EU (Norway & Switzerland), though its maximum load is limited to 805kg (including passengers) to keep it below the 3,500kg limit.[1]
Edit: Some guy in Poland (which is in the EU) has a Cybertruck.[2] I'm not sure how he made it EU compliant. He claims there are at least five Cybertrucks registered in Poland.[3] There's also a Cybertruck registered in the Czech Republic.[4]
1. https://www.motor.no/bil/ford-f-150-lightning-klar-for-norge...
2. https://x.com/norbertcala/status/1814394368452862270
3. https://x.com/norbertcala/status/1838862685724651738
4. https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/czechia-sees-its-fi...
Not the sharp edges, no. That's a cybertruck "special".
> The Cybertruck has no type-approval from the European Union (EU) due to significant passive safety concerns. Several specifications of the Cybertruck, particularly the sharp-edged, stiff stainless-steel body, violate EU safety standards, primarily for the protection of vulnerable road users.
So it's too dangerous for pedestrians. Good, love to see a government stand up for its people now and then
So it's too dangerous for pedestrians. Good, love to see a government stand up for its people now and then
Must be nice to live under a semi-functional government that tries to stop dangerous designs before they’re on the road.
This was obvious shortly after the Cybertruck was presented to the world and it never seemed like a smart move to let it on the road the way it is.
Counterpoint: one was imported and registered in Czech Republic, so it can be done "in Europe". Although I'm sure it's pricey, hard, depends heavily on jurisdiction.
https://insideevs.com/features/727202/tesla-cybertruck-europ...
https://cybertruck.cz/
https://insideevs.com/features/727202/tesla-cybertruck-europ...
https://cybertruck.cz/
I am more surprised we are paying for soldiers to ship their vehicles around the world.
Wait until you discover if they run people over abroad diplomatic immunity can be claimed: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Harry_Dunn
Troops have families.
Home goods get shipped too, of course.
Home goods get shipped too, of course.
Free healthcare for the rest of your life. Help with college costs.. Funny how one of the biggest budget items in the country is used for a socialist system...
Most jobs don't get you shot at though. I mean shooting at my colleagues is frowned upon by HR in my office.
Most jobs in the US military don't involve shooting, or being shot at, either. Last major war, only 11% were combat forces. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth-to-tail_ratio
From quick reading, seems like if you serve at least 2 years (or leave from a service connected injury) and get an honorable discharge, you get VA healthcare, although lower priority levels have to pay copays, so not entirely free?
Looks like signing up for the military is an 8 year commitment, which is often at least 3 years of active duty and the remainder on reserves. Kind of a lot of commitment for health care, and kind of a lot of risk on the job. If you can manage to stay in for 20 years though, the pension seems pretty nice; I live near a navy base and a lot of parents of my kid's sports team are approaching 20 years, getting paid a pension while having a second career is pretty neat.
Looks like signing up for the military is an 8 year commitment, which is often at least 3 years of active duty and the remainder on reserves. Kind of a lot of commitment for health care, and kind of a lot of risk on the job. If you can manage to stay in for 20 years though, the pension seems pretty nice; I live near a navy base and a lot of parents of my kid's sports team are approaching 20 years, getting paid a pension while having a second career is pretty neat.
high school understanding of "socialist system"
By dollars spent, the US operates the largest health and human services system in the world.
YTD, the US has spent approximately $4.5T[1] on health and human services, of which approximately $1.9T are health-related alone.
In 2024, the US Government's total revenue was approximately $4.9T[2].
[1] https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/americas-finance-guide/feder...
[2] https://www.cbo.gov/publication/61185
YTD, the US has spent approximately $4.5T[1] on health and human services, of which approximately $1.9T are health-related alone.
In 2024, the US Government's total revenue was approximately $4.9T[2].
[1] https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/americas-finance-guide/feder...
[2] https://www.cbo.gov/publication/61185
Thank god most of that money goes to good capitalist middle men, or it would look like some kind of socialized welfare.
You are ordered where to go, and have little input into that decision. The military will typically ship one vehicle free of charge to your new duty station.
[deleted]
I am more surprised we are paying for soldiers to ship their vehicles around the world.
When you drive near a military base, it's a great time to play license plate bingo.
I've seen both Hawaii and Guam in Arizona.
When you drive near a military base, it's a great time to play license plate bingo.
I've seen both Hawaii and Guam in Arizona.
The Army needs to be able to move military hardware around the world quickly. Maybe they consider this good practice.
Unless things have changed, these are typically shipped on commercial vessels with the DOD covering the cost.
Yes, that's likely much cheaper than loading up an aircraft carrier with a bunch of Mustangs and Silverados. They're still likely bound to some sort of lowest bidder for contracts. It's also likely to be more economical than having the person find their own transport and reimbursing them.
There are some pictures of aircraft carriers loaded with civilian crew cars, but that's when the carriers home port changes, so it does the trip anyways.
OK, but maybe they plan to use the same group of commercial shippers for the miltary hardware. (Now you are going to tell me that most of these shippers are Chinese, completely demolishing my conjecture.)
If its an American to American port, the Jones act would mean an American shipper. I'm guessing they would use Chinese if it wasn't though.
It's a pretty robust logistics system. The tour lengths are 2-3 years. If your job demanded that you relocate to another continent for 3 years I think we'd all expect some relocation assistance.
True but providing a local vehicle pool might be a lot more sensible. That way vehicles are more innocuous and also meet the local requirements better. Think of the UK for example where they drive on the left. I've driven my Dutch car there and while it was possible with some stickers on the headlamps, it was a real PITA when trying to enter a parking garage because the ticket machine is on the other side.
In related news, I also cannot import Bratwurst into the US ;)
Is there some dumb urban legend about this? You absolutely can buy imported Bratwurst in the United States (and there's a lot of it made locally too).
or Kinder Surprise ;-)
Or black currants
Update: Oh. The federal ban was lifted in 1966. Full your boots!
Update: Oh. The federal ban was lifted in 1966. Full your boots!
or mimolette cheese
I think that was fixed (again). I can still buy real mimolette at the grocery store near me.
Or pork pies. Americans don't know what they are missing.
[deleted]
It's the same story for Australia, didn't we know this when it was launched?
Good. I'm glad no exception was made for this reason.
Of course not. Over here we care about safety.
Excellent news.
“ Another concern is that the Cybertruck would attract a lot of attention when operated in public traffic. This would defeat the purpose of issuing USAREUR-AF cover plates for force protection. It is commonly known that the Cybertruck cannot be registered and operated in Germany.”
Funny, bad OPSEC to drive a huge flashing American flag.
I was so happy to read that part of the statement. A refreshing bit of common sense.
In other news, the army thinks someone in the Army could afford one of those bizarre things.
If you remember Atari "Battlezone," one of the targets for your tank looks remarkably like a Cybertruck.
In 1980.
If you remember Atari "Battlezone," one of the targets for your tank looks remarkably like a Cybertruck.
In 1980.
It absolutely can be imported and registered.
Afaik there are some ways to get approval for individual vehicles to be imported in the EU, even if non compliant with EU rules, for specific purposes and with a case-by-case basis, which grants such vehicles an exemption.
This requires a per-vehicle (not per model) specific flow which may take long and cost a lot, and you may be fined if you use the vehicle outside its stated purpose.
I can remember some collectors importing cybertruck indeed, I don’t know the limitations for its use.
This requires a per-vehicle (not per model) specific flow which may take long and cost a lot, and you may be fined if you use the vehicle outside its stated purpose.
I can remember some collectors importing cybertruck indeed, I don’t know the limitations for its use.
And the U. S. Army says otherwise. Soooo, got anything else?
go to spz.penize.cz and lookup license plate 001CYBER, legally registered in Czechia
go to ufg.pl and lookup the insurance policy for license plate S1K6, legally registered in Poland
both countries are EU members and you can drive those cars anywhere in the EU
Bottom story of the day?
> It is commonly known that the Cybertruck cannot be registered and operated in Germany.
Nothing much to do with the US Army.
> It is commonly known that the Cybertruck cannot be registered and operated in Germany.
Nothing much to do with the US Army.
They tend to get exceptions for much stuff, that makes it newsworthy.
They even get exempted from criminal law. Remember Anna Sacoolas who killed a teenager in the UK and quickly got repatriated before he could be brought to court?
They even get exempted from criminal law. Remember Anna Sacoolas who killed a teenager in the UK and quickly got repatriated before he could be brought to court?
Awful. But CIA, not army. And complicated by claims of immunity and police incompetence.
There might be some argument that brews in this thread and I just want to say that it's nearly impossible to debate someone into believing they should care about people they don't know.
The EU has very stringent testing for pedestrian safety: https://www.euroncap.com/en/car-safety/the-ratings-explained.... One of the tests is literally just taking a foam ball, pressing it on spots all around the front of the car, and looking for hard, sharp corners.
The cybertruck is a steel box made of sharp corners. It was never, ever going to be allowed on European roads - and the US Government here is saying they are not even going to fight for the rarest exception.