Tesla Cybertruck exhibited in Europe for the first time

Tesla shows the Cybertruck to the public for the first time in Europe. Interest is high, but the chance of a bestseller is rather small.

(Bild: Tesla)

May 2, 2024 at 9:07 pm CEST

4 min. read

Autos

Martin Franz

This article was originally published in German and has been automatically translated.

The unusual Cybertruck is generating a lot of attention. Since May 2, it has been officially shown live in Europe for the first time. Its first stop is in Berlin, after which it will go on a European tour lasting several weeks. In Germany, the truck will then also be shown in Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich and Stuttgart. However, a sales launch in Europe is not foreseeable, and there are at least two reasons for this.

The Cybertruck in its current form is not registered in Europe. It is uncertain whether it will receive one. Tesla is also leaving it open as to whether this is even being sought. This reluctance is well founded. In the USA, where pick-ups are very popular, around 4000 Cybertrucks were delivered in the first six months. The share in this segment is therefore quite manageable so far. On the other hand, the website points out that a Cybertruck ordered today will not be delivered until 2025.

Significantly more expensive than models with a combustion engine

Customers must also be prepared to pay considerably more than for the popular combustion-powered pick-ups from the competition. A Ford Maverick costs from 23,815 dollars, while the Cybertruck costs at least 57,390 dollars. The top-of-the-range model is priced at 96,390 dollars. This cannot simply be transferred to the European market, but a bargain is not to be expected. Another argument against a rapid launch is that the pick-up market in Europe is rather small. It has a small, reliable target group, of which only a small proportion is likely to be prepared to put considerably more money on the table to be able to drive a Tesla. Perhaps Tesla's Cybertruck will also appeal to potential buyers who have not yet considered a pick-up.

Faster than many sports cars

One thing is certain: by European standards, the Cybertruck is a generous vehicle. With a length of 5.68 m, it clearly towers over even a BMW i7. The effect of its enormous height should also not be underestimated: at 2.2 m, even a VW Bus looks dainty in comparison. The unladen weight of the Cybertruck is 3.1 tons. The battery is said to have an energy content of 123 kWh and can be charged with up to 250 kW. Three versions are available in the American configuration. The base model has rear-wheel drive with 447 kW, while the top-of-the-range model has 630 kW. This enables it to achieve performance levels that hardly any other manufacturer can offer, let alone its direct competitors. The top-of-the-range model boasts a standard sprint time of 2.6 seconds.

The first Cybertrucks were delivered in the USA in November 2023. Since then, the model has already made the headlines twice due to serious weaknesses. In February, Der Standard reported on rust that had appeared in unusually severe form on new Cybertrucks. The bodywork is clad in unpainted stainless steel. Painting costs between 5000 and 6000 dollars extra. Just a few weeks ago, Tesla recalled almost 4,000 vehicles because the accelerator pedal can jam and the vehicle can accelerate uncontrollably.