Tesla refunds deposits for canceled trucks

Tesla is returning reservation deposits to customers in Australia and New Zealand who preordered the Cybertruck seven years ago. The company informed these buyers via email that its plans to produce the vehicle for those markets have been discontinued.

Customers will receive a refund within 30 days of getting an email confirming their personal details. Tesla also offered a free year of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) access to anyone who places an order for a new Model 3 or Model Y as a gesture to affected buyers.

The decision stems from a manufacturing limitation. Sources told Drive Australia in 2023 that the Texas factory was not configured to build the truck with a steering wheel on the right side. Without this configuration, the vehicle cannot be legally driven on public roads in right-hand-drive markets.

This restriction affects not only Australia and New Zealand but also the United Kingdom, Japan, and Ireland. Tesla has not officially launched the Cybertruck in the UK or the European Union, and European authorities have not granted it regulatory approval.

Regulators cite specific design features as barriers to approval. Rules concerning crumple zones, pedestrian safety, lighting, and weight classifications pose challenges for the vehicle. The truck's sharp edges are viewed as a particular hazard to people it might strike.

The US Army Customs Agency noted that the Cybertruck's sharp-edged, stiff stainless-steel body violates EU safety standards. These standards primarily protect vulnerable road users. The agency stated that several specifications of the truck conflict with these requirements.

Some Cybertrucks have entered Europe through individual vehicle approvals. Owners have modified their trucks to satisfy regulators, allowing them to drive on public roads despite the lack of a formal market launch.