Germany has declined to approve the Tesla Cybertruck for road use, citing violations of European Union safety standards. The decision comes after members of the U.S. Army stationed in the country sought a permit to operate the vehicle.
The Federal Ministry of Transport (FMoT) flagged the Cybertruck for “significant passive safety concerns,” pointing to its sharp-edged stainless steel body and heavy curb weight. EU regulations require vehicles above 3.5 tons to be fitted with speed limiters and prohibit sharp exterior design elements that pose risks to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
“Given its structural design, the Cybertruck deviates too far from EU legal requirements to allow for an exemption,” the FMoT said in its ruling. It added that the vehicle’s distinctive angular shape would make it highly conspicuous on public roads, undermining the purpose of exemptions typically granted to non-EU-approved automobiles.
Tesla has been gradually expanding international availability of the Cybertruck, but the German decision underscores the regulatory hurdles the electric pickup faces in Europe. U.S. service members had applied under the USAREUR-AF arrangement, which allows certain non-EU vehicles to be imported, but the request was rejected.
The rejection highlights a broader challenge for Tesla as it attempts to market the Cybertruck in regions with stricter safety rules. The company has not publicly commented on Germany’s decision.
Source: Drive Tesla Canada