A recent incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck has left onlookers both amazed and surprised, as the vehicle managed to drive away unharmed after being struck by a large tree. The impressive durability of the Cybertruck, known for its tough stainless steel exterior, was once again showcased when it became trapped beneath the heavy foliage during the incident, which occurred on January 21, 2025, in California.
Images shared on social media portrayed the Cybertruck with the huge tree resting on top of it, showcasing damage primarily on the driver’s side front quarter and the truck’s frunk. Surprisingly, aside from one shattered window, the Cybertruck’s exterior held strong, and once rescuers managed to remove the tree, the electric pickup drove away without any mechanical issues. "The Cybertruck proving it’s as tough as they claim!" exclaimed one user on social media, reflecting the astonishment of many observers who praised its resilience.
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, previously touted the Cybertruck as "the finest in apocalypse defense technology," claiming it was built to withstand extreme circumstances, and even demonstrations where the vehicle’s exterior endured significant stress without faltering. This reputation seems to have been confirmed again, as countless other vehicles would likely have sustained severe damage under similar conditions.
While the Cybertruck continues to impress with its robustness, it faces considerable challenges abroad, particularly concerning legal restrictions. Just last week, UK police confiscated one modified Cybertruck after discovering it was not legal to drive on public roads. The vehicle was stopped near Manchester, where officers noted its lack of conformity certification made it illegal for British roads.
Greater Manchester Police highlighted concerns over the safety of the Cybertruck on UK roads, stating, "Whilst this may seem trivial to some, legitimate concerns exist around the safety of other road users or pedestrians if they were involved in a collision with a Cybertruck." The police were particularly wary of the truck's sharp edges, which could potentially cause injuries during accidents.
The Cybertruck has successfully launched and is familiar to many across the US, but attempts to introduce it to the European and UK markets have faced notable hurdles. Despite Tesla’s efforts, including selling the Cybertruck to customers in Canada and Mexico last year, European approval seems unlikely due to the vehicle's weight—between 8,830 to 9,170 pounds—and sharp edges which violate EU regulations forbidding vehicles with sharp external projections.
Only a few modified Cybertrucks have managed to be imported to Europe, and significant pushback from campaign groups has urged authorities to ban the vehicle entirely, citing safety concerns. It appears there's no immediate indication from Tesla on whether they would pursue plans to adapt the Cybertruck for the UK or EU markets, complicity tangled within doubts about potential demand.
Both incidents highlight contrasting elements of the Cybertruck’s image: its durability and strength versus the legal obstacles it faces on international roads. Whether Tesla can overcome these challenges and establish the Cybertruck as a staple on roads outside the US remains to be seen.