Tesla’s Cybertruck design has raised safety concerns among experts, particularly regarding potential harm to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as damage to other vehicles. Safety professors and officials who watched crash test videos of the Cybertruck noted worries about its stiff stainless-steel exoskeleton.
The vehicle’s angular design, featuring flat planes and long, linear edges, has distinctive visual elements, but concerns arise about the potential impact on individuals outside the Cybertruck during collisions. Tesla has emphasized the strength of the stainless steel exterior and its energy-absorbing features during crashes.
The crash test videos streamed by Tesla during a November 30 event were widely discussed on social media. While experts acknowledged the discussions, they emphasized the need for detailed crash-test data to make firm conclusions about the vehicle’s safety.
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“The big problem there is if they really make the skin of the vehicle very stiff by using thick stainless steel, then when people hit their heads on it, it’s going to cause more damage to them,” said Adrian Lund, the former president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has expressed confidence that the Cybertruck will be safer than other trucks for both occupants and pedestrians. However, experts are eager to review comprehensive crash-test results to evaluate the claims made by the company.
Despite Tesla’s emphasis on the vehicle’s structures that absorb impact during a crash, concerns linger about limited “crumple zones,” which are essential for absorbing energy during a collision. Some safety experts question whether other features can compensate for these potential limitations.
The Cybertruck’s unconventional design, with its stainless-steel exoskeleton, marks a departure from traditional vehicle structures. While Tesla aims to redefine toughness in the automotive industry, concerns about the potential consequences for safety persist.
While Tesla has not officially announced plans to sell the Cybertruck in Europe, the vehicle’s design might face challenges complying with EU safety rules that aim to protect pedestrians by limiting external protrusions.
US regulators rely on vehicle manufacturers to conduct self-tests and certify adherence to safety standards. Elon Musk has indicated that the Cybertruck passed regulatory review, but safety experts remain cautious, awaiting comprehensive crash-test data for a more informed assessment.
