Tesla drops Cybertruck for Australia and New Zealand, will refund deposits
Reservation holders in both countries were told production plans for their markets are off; Tesla offers a year of Full Self-Driving to buyers of a Model 3 or Model Y.
Tesla has told Cybertruck reservation holders in Australia and New Zealand that it has discontinued plans to produce the vehicle for those markets, according to Engadget. The affected customers had placed their reservations seven years earlier.
The company said it will refund all deposits within 30 days after customers receive the email confirming their details. Tesla is also offering a free year of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to those customers if they order a new Model 3 or Model Y.
The decision closes a long wait for buyers who signed up when the Cybertruck was still a concept. Tesla has not announced any replacement timetable for a right-hand-drive version of the pickup.
Right-hand-drive questions date back to 2023
In 2023, when Tesla began delivering the Cybertruck to early buyers, sources told Drive Australia that the company's Texas factory was not configured to manufacture a right-hand drive version.
Tesla has not officially released the Cybertruck in the UK or the EU, and the vehicle has not received European regulatory approval. The US Army Customs Agency said in a notification that the Cybertruck's sharp-edged, stiff stainless-steel body violates EU safety standards, particularly for the protection of vulnerable road users. Some customers in Europe have obtained single-vehicle approvals by making enough modifications.
Quick answers
Will Cybertruck buyers in Australia and New Zealand get their money back?
Yes. Tesla said it will refund all deposits within 30 days after customers receive the email confirming their details.
What is Tesla offering reservation holders instead?
A free year of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for customers who order a new Model 3 or Model Y.
Is the Cybertruck available in Europe?
No. Tesla has not officially released it in the UK or the EU, and it has not received European regulatory approval.