Tesla Cybertruck, Italy before France!

We had the pleasant surprise this morning of crossing paths in the streets of Modena, Italy, with a gleaming Tesla Cybertruck Foundation Series.

As a nod to tradition, Tesla decided to host the European premiere of its Cybertruck in Modena, the historic home of Ferrari, during the Motor Valley Fest, the large open-air automotive festival organized this year from May 2 to 5.

Tesla announced this week the launch of a « Cybertruck Odyssey » across Europe for its iconic electric pickup. A short video posted on Tesla Europe and Middle East’s X account announced the list of 20 cities involved, but this step in Emilia-Romagna was not on the schedule! The temptation to tease mobility actors on the land of the Cavalino Rampante was certainly too strong.

Is this the long-awaited sign that the pickup could be marketed in Europe? Even before its launch, it was known that it would be complicated, mainly due to European pedestrian safety standards in case of collision.
The Cybertruck is very heavy because of its dimensions and its 123 kWh battery. With over 3 tons on the scale when empty, it would also, in some countries, fall into the utility vehicle category, requiring a special license. Finally, the sharp edges of the Cybertruck’s bodywork do not meet European standards… that’s quite a lot to consider!

Would Tesla be willing to modify the Cybertruck body for Europe? The low volume of sales, linked to the price, size, and licensing requirements, suggests otherwise. The same goes for the enormous certification costs, estimated in millions of dollars. But Elon Musk has never been one to shy away from surprises as this Italian event proves.