Tesla ends ANZ Cybertruck run with 30-day refund window

Tesla has terminated its efforts to bring the Cybertruck to Australia and New Zealand, ending a wait that began in 2019. The company notified reservation holders via email that its production plans for the vehicle in these markets have been discontinued. This move resolves years of uncertainty regarding whether the truck would ever become available in the region.

Customers who placed reservations will receive a refund of their deposit within 30 days of confirming their details. Tesla stated that it can no longer fulfill orders in the area due to manufacturing limitations. To offset the change, the automaker is offering one year of free Full Self-Driving access to anyone who orders a new Model 3 or Model Y.

The primary obstacle to the truck’s arrival was the absence of a right-hand drive configuration. Sources told Drive Australia that Tesla’s Texas factory was not equipped to build the vehicle with the steering layout required for Australian and New Zealand roads. Without this setup, the Cybertruck cannot legally operate on public highways in either country.

The right-hand drive requirement creates barriers in other major markets as well. The vehicle faces similar restrictions in the United Kingdom, Japan, and Ireland. Tesla has not officially launched the truck in these regions or the European Union, and it has yet to secure regulatory approval in Europe.

Regulatory hurdles in Europe focus on safety standards for vulnerable road users. The US Army Customs Agency noted that the truck’s sharp-edged stainless-steel body violates EU safety rules. Specific concerns include crumple zones, pedestrian protection, lighting, and weight classifications. These factors have led to a general expectation that the vehicle will not receive broad approval in the European market.

Despite the official lack of launch, some Cybertrucks have been spotted in Europe. Owners have secured single-vehicle approvals by making specific modifications to satisfy local regulators. This workaround allows individual units to be driven, though it does not constitute a standard market launch for the model.