Tesla cancels Cybertruck launch for Australia and New Zealand, returns deposits

Tesla is returning reservation funds to customers in Australia and New Zealand after ending plans to sell the Cybertruck in those markets. The company sent emails to reservation holders stating that production plans for the vehicle in the region have been discontinued. Each deposit will be refunded within 30 days of the customer receiving a confirmation email.

The decision concludes a seven-year waiting period for buyers who paid to reserve the truck. Tesla is also providing a free year of Full Self-Driving Supervised access to anyone who orders a new Model 3 or Model Y as a gesture to affected customers.

The absence of a right-hand-drive version has long blocked the truck’s entry into these markets. When deliveries began in 2023, sources told Drive Australia that Tesla’s Texas factory was not configured to build the vehicle for right-hand traffic. Without this configuration, the truck cannot legally operate on public roads in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, or Ireland.

The right-hand-drive limitation also complicates sales in the United Kingdom and the European Union. Tesla has not officially launched the Cybertruck in these regions, and the vehicle lacks regulatory approval from European authorities. Industry observers believe approval is unlikely due to strict rules on crumple zones, pedestrian safety, lighting, and weight classifications. The truck’s sharp edges are considered a specific hazard to pedestrians.

The US Army Customs Agency recently noted that the Cybertruck’s stiff stainless-steel body violates EU safety standards for vulnerable road users. This prevented the military from bringing the vehicles into the region. Some trucks have appeared in Europe through single-vehicle approval processes. Owners secured these approvals by modifying the vehicles to meet regulatory requirements.

The company’s email to reservation holders confirms the end of production plans for the two countries. The refund process is now underway for those who placed orders seven years ago.