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- Although Tesla’s Cybertruck debuted a year ago, it has yet to make its way to Europe.
- The electric pickup was on display at this week’s Paris Motor Show, where I had an opportunity to view it up close.
- With its stark design and impressive dimensions, the Cybertruck stands out from any vehicle currently seen on European roads.
Tesla’s Cybertruck has sparked debate since its introduction last year; however, in Europe, it remains unavailable for purchase.
This week, Tesla showcased Elon Musk’s futuristic pickup at the Paris Motor Show, allowing me a firsthand look.
The truck’s striking trapezoidal shape is hard to miss. Its lack of curves and strict adherence to symmetry gives it an otherworldly appearance that feels almost alien among conventional vehicles.
Amidst a variety of cars displayed in Paris, the boldness of this pickup’s design left a lasting impression on attendees.
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Large trucks are already uncommon in Europe due to narrow streets and densely populated urban areas that favor smaller vehicles. The imposing size and brutalist style of the Cybertruck make it unlike anything I’ve encountered before.
This uniqueness contributes significantly to its status as a symbol in America. The truck’s polarizing design appears intentionally crafted to elicit strong reactions from viewers.
Not My Style
Over time, however, my initial shock gave way to an odd sense of futility regarding this vehicle’s practicality.
I admire Tesla for attempting something unconventional; nevertheless, I am not particularly excited about driving around in what resembles an oversized box cutter on wheels.
The sheer bulkiness poses another challenge. Having navigated narrow British country lanes for years in my compact 12-foot Toyota Yaris makes me hesitant about maneuvering such a nearly 19-foot-long vehicle into tight parking spots.
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Additionally troubling are those famously sharp edges; reports from U.S. owners indicate they can cause injuries upon contact with skin or clothing.< / p >
p > The tendency for fingerprint smudges was evident as well; during my visit in Paris , small marks were already noticeable around one door edge .
p > While many gathered around this eye-catching vehicle , not all feedback was favorable . Two visitors remarked that they found it “too large” for European roads , with one humorously noting that it’s bigger than his home .
No Indication Of A European Launch
p > Despite being available for over twelve months now , there has been no announcement from Tesla regarding plans for selling their flagship model within Europe — which is considered one of their key markets .
p > Experts have previously indicated that given its weight (between 8 ,860 – 9 ,200 pounds or approximately 4 .43 -4 .5 tons when accounting passengers & cargo )—the current regulations may prevent standard drivers licenses holders from operating such heavy vehicles across EU countries .
p > In order drive anything exceeding 3 .5 tons—including passengers & cargo—one must obtain special licensing within EU jurisdictions ; whereas similar restrictions do not apply stateside where higher thresholds exist allowing operation without additional permits required by law here too !
p > A few units have made their way onto continental soil through creative loopholes but even these instances faced backlash against them legally speaking! Campaign groups recently called upon authorities urging removal efforts aimed towards registered models spotted roaming freely throughout Czech Republic earlier this month!< / p >
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There remains uncertainty surrounding potential timelines concerning when exactly we might see these trucks hit our shores .
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> Elon Musk had previously suggested creating smaller variants tailored specifically towards European consumers needs but even if approval were granted eventually would there truly be sufficient demand ? <
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Pedro Pacheco vice president research firm Gartner stated earlier how limited market presence pickups possess across continent means pursuing sales opportunities could prove unworthy endeavor altogether ! “For vehicles like these there isn’t much appetite amongst buyers here since generally speaking they aren’t very prevalent,” he noted succinctly!
Tesla did not respond when approached by Business Insider seeking comments regarding situation outlined above!
