Tesla Cybertruck spotted in Sydney
26 April, 2024
A Tesla Cybertruck electric ute has been spotted in multiple locations in Sydney, raising the possibility of a local release.
An image and video shared by Tesla’s Australian Instagram account include a photo of the Cybertruck electric ute at Bondi, and driving through Kings Cross, while another image shared on social media show it at a Tesla Service Centre. This last image shows the vehicle is a left-hand drive format. A source has also confirmed they saw it at Tesla’s Mascot operations, near Sydney airport, while another post has it pegged in North Sydney.
Image credit: Kevin Ngo. Used with permission.
Known for its unconventional angular design that resembles a futuristic armoured vehicle, it boasts a stainless steel "exoskeleton" that Tesla claims is nearly impenetrable. The interior of the Cybertruck is utilitarian with a minimalist dashboard dominated by a large touchscreen interface, which is a hallmark of Tesla's design approach.
Image credit: Kevin Ngo. Used with permission.
Tesla Cybertruck pricing and specifications
Performance-wise, the Cybertruck was originally shown on Tesla’s website with multiple electric motor configurations, including single, dual, and tri-motor setups, offering a range of power and capability. Pricing at the time started from $US39,990 (around $A60,000 in 2016), ranging up to $US69,900 (around $AU103,000 at the time) for the tri-motor variant.
While Australian drivers can only register for Cybertruck updates via Tesla’s local domain, on the company’s US domain, it is now listed with significantly higher sticker tags.
The entry-level model, starting at approximately $AU60,990 (about $AU93,480,) features rear-wheel drive with an estimated range of 250 miles (about 400 kilometres) per charge according to the US-based EPA rating. It accelerates from 0 to 60mph (96.5km/hr) in 6.5 seconds, an impressive figure for a vehicle that weighs more than four tonnes.
The second tier, priced at $US79,990 (about $AU122,600,) offers all-wheel drive and increases range to 340 miles (approximately 550 kilometres.) It improves acceleration, achieving 0 to 60mph (96.5km/hr) in 4.1 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 112mph (180 km/hr.) This version delivers 447kW power and a robust towing capacity of 4,989kg, balancing daily driving and heavy-duty tasks.
The top variant, dubbed the “Cyberbeast”, is priced at $US99,990 (around $AU153,000) and promises a range of 320 miles (515 kilometres.) It boasts impressive performance with a 0 to 60mph (96.5km/hr) time of just 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 130mph (209 km/hr.) With 630kW and a towing capacity of 4,989kg, the Cyberbeast is designed for both power and utility, potentially putting it high on the list for those seeking peak electric truck performance.
When will the Cybertruck come to Australia?
The Cybertruck was first teased in 2019, and first deliveries to US customers commenced in December 2023. Vehicles ordered today in the US will be delivered in 2025.
When and if it will be available to buy in Australia is another matter, however.
It has been reported that in its current form it would not pass Australia’s strict design rules (ADRs), however CarsGuide suggests neither its weight, width nor inflexible steel exoskeleton (resulting in reduced crumple zones) are an issue.
In short:
- Weight: The Cybertruck, being an electric vehicle, has considerable weight due to its battery pack, but it's designed with a stainless steel exoskeleton that provides structural integrity without excessive bulk. This construction method helps manage the total gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR, listed as 4159kg on the Cybertruck Tesla manual), making it compliant with the ADRs related to maximum allowable vehicle weights (4500kg) on Australian public roads.
- Width: The Cybertruck's width – 2413mm with the mirrors out - is within the maximum vehicle width limit (2550mm) set by the ADRs, which accommodate most commercial and passenger vehicles.
- Crumple Zones: Despite its sturdy exoskeleton, Tesla is known for incorporating advanced safety features into its vehicle designs. Crumple zones are engineered to absorb and dissipate energy in a collision, protecting occupants by reducing the force transmitted to them. Also, any vehicle with a GVWR (also known as a GVM, or gross vehicle mass) over 3500kg is exempt from certain crashworthiness requirement for lighter vehicles.
We note that there is no approval currently listed on the Australian government’s ROVER website, but the vehicle in question is registered for "limited road use” by Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads.
The vehicle is expected to incorporate Tesla’s advanced autopilot and potentially full self-driving capabilities, which are subject to regulatory approval.
We have contacted Tesla’s press department and have not yet heard confirmation on whether the Cybertruck will go on sale in Australia.
