Tesla Cybertruck Achieves Highest Safety Rating in America, European Regulations May Differ Results

JAKARTA - Tesla Cybertruck again recorded an important achievement in the field of safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the highest Top Safety Pick+ award to the futuristic electric pickup.

This award is the most prestigious recognition from IIHS, and places the Cybertruck in the ranks of vehicles with the highest safety standards in the United States. Tesla also did not hesitate to make this achievement an answer to public doubts about the safety capabilities of the extreme design vehicle.

The Top Safety Pick+ award is given to the Cybertruck unit produced after April this year. The latest version has received a number of structural revisions, including a redesign of the bottom of the body and footrest area.

Reported by Carscoops, Wednesday, December 17, the change has a significant impact on the results of the crash test. In the front collision test with a small overlap, both from the driver's and passenger's side, the Cybertruck received a good rating.

The frontal overlap test also obtained similar values, although the protection of the rear passenger's chest was only rated as Acceptable. Positive results were also recorded in the side impact test, which was updated in 2024, which now adapts to the characteristics of larger and heavier modern vehicles.

With an overall score of Good, plus the performance of the LED headlights, pedestrian collision prevention system, and solid child seat anchor performance, Cybertruck managed to meet all IIHS criteria. This achievement also broke the assumptions of some critics who doubted the ability of Cybertruck's impact zone and energy absorption.

Tesla even celebrated it on social media, including by mocking Matt Farah who previously stated that the Cybertruck would never pass a safety test. However, success in the United States does not necessarily guarantee a smooth path in the European market.

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Results Could Vary in Europe

The safety approach in the Uncle Sam's Country, both by IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is still very focused on protecting vehicle passengers. On the other hand, European regulations through UNECE and Euro NCAP give a large portion to pedestrian and cyclist safety.

The aspects of mitigating external impacts and vehicle compatibility with urban environments are the main assessments. At this point, Cybertruck faces a major challenge.

The stainless steel body panel with sharp corners, rigid structure, and angular geometry is considered contrary to pedestrian protection standards in Europe. Where, the front of the vehicle is required to be easily deformed and able to absorb impact energy.

According to a report by German business media Handelsblatt, Tesla's factory manager in Grünheide, André Thierig, almost completely dismissed the possibility of the Cybertruck being widely marketed in Europe. He said he did not see the Cybertruck circulating on European roads in significant numbers.

Although it is said that there is one unit of Cybertruck that is registered in Germany through a special permit, the vehicle requires certain modifications. Tesla itself has reminded the public not to expect much about the presence of this model in Europe.

The difference in the philosophy of safety between the US and Europe is also increasingly visible. Testing in the US is considered more relevant for the dynamics of large vehicle collisions, in line with the dominance of trucks and SUVs in the domestic market.

In contrast, Europe excels in protecting vulnerable road users, an aspect that has received relatively little attention in safety testing in the US. The Cybertruck has now proven its ability to protect passengers very well.

However, its ability to meet Europe's stricter external safety standards is still a big question mark. It is likely difficult to achieve without fundamental design changes.