Man who brought the first ever Tesla Cybertruck to UK revealed the modifications that allowed the car on European roads
- This man brought the first Tesla Cybertruck to the UK
- He spoke out about the modifications needed to make it road-legal
- He also talks us through its route to Europe from the US
Published on Dec 04, 2024 at 8:19 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on May 14, 2025 at 8:29 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
The man who brought the first Tesla Cybertruck to the UK has spoken out about the modifications needed to make it road-legal on European roads.
It was originally bought in California, US.
However, its road to England via mainland Europe was a bumpy and complex one.
In addition to getting it here, the EV puck-up required several adjustments so that it was allowed on UK roads.
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Modifications needed to get Tesla Cybertruck on UK roads
Since its launch back in 2023, the Cybertruck has been described as looking like it was inspired by science fiction.
However, while some of its unique features include its annual and indestructible stainless steel body, massive windshield wiper, and four-wheel steering work in the US – the UK’s laws are different.
First, rubber had to be added to the sharp edges for pedestrian safety.
The rear indicators were switched from the standard red which is the US norm to yellow, per the UK standard.
The brake and indicator light configuration also had to be modified.
Last, but not least, it was registered in Albania.
The host discusses the need for custom adapters to charge the Cybertruck in the UK, as the US and European charging systems differ.
There have been calls for an international version, however, it’s not all about size, with one of the UK’s biggest cars ever being twice the size of a Range Rover.
Its route from the US to the UK
Per supercar customizer and owner, Yianni Charalambous, of Yiannimize, the car was purchased in California and transported to the UK via a complex route across mainland Europe.
It was first shipped by plane to Italy due to battery restrictions.
From there it was transported by truck and ship through various countries before reaching Britain.
Of course, this transport and conversion wasn’t cheap.
The total cost of bringing the Cybertruck to England was approximately $240,000, including paying over list price, flights, and 20 percent import tax.
The conversion alone cost an additional $7,600.
He’s not stopping there, either, with Charalambous planning to get a custom wrap for his Tesla Cybertruck, possibly in chrome rose gold, and larger wheels, making it a standout vehicle.
All Supercar Blondie contributors undergo editorial review and fact-checking to ensure accuracy and authority in automotive journalism. After gaining her BA Hons in French and English at the University of Nottingham, Amelia embarked on a vocational diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). This led to numerous opportunities, from interning at Vogue to being on the small team that launched Women’s Health magazine in the UK, which was named the PPA Consumer magazine of the year for three years running. As Health, Beauty and Fitness editor, Amelia personally received a Johnson & Johnson Award and was shortlisted for both PPA and BSME titles. Since then, Amelia has created content for numerous titles and brands, including the Telegraph, 111 Skin, Waitrose, Red magazine, Stylist, and Elle, as well as being Head of Content at Vitality and Editor in Chief at INLondon magazine. “My superpower is translating technical jargon about the mechanical workings of a supercar into a relatable story you’ll want to share with your friends after you’ve read it.” After joining the SB Media family as a senior journalist in September of 2023, Amelia’s role has evolved to see her heading up the SEO output of the editorial team. From researching the most ‘Google-able’ key terms to producing evergreen content - it’s been a time of hard work, growth, and success for the editorial team and the Supercar Blondie website. “I like to think of myself as a ‘method journalist’. In other words: I live and breathe whatever I am writing about. When writing about fitness, I trained as a personal trainer, and as a beauty editor, I completed an ‘expert’ in scent diploma with the Fragrance Foundation. “During my tenure at Supercar Blondie, however, I did something I never thought possible: I passed my driving test at the age of 36. One day I’d love to train as a mechanic to better understand what happens under the hood, too. “My sweet spot is providing readers with a ‘takeaway’ (read: something new they didn’t know before) after reading every one of my stories. While I don’t claim to be an expert in the automotive world, I know the experts and bodies in the field to rely on to provide our readers with an informative and thought-provoking story every time they visit the site.”
