Tesla Cybertruck managed to get licensed in Europe by being rubberized
- A Czech Republic group has rubberized a Tesla Cybertruck
- The group managed to license the truck thanks to softening its edges
- Despite this, European countries are still wary of the Cybertruck
Published on Apr 13, 2025 at 11:14 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Apr 10, 2025 at 2:41 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A group of people in the Czech Republic was responsible for the first licensed example of the Tesla Cybertruck on the continent.
The truck is currently illegal in Europe. However, some creative types from the Czech Republic were able to rubberize the pickup to get it licensed.
Despite making the truck safer for pedestrians, many still questioned if the Cybertruck should have been legalized on Europe’s roads.
The appearance of the truck alone is one reason European regulators have doubts over its safety should the EV be involved in an accident.
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How the Tesla was licensed in the Czech Republic
The team behind the Czech Cybertruck came up with a novel solution to the EV’s problems.
In Europe, EU motor directives prohibit sharp edges on cars, something the Cybertruck has plenty of.
So those who imported the truck got around this by fitting thin rubber pads around the corners and on the sharpest parts of the bodywork.
This was a somewhat crude way to soften the edges and blunt them in the event of an accident.
Somehow, though, that was enough for the truck to go out and about, fully licensed, on European roads.
It’s unlikely that rubberizing the trucks will work for everyone in Europe, and it’s quite likely the loophole that allowed this to happen will be closed off pretty quickly.
European countries are still wary of the Cybertruck
European countries, however, are still wary of licensing the Cybertruck, even six months after the softening of the Czech example.
The safety element is still an issue.
Not everyone will be able to get away with rubberizing the truck to make it road-legal.
One individual who imported his to the UK found the authorities wanting to impound it pretty quickly.
Tesla itself has even acknowledged that it will be a challenge for the EV to meet Europe’s safety standards.
The truck has been controversial ever since its launch in 2019.
This has been for multiple reasons, such as its design, its disappointing interior, and the recalls it’s already been through.
If the truck does make it legally to Europe, it will be interesting to see what changes Tesla is forced to make.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
