The Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most controversial innovations in the electric vehicle market, standing out not only for its futuristic design but also for the results obtained in safety tests. Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the results of the first crash test of the Cybertruck, which received an overall rating of five stars. This rating is the highest possible and reflects driver safety in a variety of collision scenarios, although concerns about pedestrian safety remain open.
Regarding performance, the Cybertruck was designed to withstand a series of tests that include frontal and side collisions, as well as rollover simulations. The vehicle not only excelled in side impact evaluations, which replicate intersection situations and impacts with fixed objects, but also demonstrated robustness in other scenarios. This approach highlights Tesla’s commitment to occupant safety, even in a vehicle with such a distinct design.
Safety Ratings and Key Points
Despite its impressive performance, the Cybertruck did not achieve a perfect rating in all areas. In the test simulating a frontal collision between similar vehicles, the model received four stars for passenger protection, indicating that while it is safe, there is room for improvement. Additionally, in the rollover resistance test, the vehicle also received four stars, showing a slightly higher rollover risk of over 12% in loss of control scenarios.
These ratings may indicate that while the Cybertruck offers robust protection for its occupants, safety in collisions with smaller vehicles and rollover resistance are areas that still need attention. The angular and bulky design of the Cybertruck, which can be seen as an advantage in frontal impacts, also raises questions about how it performs in collisions with smaller vehicles.
Concerns About Pedestrian Safety
The issue of pedestrian safety is a growing concern, especially with the introduction of new vehicle models. Although the Cybertruck has achieved a high safety rating, the testing conducted by the NHTSA did not include a specific assessment of pedestrian safety, an aspect that has been updated in the government’s safety rating program. This raises questions about how the design of the Cybertruck aligns with guidelines that prioritize pedestrian protection in the event of accidents.
With the absence of a specific rating for pedestrian safety, safety experts continue to warn about the potential risks that large vehicles like the Cybertruck may pose. The NHTSA noted that vehicles with designs that absorb energy and have frontal profiles that minimize impact are more likely to receive good ratings in pedestrian safety, something the Cybertruck failed to guarantee in its assessment.
Despite its impressive performance in crash tests, Tesla’s Cybertruck must take into account the criticisms regarding pedestrian safety. The combination of a five-star driver safety rating and the need for improvements in various areas offers an interesting outlook on the future of the model. Moreover, Tesla, which already has other vehicles with similar ratings, should use this data to evolve the design and safety of its products.
For consumers interested in purchasing the Cybertruck, it is important to consider not only the safety ratings but also the design features that may impact the safety of other road users. With a history of seven recalls and 34 complaints, caution and further research may be necessary to ensure a safe driving experience.