Expert Concerned About Safety of Tesla Cybertruck

Since its debut as a concept vehicle at the beginning of this decade, the Tesla Cybertruck has sparked intense controversy among industry experts. Its large and boxy design has raised concerns about the safety of pedestrians in the event of a collision. In addition, the Cybertruck has a relatively heavy weight and its body is made of stainless steel, a durable material but with less impact-absorbing capability compared to aluminum.

According to Tesla, the stainless steel body panels of the Cybertruck are specially designed to absorb impact forces, with specially reinforced ridges at the front and rear to evenly distribute and dissipate forces in the event of a collision. In addition, Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, expressed high confidence in the safety of the Cybertruck, stating that it will surpass other trucks in terms of safety for both the passengers inside and pedestrians. He also confirmed that the company’s pickup truck model has undergone rigorous testing before being officially released to the market.

However, despite the “winged words” from Tesla, safety experts continue to express concerns about the unique design of the Cybertruck may not ensure safety in all aspects. According to Reuters, experts have observed collision tests of the Tesla Cybertruck and said they need more real-world data to come to a definite conclusion about this “mobile fortress”.

Adrian Lund, former President of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), expressed concern: “The big issue is that if they really make the shell of the vehicle become very stiff by using thick stainless steel, then when someone hits their head on it, it can be dangerous to them.”

Samer Hamdar, Professor of Automotive Safety at George Washington University, expressed concern about the crash absorption zone of Tesla’s electric pickup truck. However, he acknowledged that other features such as “shock absorption mechanisms” could address these issues.

In addition, Julia Griswold, Director of the Berkeley’s Center for Traffic Safety Research at the University of California, believes that the heavy weight of the Tesla Cybertruck and its incredible acceleration capability could be a constant concern for road users.

Even the European Transport Safety Council recently issued a statement expressing the hope that Tesla will not introduce the Cybertruck to Europe. They added that “a vehicle of such large size, power, and weight could be a concern for pedestrians and cyclists in the event of a collision”.

In an interview with Top Gear, Tesla’s chief engineer admitted that European safety regulations regarding pedestrian safety could pose challenges in introducing the Cybertruck to the continent.

Moreover, many researchers believe that the potential risks associated with the Tesla Cybertruck not only affect cyclists and pedestrians but also other vehicles. David Friedman, former NHTSA Acting Administrator, emphasized this concern, stating that if the Cybertruck collides with another vehicle, the remaining vehicle will absorb the impact force and pose a danger to the occupants inside.

Although it is necessary to await comprehensive safety evaluations before providing accurate information on this matter, it is possible that Tesla Cybertruck customers will not be hindered by these aforementioned concerns. Many pickup truck owners prioritize the sensation of driving one of the most solid and powerful vehicles in its segment and pay less attention to the potential impact on the safety of other road participants.

Thai Son (Tuoitrethudo)

References: Carscoops