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Here on our blog, we like to address all things automotive related. We talk a lot about our specialties. Those being just about anything that has to do with vehicle titles and tags. Meaning, title transfers, title duplicates (replacements), new registrations, registration renewals, and Specialty Plates.
We also like to keep our finger on the pulse of what’s new in the automotive world. Topics like new traffic laws, rules and regulations, trends, and breaking news. And from time to time, we can’t help but supply our loyal readers with fun facts and weird truths…all related to cars, trucks, SUV’s, motorcycles, and just about anything that moves on wheels.
Today we wanted to share a bit of news from across the pond.
We don’t tend to go global with our blog subjects too often, but this one really piqued our interest. We’re talking about the much-debated vehicle that has divided a nation, if not a world, into two disparate sides of the automobile camp. The model in question is, of course, the Tesla Cybertruck. 
Now, if you’ve not seen or heard of the Cybertruck, here is a quick review: it is Tesla’s offering to the world of electric vehicle (EV) pickup trucks. Though from the stainless steel exterior, the Cybertruck looks more like a futuristic tank than a pickup, the vehicle itself has many similarities to its EV counterparts. Similarities such as a 250 mile highway driving range,600 horsepower, and an 11,000 pound tow ability.
Where this truck leaves its rivals behind (literally) is its pickup (pun sort of intended!), boasting an acceleration of 0-60 MPH in 2.6 seconds.
Car and Driver had a field day testing out the Cyberbeast model of the Cybertruck, and came back with a mainly positive evaluation. Their thorough dive into the vehicle, while pointing out a few weird aspects – like the uber-long windshield or the zero rear visibility without a camera – resulted in praise over its drivability, maneuverability, and quiet. So it seems that anyone who is already a Tesla fan, and any potential buyer who isn’t put off by the truck’s unique, stainless steel exterior, could well be on their way to purchasing this flashy ride.
So, what of the news from across the pond, you ask? Well, if you were a fan of the Tesla EV pickup, and lived in the United States, no problem: Tesla can seemingly build and deliver these beasts within two weeks’ time. However, if you happen to live in the United Kingdom and have been breathless to get your hands on the wheel of a Cybertruck, you’re fresh out of luck.
Just last week, in the northwest of England, a Cybertruck owner was pulled over by the Greater Manchester Police only to have their vehicle confiscated.
For what reason? Not for any traffic violation, mind you. The reason for stopping the driver and seizing the truck was because of a law that currently renders the Tesla EV pickup illegal.
Wait, what? Illegal? But thousands of folks across the United States are driving the Cybertruck. What could possibly make it illegal? Well, we’ll tell you.
Apparently, across the European Union and across the United Kingdom, there is a law stating that each imported vehicle must undergo an approval process. The vehicle must bear what is known as a Certificate of Conformity, or a COC. A COC is what declares a vehicle as roadworthy, and without it, it is not legal to drive.
Of the several concerns the UK has over the Cybertruck, the first is its safety for surrounding pedestrians and fellow road sharers, indicating the truck’s exterior and its pointy edges. There is a law in the UK that prohibits any vehicle with “sharp external projections.”
It seems that Tesla cannot manipulate the stainless steel of the truck to comply with the UK’s (and EU’s) rounding requirement for the outside of road vehicles. The 3.3 millimeter rounding mandate would mean an entirely new design on Tesla’s part. Which, for the time being, is not happening.
Another of the UK’s concerns regarding the Cybertruck is its weight class. Its 7000+ pounds would require drivers to acquire a special C1 driving license that allows them to operate heavy duty vehicles.
And perhaps most significantly, the issue the UK has with Tesla’s EV truck is its steering. Unlike most vehicles, where the steering wheels is physically connected to the wheels, (rack and pinion) the Cybertruck operates by technology known as “steer by wire.” This form of steering is mostly found in airplanes, allowing captains to turn aircraft via electrical connections (sensors and signals) rather than mechanical means.
While this method of steering is indeed safe, the UK has no way of testing this technology for cars.
Therefore, it cannot approve of the system’s capability or competence. Because the UK claims that this form of steering cannot be assessed by manual inspection, it cannot be approved.
So, with these hurdles facing potential UK Cybertruck buyers, it is unlikely that folks across the pond will be seeing any more of this futuristic vehicle any time soon. For the time being, people desperate to drive this EV will have to make do with visiting friends in places where the Cybertruck is legal.
For our ever-curious minds at eTags, this development is fascinating, and we will keep an eye out for any news popping up about the roadworthiness of the Cybertruck in the UK. Meanwhile, we’ll be here, ready to help with any title and tag needs that might pop up for you…Cybertruck or not. Because, as always, here at eTags, we’re here to help!
