Tesla scraps right-hand drive Cybertruck for Australia and New Zealand

Tesla has ended its search for a Cybertruck market in Australia and New Zealand, a decision that concludes a seven year wait for customers in those regions. The company sent emails to reservation holders stating that its plans to produce the vehicle for the two countries have been discontinued. This move leaves buyers without the specific right-hand drive model they initially anticipated.

Customers who paid $2,000 in deposits to reserve the truck will receive a full refund. Tesla stated that these returns will be processed within 30 days of the customer receiving an email that confirms their personal details. The notification serves as the final administrative step before the transaction is reversed.

To compensate affected buyers, the automaker is offering one year of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) access for free. This perk applies to anyone who orders a new Model 3 or Model Y. The offer provides a tangible benefit to customers who must now settle for a different vehicle from Tesla’s lineup.

The primary obstacle was the lack of a right-hand drive configuration. Sources from Drive Australia noted in 2023 that the Texas factory was not equipped to build the truck for markets where vehicles drive on the left side of the road. Without this specific build, the Cybertruck could not legally operate on public roads in Australia or New Zealand.

This limitation also blocks sales in the United Kingdom, Japan, and Ireland. Tesla has not officially launched the Cybertruck in the UK or the European Union, and the vehicle lacks regulatory approval from European authorities. Industry observers believe the truck’s sharp edges pose a hazard to pedestrians, complicating approval under rules for crumple zones and lighting.

Even military buyers have faced hurdles. The US Army Customs Agency noted that the stiff stainless-steel body violates EU safety standards for vulnerable road users. Some Cybertrucks have reached Europe through individual single-vehicle approvals, requiring owners to make extensive modifications to satisfy local regulators.

The cancellation affects a specific cohort of early adopters who have held their reservations since 2019. The refund process begins immediately following the confirmation emails sent by the company.