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Crash-Tested Tesla Cybertruck Shows That the Gigawiper Could Survive a Nuclear War

Crash-tested Tesla Cybertruck 7 photos
Photo: Old Spice via Cybertruck Owners Club
Crash-tested Tesla CybertruckCrash-tested Tesla CybertruckCrash-tested Tesla CybertruckCrash-tested Tesla CybertruckCrash-tested Tesla CybertruckCrash-tested Tesla Cybertruck
With the recent launch of the refreshed Tesla Model 3 in Europe, interest in the Cybertruck took the backseat. Still, the electric pickup truck continues to make waves in the US, most recently thanks to a crashed prototype spotted on a trailer.
With the Tesla Model 3 Highland already making rounds in Europe, people's attention moves back to the Cybertruck's imminent release. Everyone hopes Tesla will start deliveries by the end of the month, honoring one of the promises Elon Musk made during the second quarter earnings call in July. Until then, Tesla still needs to sort out regulatory approvals and certifications.

So far, no technical specifications or EPA certification are available, which might suggest that the Cybertruck deliveries will be delayed. Tesla is still in the process of certifying the Cybertruck, which means that technical details are still being worked out. Last month, several Cybertrucks were being hauled to different locations across the country. Most likely, they were headed to proving grounds to be tested and certified for safety and fuel economy.

One particular prototype caught our attention in mid-July, as it had "Completed Crash Ready" written on the driver's window. This indicated that the truck was heading to a crash test facility to prove it was safe enough. Tesla EVs are well known for their high safety level, and the Cybertruck aimed to establish itself as the safest pickup truck on the market.

Almost a month later, this certainly appears to be the case, as a new Cybertruck was spotted on a trailer. The truck obviously took a beating, which usually happens during crash tests. According to a sticker, it underwent a ditch rollover crash test, which means the weight of the electric pickup had to be supported by its cabin. This usually doesn't end well with most pickup trucks due to their heavy weight. Still, in the case of the Cybertruck, the result was surprisingly good.

Sure, the windshield and the glass roof are broken, which was expected, especially as the angular shape of the Cybertruck and the flat windshield aren't optimized for rolling. Some misaligned body panels and other damage are also par for the course, but the cabin remained largely intact after the crash test, speaking volumes about the exoskeleton's toughness. A quick peak inside reveals the rear entertainment system, although the cameraman had to move the exploded airbags out of the way.

Even more surprising, the walk-around video shows that the famous gigawiper is indestructible. Some even joked on the Cybertruck Owners Club forums that it is so sturdy that it can flip the truck back on its wheels in case of a rollover. Others pointed out that Tesla should've made the whole Cybertruck from the same material used to make the gigawiper. Jokes aside, the Cybertruck is shaping up to be one of the safest pickup trucks on the market, if not the safest.
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About the author: Cristian Agatie
Cristian Agatie profile photo

After his childhood dream of becoming a "tractor operator" didn't pan out, Cristian turned to journalism, first in print and later moving to online media. His top interests are electric vehicles and new energy solutions.
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