Tesla Cybertruck has received the highest safety score ever

The Tesla Cybertruck electric pickup truck, known for its futuristic stainless steel design, has finally passed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) independent crash tests. A year after the sales launch, the model has confirmed the brand’s reputation by receiving the maximum 5-star rating in almost all categories. However, the impressive results conceal nuances that potential owners should consider.

After a year on the road, it’s time to take a look.

Frontal Impact and Unexpected Failure

In the frontal impact test, the Cybertruck was accelerated to 56 km/h and sent into a rigid barrier. The driver’s seat got 5 stars thanks to a deployed center airbag, but the passenger side was only awarded 4 stars. The reason being the knee airbags did not activate. Tesla explained that this response is programmed for this type of test, which raised questions from experts.

According to Tesla, the driver’s seat received a 5-star rating due to the center airbag deployment, but the passenger side received only 4 stars.

Side impacts and rollover risk

In a simulated side impact with a barrier at 62 km/h, the pickup truck scored a perfect 5-star rating. It got a similar score in the side impact test with a pole, simulating a crash with a tree or lamppost. However, in the rollover test, the Cybertruck earned 4 stars: although it didn’t roll over, the risk was rated at 12.4 percent.

Self-regulation vs. independent verification

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In the US, automakers independently certify their models, and Tesla is no exception. Back in 2023, the company showed video of internal crash tests at its Cybertruck unveiling. But only now has the NHTSA confirmed the pickup truck’s safety, as it previously did with the Model Y, Model 3, and the brand’s other electric cars.

And now the NHTSA has confirmed the pickup’s safety.

Tesla Cybertruck design and pedestrian safety

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The angular stainless steel body has not only become a trademark of the model, but has also generated controversy. Experts fear that the rigid design reduces the effectiveness of deformation zones critical for accident mitigation. In addition, sharp body edges can increase risks to pedestrians. While NHTSA hasn’t evaluated this aspect, the updated NCAP standards now include pedestrian protection tests – how the Cybertruck would pass them remains a mystery.

How the Cybertruck would pass remains a mystery.

Recalls and rebates: shadows amid success

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The Cybertruck has endured seven recall campaigns in a year, including problems with the rearview camera, wipers, interior component mounts, and even a sticking accelerator pedal. Those incidents, combined with slowing sales, forced Tesla to offer discounts on its “unkillable” pickup truck for the first time.

The Cybertruck’s recall is the first time Tesla has offered discounts on its “unkillable” pickup truck.

Despite the top NHTSA rating, the Cybertruck’s story is a reminder that safety is a multifaceted concept. The pickup protects passengers in direct impacts, but poses new challenges in design and interaction with the environment. As Tesla balances revolutionary solutions with traditional standards, buyers should weigh the pros and cons before choosing this ambiguous electric vehicle.

So far, the Cybertruck is a good idea.

The Tesla Cybertruck receives top safety score was first published on ITZine.ru.