Tesla’s April Fool’s Day joke included a short teaser of a Cybertruck being run over but didn’t reveal any results of their testing.
Tesla insider Tegtmeyer shared some additional footage showing the results of their test on Thursday. Although the truck appears quite battered after such a rigorous workout, this should come as no surprise, given its exoskeleton construction.
Impact Strength
Tesla vehicles have earned praise from crash safety experts for their excellent record in crash tests, yet it can be challenging to predict how any new car will fare in an actual collision situation. Therefore, prior to entering production with any vehicle, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive crash testing as this will help determine if its design meets customer safety expectations in a crash situation.
Recently, the Tesla Cybertruck went through several crash tests. While no results of these tests were publicly announced by Tesla, a video posted to social media shows the truck undergoing a ditch rollover test and showing that no severe damages occurred to either its frame or bodywork – an encouraging sign for its safety features.
Experts are concerned by the Tesla Cybertruck’s absence of a crumple zone, though this style of vehicle does not necessitate one. Instead, engineers designed it with steel panels 300% thicker than industry standards to give it enough strength in an accident to protect its occupants.
The Tesla Cybertruck boasts not only its absence of a crumple zone but also bulletproof glass for added protection against foreign objects, along with nearly indestructible doors to make even greater security provisions. While most drivers won’t require this feature, its presence will nonetheless add extra peace of mind for most. The glass is coated with polymer-layered composite, rendering it impenetrable from foreign bodies. Additionally, its doors have also been reported as nearly unbreakable, making even further provisions against harm to drivers from this truck.
While some remain dubious of the Cybertruck’s abilities to withstand frontal collisions, others are convinced it can withstand any crash test scenario. With further tests scheduled in the coming months, more positive results may emerge from further evaluation of this vehicle.
The Cybertruck has yet to undergo full frontal, side impact, or rollover tests; however, the company did release a video that appeared to demonstrate an offset front test conducted by drone pilot Joe Tegtmeyer during his flyover of Giga, Texas. Though little evidence can be seen here from such footage alone, it appears the Cybertruck passed its front offset test without issue.
Crumple Zone
When a vehicle crashes into something, its body deforms to absorb some of the impact, creating what is known as a crumple zone – an essential safety feature that protects vehicle occupants by lessening collision force and potentially leading to injuries. Without one, this force could have been transferred directly into the cabin, resulting in potential injuries for passengers inside.
The Tesla Cybertruck has been touted as being nearly impenetrable due to its Ultra-Hard 30X cold-rolled steel exoskeleton and armored glass construction, making it virtually impregnable. Such claims need to be verified through rigorous crash tests – an undertaking already undertaken by this electric pickup.
Greggertruck posted photos and videos to Instagram back in August showing what appeared to be two Tesla Cybertrucks involved in a crash test at the Giga Texas facility. Both vehicles experienced extensive damage; front airbags were deployed, the windshield cracked severely, doors dislocated from hinges, and metal panels were bent or dented by their impact.
However, engineers may be concerned about the lack of a standard crumple zone in Tesla’s Cybertruck; however, this new style of vehicle may not require one. Tesla vehicles have earned top safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, so, likely, Cybertruck will also achieve such accolades.
Euro NCAP can conduct more comprehensive crash tests using human testers, giving us an even more complete picture of how well the Tesla Cybertruck performs compared to other cars.
As Tesla prepares to deliver its initial production units, we expect them to conduct thorough structural evaluations on their Cybertruck. Recently, a social media video emerged depicting a crashed Cybertruck bearing a ditch rollover sticker sustaining exterior damage while remaining mostly unscathed inside, a testament to their impressive structural integrity.
Rollover Strength
Tesla vehicles are among the safest on the market, and the Cybertruck is no exception. Equipped with bulletproof glass to keep passengers protected in an accident and expansive ground clearance to help it ride over obstacles without incident, some engineers have expressed concerns over its lack of crumple zone safety features; it may not provide as much protection.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an indestructible truck designed to protect itself and use ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel. Many have wondered how well the car would fare during crash testing; recently, some pictures from Giga Texas’ drone flyover revealed what appears to be evidence from front offset crash tests.
These photos depict a Tesla Cybertruck with minor damage, though most of its components seem undamaged. The rear display and airbags were still deployed when impact occurred, and its roof was bent but undamaged; all indicators point towards positive outcomes when subjected to NHTSA crash tests.
Early this year, Tesla employees were seen driving two Cybertrucks on trailers toward a test facility; these tests may determine whether the Cybertruck meets safety standards set forth by both NHTSA and Euro NCAP.
Tesla will rely heavily on these tests as part of their plans to bring Cybertruck to market. Their goal is for it to serve as a delivery vehicle for their electric cars, meeting stringent safety standards in order to do so. If it passes these tests successfully, Cybertruck should be able to compete with traditional trucks and SUVs in terms of safety and reliability; otherwise, they must reconsider their plans for it.
Structural Integrity
Tesla’s Giga Texas plant recently produced the Cybertruck, and it already appears to have experienced rough treatment. A video posted to TikTok by CTL Logistics was eventually taken down. However, members of the Cybertruck Owner’s Club managed to capture a screenshot. It shows an injured Cybertruck with a sticker indicating it underwent an “extreme ditch rollover test.”
Although not shown directly in the video, an electric vehicle appears to have suffered an impact. Roof panels seem bent backward while airbags deploy, and exterior damage can be seen. Although this video was posted as April Fool’s Day gag material, its creators should know that Cybertruck must pass several crash tests in order to be certified for production and sale.
Tesla vehicles have earned top safety scores in crash tests conducted both domestically and abroad, so it is expected that its Cybertruck will also perform admirably during its difficulties. It will be fascinating to witness its performance when agencies such as NHTSA and IIHS conduct comprehensive evaluations with dummies and sensors attached.
Tesla may want to continue modifying the Cybertruck for several more months before initiating deliveries, as it usually takes time for electric vehicles (EVs) to reach full potential in terms of both fuel economy and crash testing. As reported by Electrek, several Cybertrucks were recently being transported north from Giga, Texas, toward locations where additional crash and rollover testing would likely be performed.
We cannot wait for the day when Cybertrucks take to the roads in real life; it will be fantastic to witness how well these unique pick-ups hold up against daily usage. Though its appearance is distinct, its nearly impenetrable exoskeleton and ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled steel should ensure it stands up against anything thrown its way.
