Tesla Scraps Right-Hand Drive Cybertruck: Seven-Year Wait Ends

Seven years ago, customers in Australia and New Zealand paid deposits to reserve a Tesla Cybertruck. On October 23, 2026, Tesla announced it will refund every one of those payments within 30 days of a confirmation email. The company stated in a notification to reservation holders that its plans to produce the vehicle for these two markets have been discontinued.

The primary barrier was the lack of a right-hand drive configuration. When Tesla began delivering the truck to early buyers in the United States in 2023, sources told Drive Australia that the Texas factory was not equipped to build the vehicle for right-hand drive markets. Without this specific setup, the truck cannot legally operate on public roads in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, or Ireland.

To compensate affected customers, Tesla is offering a free year of Full Self-Driving access to anyone who orders a new Model 3 or Model Y. This gesture accompanies the refund process, which requires customers to verify their details via email before the 30-day clock begins.

The cancellation extends the Cybertruck’s absence from the European Union, where it has yet to receive regulatory approval. European authorities have raised concerns about the vehicle’s sharp edges and stainless-steel body, which are considered hazards for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. Specific rules regarding crumple zones, lighting, and weight classifications also pose challenges for approval.

The US Army Customs Agency recently highlighted these issues in a notification to military personnel. The agency stated that several specifications of the Cybertruck violate EU safety standards, specifically citing the stiff, sharp-edged body as a primary concern. This regulatory hurdle has prevented even government-authorized vehicles from entering the region through standard channels.

Some Cybertrucks have been spotted in Europe, but these arrived through individual workarounds. Owners secured single-vehicle approvals by making extensive modifications to satisfy local regulators. This piecemeal approach contrasts with Tesla’s decision to stop pursuing a broad market launch in the region for now.