Reservation cancellations announced

Thousands of Tesla Cybertruck reservation holders in Australia and New Zealand received an email on October 23, 2026, informing them that they would not receive their vehicles. The decision was based on broader industrial and regulatory challenges facing the company.

Early reservations and deposits

In 2019, many motorists in Australia and New Zealand paid 150 Australian dollars, or roughly 100 euros, to secure a spot in line for the Tesla Cybertruck. Seven years later, despite prototypes being shared online and a Cybertruck being seen on Australian roads in 2024, Tesla canceled these reservations and promised refunds within thirty days after confirming bank details.

Timing of the announcement

The cancellation occurred the day after Tesla released its quarterly financial results. The reservation page had already been removed as early as May 2022, but the company had previously indicated that the Cybertruck might be certified for other markets within the next year.

Design limitations for right-hand drive

The Cybertruck, assembled in Texas, was not designed for right-hand drive versions, which are required in countries like Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Adapting it would require new engineering, redesigned interiors, specific safety tests, and new homologation, a process that involves official approval for vehicle sale in a particular market.

Production and investment concerns

Despite some sales in the United States, Tesla’s production volume for the Cybertruck remains far below its theoretical capacity of 250,000 units per year. This raises questions about the feasibility of a large investment in right-hand drive versions, especially given the company’s current priorities.

Regulatory hurdles in Europe

In Europe, the Cybertruck faces additional challenges, including regulatory requirements. In 2025, the German Ministry of Transport found the vehicle unsuitable for military use due to its stainless steel panel body with sharp edges, which are considered a safety risk. As a result, Tesla has focused on countries with more favorable regulations, such as South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. In France, the Cybertruck remains an exhibition piece, highlighting the unique situation of Australian customers who will not see the vehicle on their roads.