Tesla gives right-hand-drive Cybertruck buyers a 30-day refund window

Tesla will refund every deposit paid for the Cybertruck in Australia and New Zealand within 30 days, the company said in an email to reservation holders.

The manufacturer confirmed that its plans to produce the vehicle for those two markets have been discontinued. Customers who placed reservations seven years ago will receive a confirmation email with their details, triggering the refund timeline. As an additional incentive, Tesla is offering a free year of Full Self-Driving access to anyone who orders a new Model 3 or Model Y.

The decision resolves a long-standing uncertainty about the truck’s arrival in the region. Drive Australia reported that sources indicated Tesla’s Texas factory was not configured to build right-hand-drive vehicles when deliveries began in 2023. Without that specific configuration, the Cybertruck cannot legally operate on public roads in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, or Ireland.

Regulatory hurdles in Europe have also stalled the vehicle’s expansion. The truck has not received official approval from European authorities, and officials widely believe it will not gain clearance due to strict rules on crumple zones, pedestrian safety, lighting, and weight classifications. The vehicle’s sharp edges are considered a particular hazard to vulnerable road users.

The US Army Customs Agency noted that several specifications of the Cybertruck violate EU safety standards. A notification from the agency stated that the sharp-edged, stiff stainless-steel body poses risks to pedestrian protection. While some Cybertrucks have appeared in Europe, owners secured those vehicles through individual single-vehicle approvals after making extensive modifications to satisfy local regulators.