The Tesla Cybertruck, Tesla’s first all-electric pickup truck, has seen its first reported accident. Thankfully, the incident resulted in only minor injuries.
The Cybertruck was involved in an accident in Rockledge, Florida on May 10th. According to reports, the vehicle was struck from behind by a pickup truck travelling at a speed of approximately 50 miles per hour. The driver of the Cybertruck sustained minor injuries, though their condition is unknown.
Fortunately, the Tesla Cybertruck fared remarkably well in the accident. According to the Rockledge Police Department, the damage to the vehicle was minor and largely repairable. The same can’t be said for the pickup that struck the Tesla, which sustained major damage.
This is good news for Tesla, as it demonstrates the Cybertruck’s crashworthiness. Even in a 50 mph rear impact, the vehicle held up fairly well, a testament to Tesla’s engineering. This is especially impressive given the steel exoskeleton that makes up the bulk of the Cybertruck’s design.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is yet to give the Tesla Cybertruck a crash test rating, but this incident has certainly done the vehicle some favors. Consumer Reports recurringly rated Tesla vehicles as some of the safest on the road, so it’s likely that the Cybertruck is no different.
The Tesla Cybertruck is still in pre-production, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2021. Whether it can achieve the same levels of safety in crash tests as established vehicles remains to be seen, but this first reported accident is certainly a positive sign.