Summary
- First public crash test of Tesla Cybertruck conducted by NHTSA
- Cybertruck scored five-star safety rating, highest possible
- All Tesla models tested to date scored five stars
- Cybertruck received five stars in frontal & side crash tests, four stars in rollover resistance test
- Crash tests conducted by Applus+ Idiada Karco Engineering in California, reports published by NHTSA on January 15
Article
The First Public Crash Test of Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck has finally received an official crash safety rating, more than a year after deliveries began in Nov. 2023. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a series of crash tests on the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck as part of the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The results were impressive, with the Cybertruck scoring five stars overall and in almost all individual categories. This marks another success for Tesla, as all the Tesla models tested by the NHTSA to date have also scored five stars.
Frontal Crash Test Results
In the frontal crash test, which simulates a head-on collision at 35 miles per hour with a flat, rigid barrier, the NHTSA awarded a five-star safety rating for the driver and a four-star rating for the passenger. Both the driver and passenger airbags deployed properly in this test, although the knee airbags did not deploy. Tesla confirmed that the knee airbags are intentionally designed to remain undeployed for this specific test.
Side Crash Test Performance
Moving on to the side crash test, the Cybertruck received an overall safety score of five stars. This category combines two individual tests – the side barrier test and the side pole test. In the side barrier test, a moving non-rigid barrier angled at 27 degrees is crashed into the driver’s side of the vehicle at 38.5 mph. In the side pole test, the vehicle is angled at 75 degrees and is crashed into a rigid pole at 20 mph. The Cybertruck achieved a five-star rating in both tests for both the front and rear seats.
Rollover Resistance Test Results
The Tesla Cybertruck received a four-star rating in the rollover resistance test, which measures the risk of rollover in a loss-of-control scenario. During the dynamic test, the Cybertruck did not tip over, but the NHTSA noted a rollover risk of 12.4%. The crash tests were conducted by Applus+ Idiada Karco Engineering in Adelanto, California late last year, and the final reports were published by the NHTSA on January 15.
Implications for Tesla and Cybertruck Owners
The five-star safety rating for the Tesla Cybertruck solidifies Tesla’s reputation for producing safe and reliable vehicles. This rating provides reassurance to Cybertruck owners and potential buyers about the vehicle’s crashworthiness and safety features. It also sets a high standard for other electric pickup trucks and challenges traditional automakers to prioritize safety in their vehicle designs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tesla Cybertruck has successfully passed its first public crash test and received an impressive five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. This rating reflects the vehicle’s excellent performance in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests, highlighting its overall safety and crashworthiness. As Tesla continues to innovate and push boundaries in the automotive industry, the Cybertruck stands out as a safe and reliable option for consumers looking for an electric pickup truck. This achievement further cements Tesla’s position as a leader in vehicle safety and innovation.
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