According to Elon Musk’s own admission, the call-worthy Tesla Cybertruck would possibly never land in Australia. But you can still sign up for the $150 waiting list if you’re in denial.
Musk told Automative News in early August that the Cybertruck was never intended for sale outside North America.
“We made the decision to turn it into a global truck,” Musk said.
“So it doesn’t meet many specifications, as it doesn’t meet the EU and other specifications… Perhaps we can obtain, I don’t know, exceptions to EU regulations depending on how it is classified.”
Well, maybe. Access to the Australian market is discussed, but Musk argued that if sales of the vehicle were bombed, Tesla would move towards making a more “normal” truck.
However, I wouldn’t know by visiting Tesla’s website. The local logo team is satisfied enough to withdraw $150 to have the privilege of being added to Cybertruck’s waiting list.
Fortunately, this deposit is refundable if Musk helps keep your word and makes Cybertruck exclusive in the United States. At the time of writing, Tesla’s Australian online page says production is not expected to begin until the end of 2021. If you need single-engine production, it will start by the end of 2022.
A total value is not yet known, even the Cybertruck will charge US$39,900 in the U.S. That equates to just over $55,000 in Australia, but don’t expect that to be the real charge. You should take into account road prices, luxury car tax and other additional extras.
In comparison, the entry-level Tesla Model 3 starts at about $41,000 in the US, however, in Australia it costs $73,900 before road prices, which is more than direct currency conversion.
Gizmodo Australia asked Tesla how many Australians had registered and paid the $150 deposit, but revealed the figure.
It’s not the only Tesla style you have to pay online for. The Roadster, which was first announced in November 2017, requires an advance payment of $7,000. You will then have to pay an additional $59,000 within 10 days of booking for a car that is not expected to be delivered until at least 2022.
It’s only for the popular version. If you need to participate in the Founders Series, one of only 1,000, you will also have to pay $7,000, then $319,000 within 10 days.
Maybe the Cybertruck repository is so bad after all.