In a city celebrated for its high fashion and luxury vehicles, a recent TikTok video captured a scene that even Milan’s discerning eyes couldn’t ignore. International model Minju Jo, known as @iamminjujo on TikTok, filmed the reactions of locals as she drove a Tesla Cybertruck through the city streets. The video quickly went viral, not because of the model, but because of the sheer audacity of the Cybertruck’s presence in a European urban setting. The reactions ranged from bewildered stares to outright disbelief, underscoring the Cybertruck’s unique ability to turn heads, even in a place accustomed to seeing the world’s most exotic cars.
The Tesla Cybertruck causing a stir in Milan. Photo by: [Somalia Veteran/Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-futuristic-stainless-steel-pickup-truck-parked-on-a-city-street-b87da2ef1687)
The Tesla Cybertruck’s design ethos clashes spectacularly with the prevailing automotive sensibilities in Europe. European cars typically emphasize sleekness, fuel efficiency, and practicality, tailored for narrow streets and environmental concerns. The Cybertruck, with its unapologetically angular, stainless-steel exoskeleton, makes a bold statement that borders on the theatrical. This stark contrast amplifies its impact, turning it into an instant spectacle. While dramatic Tesla sightings have become almost commonplace in the U.S., they remain a novelty in Europe, adding to the Cybertruck’s allure and the public’s fascination.
| Feature | European Cars | Tesla Cybertruck |
|---|---|---|
| Design Aesthetic | Sleek, Understated | Bold, Angular |
| Size | Compact | Large, Bulky |
| Market Availability | Widely Available | Limited/Unofficial |
A comparison of typical European car characteristics versus the Tesla Cybertruck.
The burning question arising from the Milan sighting is whether the Cybertruck can even be legally driven in Europe. Currently, the answer is complex. Tesla has not yet obtained European homologation for the Cybertruck, meaning it doesn’t officially meet EU standards for road safety and environmental impact. As of December 2023, Tesla confirmed that the Cybertruck would initially be available only in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. European regulators have voiced concerns, particularly regarding pedestrian safety due to the vehicle’s sharp edges, rigid exoskeleton, and potential crumple zone issues. Some technical aspects, like the need for amber turn signals instead of red ones, also pose hurdles.
| Regulation Type | Specific Concern | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian Safety | Sharp Edges, Stiff Exoskeleton | Major Hurdle |
| Lighting | Red Rear Lights vs. Amber Indicators | Technical Adjustment Needed |
| Vehicle Weight | Exceeds Standard B-License Weight Cap | Requires Category C1 License |
Key regulatory concerns affecting the Cybertruck’s legality in Europe.
While the Cybertruck faces an uncertain future in Europe, Tesla’s other models, such as the Model 3 and Model Y, have achieved considerable success. These vehicles align better with European preferences for compact designs and regulatory standards. The Cybertruck’s viral appearances, like the one in Milan, serve to keep Tesla in the spotlight, reinforcing its image as an innovative and attention-grabbing brand, even in markets where the Cybertruck itself may never be officially sold. This creates a halo effect, potentially boosting interest and sales for Tesla’s other, more conventional models.
| Model | European Availability | Compliance Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | Widely Available | Fully Compliant |
| Tesla Model Y | Widely Available | Fully Compliant |
| Tesla Cybertruck | Limited/Unofficial Imports | Non-Compliant (Requires Modifications) |
Tesla model availability and compliance in Europe.
