Tesla Cybertruck Spotted in Sydney Sparks Debate: Potential Australian Release?

As the Tesla Cybertruck makes unexpected appearances on the streets of Sydney, speculation swirls about its potential availability in Australia, despite previous doubts regarding its local launch.

Tesla Cybertruck Spotted in Sydney: Speculations Rise About Its Australian Launch

A Tesla Cybertruck has been sighted wandering the streets of Sydney, fueling rumors that the EV pickup may be offered to Australian showrooms.

The Cybertruck, probably the world's most contentious vehicle, has been spotted in a carpark at Sydney's renowned Bondi Beach, with a Model 3 and Model Y, as per WhichCar.com.au

The Cybertruck, sporting temporary Australian numberplates, was later seen in Coogee and North Sydney. Kevin Ngo took the photos in the gallery below, which he shared on Facebook.

This Cybertruck appears to be owned by Tesla since it appeared today following an Instagram post on the Tesla Australia New Zealand account, which included a teaser photo of a shipping container.

For the time being, it is unknown why the Cybertruck was transported to Australia. It is widely assumed that Tesla will not produce the electric pickup in right-hand drive, ruling it out of Australian dealerships.

The introduction of the Cybertruck could be an extension of Tesla's recent globe tour, which included stops in key right-hand-drive markets such as Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand. Elon Musk infamously debuted the Cybertruck to a global audience of millions in 2019, culminating in smashing the pick-up's "armor glass" side window with a metal ball.

The Cybertruck then appeared on the company's Australian website, where it is still available today. Australian clients could make a $150 deposit. Since then, Tesla has eliminated the option to make a deposit and instead handed existing deposit holders a credit towards a Model Y or Model 3.

The Cybertruck is currently only available in the United States. Musk has previously stated that it is unlikely to be provided in Europe because of its angular external design, which would not comply with European standards. Australia also has severe vehicle design regulations, which the Cybertruck is unlikely to meet.

Tesla Cybertruck Stirs Controversy and Curiosity on Sydney Streets Amid Speculations of Australian Market Entry

Tesla's contentious new Cybertruck has been sighted driving through Sydney's inner city, generating new speculation that it may soon be made for Australian drivers, despite prior reports that there will be no such deployment Down Under.

The super futuristic-looking vehicle, which looks like something from a science-fiction film, has long divided opinion since its presentation in 2023 due to its unusual appearance. People seem to either adore or despise the boxy, silver design.

Last year, rumors circulated that the Cybertruck may find its way to Australian roads, but various stories claiming to be from Tesla personnel soon dispelled that notion. It was understood that the electric vehicle, which has a triangular body form and flat sheet metal panels made of stainless steel, would not be produced in right-hand drive for local sale.

However, as many Sydneysiders shared photographs of the Cybertruck traveling around the city's streets, it looks like Tesla is running an elaborate marketing hoax, possibly to gauge interest in the vehicle among Australian drivers.

Images and footage posted on social media show the pick-up truck going past Kings Cross and Potts Point in Sydney's inner city, Bondi and Coogee to the east, and North Sydney.

Tesla has recently taken the Cybertruck on a tour of key right-hand-drive countries in Asia-Pacific, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan, as well as some regions of Europe, where it has previously been confirmed that it will not be marketed, fueling speculation that this may change soon.

The mystery lingers as Australians respond to the "hideous" Tesla truck. Yahoo News Australia contacted Tesla's local public relations department to inquire about the reason behind the suspected hoax.

Despite the lack of formal confirmation from the industrial giant, one thing is certain: people are divided on its appearance. Australians were particularly vociferous on social media in response to the photographs taken on Friday.

"It's like something that Homer Simpson would design. That said, I can see it being a classic because of its notoriety," a woman said. "It’s hideous!" said remarked.

"Great. Another truck that doesn't fit in the white lines," one man wrote. "Not my cup of tea that’s for sure," another echoed. "Stainless steel. That's gunna go well in an Australian summer. You will get sunburnt just walking past the bloody thing," another joked. On the other hand, at least one person said they were "excited for what's to come."

Photo: Stephen Leonardi/Pexels