The highly debated Tesla Cybertruck all-electric ute with arrow-proof body panels could finally make its way to Australia. Following interactions with multiple media, it is reportedly confirmed that a factory-built right-hand-drive (RHD) Cybertruck is under consideration. However, its arrival remains uncertain, with significant regulatory and production challenges ahead.
The all-electric pickup – known for its distinctive stainless steel body and sharp-edged design – is expected to retain most of its US specifications rather than being modified and watered-down for export markets. However, producing an RHD variant would require significant engineering changes at Tesla’s Texas facility, which currently manufactures only left-hand-drive vehicles.
Where can I see the Cybertruck in Australia?
A left-hand drive example of the Tesla Cybertruck was touring around Australia and New Zealand in 2024, allowing fans and prospective buyers to check out all of its sharp edges in person. Following the campaign’s success, the team has brought down two more units for further marketing activities. While absent from the Everything Electric Show 2025 at Sydney this past weekend, where the updated 2025 Tesla Model Y made its public debut in Australia, you can try and keep track of the showcase ute via the company’s regional account on X (formerly Twitter).
Tesla Australia pushes for local Cybertruck release
In conversations with other media outlets and automotive forums, Tesla’s Country Director for Australia and New Zealand, Thom Drew, confirmed ongoing discussions about bringing the Cybertruck to local showrooms.
“The only [product] we’re missing at the moment that we want here is the Cybertruck, and we are in conversations trying to make that happen. That’s something we are trying to influence,” Drew told ChasingCars.
He also highlighted the significance of utes in the Australian market and Tesla’s efforts to push for a right-hand-drive variant.
“Our leadership overseas recognises the importance that utes [have] in our market, and we certainly see the potential. That is somewhere we are trying to have some leverage.”
Drew noted that Australia holds greater influence within Tesla’s global strategy than many European markets.
Regulatory hurdles remain for Tesla Cybertruck
Beyond the challenge of producing an RHD model, Cybertruck’s compliance with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) remains a major hurdle. Its unconventional design could struggle to meet local safety and pedestrian protection regulations. Tesla has previously faced ADR-related issues. Most notably, the updated Model 3 sedan was temporarily pulled from sale in Australia after it was found to lack an accessible middle top tether for child seat installation in the second row, leading to a stop-sale and recall.
What’s next for the Tesla Cybertruck?
While Tesla’s renewed interest in bringing an RHD Cybertruck to Australia is promising, significant barriers remain. In the coming months, Tesla’s global leadership will likely determine whether Australian customers will finally see the futuristic electric ute in local showrooms.
While Tesla remains the biggest player in Australia’s EV space, recent sales have not been promising as the market seems more interested in betting on hybrid and plug-in hybrid models for now. In the ute segment itself, the recently introduced BYD Shark 6 PHEV has already witnessed strong demand as the first one to make it to market. In its trail, we also have the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and the Ford Ranger PHEV entering the market in the coming months.
Expected prices for the Tesla Cybertruck
Unlike the electrified utes we mentioned earlier, the Tesla Cybertruck is not a machine for the average person. Based on its pricing in the US, the all-electric ute could easily carry a starting sticker price of close to $150,000 with the dual motor all-wheel drive powertrain. Luckily, Tesla will be introducing a more affordable single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant in the US which after taxes, could be priced just under $100,000 for the Australian market (all prices before on-road costs).
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