Tesla returns deposits after ending Cybertruck plans for right-hand drive markets

Customers who reserved a Cybertruck in 2019 will receive their money back within 30 days after confirming their contact details via email. Tesla sent the notification on October 23, 2026, ending a multi-year wait for buyers in Australia and New Zealand. The move resolves financial uncertainty for early adopters who paid deposits years before the vehicle's availability in these regions.

The company stated that its production plans for the truck in the two countries have been discontinued. Because Tesla can no longer fulfill orders in the region, it is returning all deposit funds. To offset the inconvenience, the automaker is providing one year of Full Self-Driving Supervised access to anyone who orders a new Model 3 or Model Y.

The primary barrier to the truck's launch was the lack of a right-hand-drive configuration. Sources close to Tesla indicated in 2023 that the Texas factory was not equipped to build the vehicle for markets where traffic drives on the left. This mechanical limitation prevents the truck from being legally driven on public roads in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Ireland.

Regulatory hurdles further complicate the truck's presence in the region. The vehicle has not received official approval from European authorities. Industry observers cite strict rules regarding crumple zones, pedestrian safety, lighting, and weight classifications as major obstacles. The truck's sharp stainless-steel edges are viewed as a specific hazard to pedestrians.

The US Army Customs Agency recently confirmed these technical difficulties. A notification stated that the stiff, sharp-edged body violates EU safety standards designed to protect vulnerable road users. This assessment aligns with the challenges faced by civilian owners who have attempted to import the vehicle.

Some Cybertrucks have been spotted in Europe through individual single-vehicle approvals. Owners secured these permits by making sufficient modifications to satisfy regulators. However, a mass market launch remains blocked until the vehicle meets standard regional safety requirements for right-hand drive traffic.