Elon Musk’s retro-futuristic Cybertruck looks like nothing else on the roads. However, its quite unique design could pose a traffic hazard.
The Cybertruck looks like something straight out of the sci-fi movies of the 1980s. The doors are even bulletproof – although they won’t be able to protect you from all weapons, writes Automotive News.
“The apocalypse can come at any time, and here at Tesla, we have the finest in apocalypse technology,” says Elon Musk.
Huge Windshield
The exterior is made of stainless steel, inspired by the materials Musk’s space company SpaceX uses for its rockets.
The Cybertruck also boasts what is probably the largest windshield on the market for light vehicles. To keep the design as clean as possible, the car uses a single windshield wiper – which is twice as long as the usual ones.
The Cybertruck has a steer-by-wire system, which eliminates the physical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. In other words, minimal hand movements are required for the car to turn.
48 Instead of 12 Volts
To reduce weight and cost, Tesla has switched to a 48-volt electrical architecture for the Cybertruck. Thinner cables and lighter components can be used, which is a departure from the traditional 12-volt standard.
The rearview mirror is also video-based. When the Cybertruck’s tonneau cover is closed, the camera gives the driver rear vision, displayed on the infotainment screen.
Gearshift Near the Rearview Mirror
The Cybertruck has a yoke-style steering wheel shaped like a “squircle,” a mix of a square and a circle. It lacks traditional levers for windshield wipers and turn signals – these are controlled via buttons on the steering wheel.
Moreover, the gearshift control is located above the rearview mirror. The car also uses software that predicts whether the driver wants to go forward or backward.
Design Concerns Experts
Tesla’s retro-futuristic car has sparked a major debate due to its quite unique design.
Particularly concerning are Cybertruck’s sharp edges and stainless steel surface, which could be dangerous in collisions – especially for pedestrians and cyclists, writes Slate.
The Cybertruck is also heavy. Weighing 3 tons, the vehicle is heavier than two Honda Accords combined.
The engine is so powerful that the strongest model of the car can go from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 2.6 seconds. This too increases the risks in traffic.
American Manufacturers More Free
Despite these potential hazards, there is not much that American regulatory authorities can do right now. As long as car manufacturers meet the federal standard for motor vehicle safety, their cars can be designed and sold.
The situation is different in the EU, where new car models must be approved before they can be sold.
Therefore, the regulatory differences between the US and the EU could have an impact on traffic safety. It remains to be seen how Elon Musk’s “apocalypse-proof” experiment performs in reality.
