The recent sighting of a covered Tesla Cybertruck prototype on a transport platform in Lonoke, Arkansas has sparked intrigue and speculation. There were two Cybertrucks on the trailer, with one at the rear resembling previous prototype sightings. However, the pickup at the front had its nose covered with a white plastic wrap. The front driver’s side quarter window had handwritten words that read “Completed Crash Ready.”
While the vehicle doesn’t appear to have been in a crash upon initial inspection, the presence of the “Completed Crash Ready” note raises questions about its purpose. Theories suggest that the covered Cybertruck could be en route to one of the crash testing facilities on the East Coast.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has a vehicle research center in Ruckersville, Virginia, which is about a 13-hour drive from where the prototype was spotted. On the other hand, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) operates the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) in East Liberty, Ohio, about an 11-hour drive away.
Given that the IIHS purchases the vehicles it tests like regular customers, the Cybertruck, not being on sale yet but available for pre-order, might be headed for NHTSA testing. Additionally, the NHTSA collaborates with various independent organizations across the country for testing.
The Cybertruck’s distinctive design, particularly its upright front section, raises questions about its performance in crashworthiness tests. The vehicle’s appearance isn’t particularly pedestrian-friendly, similar to the Ford F-150 Lightning or the ICE-powered F-150, both of which received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Therefore, it remains to be seen how the Cybertruck will fare in these tests and how its unique design will impact its safety rating.