Seven-Year Wait Ends: Tesla Refunds Cybertruck Deposits

Seven years ago, customers in Australia and New Zealand paid deposits to reserve the Tesla Cybertruck. On October 23, 2026, Tesla informed those buyers that the vehicle will not arrive in their markets.

In an email sent to reservation holders, the company stated that its plans to produce the Cybertruck for the two countries have been discontinued. Tesla will refund every deposit within 30 days of the customer receiving a confirmation email with their details.

The delay stems from a manufacturing limitation. Sources told Drive Australia that when deliveries began in 2023, Tesla’s Texas factory was not equipped to build right-hand-drive vehicles. Without this configuration, the truck cannot legally drive on public roads in Australia or New Zealand.

The right-hand-drive gap also affects the United Kingdom, Japan, and Ireland. Tesla has not officially launched the truck in the UK or the European Union. The vehicle lacks regulatory approval from European authorities due to rules on crumple zones, pedestrian safety, lighting, and weight. Regulators view the truck’s sharp edges as a specific hazard to people it might strike.

The US Army Customs Agency noted that the Cybertruck’s stiff stainless-steel body violates EU safety standards for protecting vulnerable road users. Some Cybertrucks have entered Europe through individual single-vehicle approvals. Owners secured these permits by making modifications to satisfy regulators.

To soften the impact on affected customers, Tesla is offering a free year of Full Self-Driving Supervised access. This benefit applies to anyone who orders a new Model 3 or Model Y.

The company’s decision ends a long period of uncertainty for early adopters in the region. The refund process begins immediately following the dispatch of the confirmation emails.