Traffic pole defeats “indestructible” Cybertruck

• Crumple zone strategy sacrifices overall structural integrity, leading to significant damage in the event of a collision.

The internet, particularly platforms like TikTok and X, has become a breeding ground for viral content, and the recent crash of a Tesla Cybertruck in Savannah, Georgia, has sparked a heated debate about the vehicle’s claimed durability.

The incident, captured in a video that went viral, shows a Cybertruck, after a collision with a traffic light pole, lying in a heap, its front end seemingly crushed like a tin can.

The stark contrast to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s pronouncements of the Cybertruck’s “indestructible” and “apocalypse-proof” nature has led to a flurry of discussions, questioning the veracity of these claims.

Crumble zone

The video, uploaded by TikTok user ‘PilotJennie,’ shows a Cybertruck in an undeniably sorry state. The front end, where the vehicle appears to have taken the brunt of the impact, is severely damaged, with the hood crumpled, the front wheel almost detached, and what appears to be debris strewn around the vehicle.

The seemingly stark lack of structural integrity sparked a wave of online commentary, with users questioning the supposed strength of the Cybertruck.

The initial reaction, fuelled by the dramatic visuals, pointed to a lack of crumple zones – a common feature in vehicles designed to absorb impact and protect occupants in a crash.

The sentiment was echoed by Samer Hamdar, a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at George Washington University, who previously expressed concerns about the Cybertruck’s lack of crumple zones.

However, a closer look at the damage and the subsequent online discussions revealed a more nuanced story.

Structural integrity

It turns out that the Cybertruck does, in fact, have a crumple zone, but its design and function differ from traditional crumple zones.

As explained by a user on X, the Cybertruck’s crumple zone is designed to “break into small pieces” during a high-speed collision, effectively absorbing and dispersing energy to minimise impact on the occupants.

The video itself provided evidence of this design feature, with small pieces of the Cybertruck’s underbody casting visible around the crash site.

The explanation, while seemingly counterintuitive, highlights a potential limitation of the Cybertruck’s design.

While effective in protecting occupants, the crumple zone strategy sacrifices overall structural integrity, leading to significant damage in the event of a collision.

The trade-off between passenger safety and vehicle durability is a complex one, and the Cybertruck’s approach, while seemingly effective in protecting occupants, raises concerns about the vehicle’s ability to withstand significant impact.

Beyond this specific incident, the Cybertruck’s performance in other scenarios has also been called into question.

Reports of a Cybertruck getting stuck in a river while attempting to utilise its “Wade Mode” and another being damaged after rolling down a steep hill raise concerns about the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.

Even though these instances might be isolated cases, they contribute to the growing narrative of the Cybertruck being more vulnerable than advertised.

It is important to note that the Cybertruck has also shown its potential in specific situations. A report of a Cybertruck successfully protecting its cargo from animal theft demonstrates its inherent strength and resilience in certain scenarios.

However, this single success story does not erase the growing concerns regarding the Cybertruck’s durability and its ability to withstand significant impacts.