The very first Tesla Cybertruck recently found its way to Belgium, with Groot-Bijgaarden as its new home base.
The owner, a passionate collector of special vehicles, personally brought the futuristic model from the United States. However, a big question hangs over this remarkable vehicle: is it allowed on public roads? The answer to that is far from certain, because the Cybertruck must first be homologated in Belgium. Without this crucial approval, the striking vehicle can only be admired on private property for the time being.
The Cybertruck, Tesla's groundbreaking electric pickup truck, is a striking appearance with its silver, angular design, almost as if the vehicle has been driven out of a science fiction movie. The car, which attracted worldwide attention with its futuristic design and robust performance, is known for being indestructible. Demonstrations by Tesla showed that even a hammer can hardly damage the car. This makes the vehicle not only a technological feat, but also a statement of strength and durability. However, this unique design also brings challenges, especially in a country like Belgium, where strict rules apply for admission to public roads.
The owner of the Cybertruck no longer plans to wait for a possible homologation procedure. According to reports from the Flemish newspaper Het Nieuwsblad and a confirmation to VRT NWS by Jonathan Wong, representative of Nikola Brussels, an independent Tesla dealer in Londerzeel, the man has decided to offer the car for sale again. This despite the limited possibilities to drive it for the time being. The striking vehicle was previously spotted in Knokke, where it attracted a lot of attention, but without the right approval it remains an uncertain investment.
homologation
Homologation is an essential process in Belgium for every vehicle that is new on the market, has been rebuilt or is imported from abroad. This process is necessary to confirm that the vehicle meets the strict technical and administrative requirements that apply within the European Union. In Belgium, this is done according to the European type-approval, which means that the criteria are often stricter here than in other countries. This can significantly delay the approval of a unique vehicle such as the Cybertruck.
There are two possible ways to get a vehicle homologated in Belgium. The first option is a European type-approval, which is valid in all EU member states. This procedure is usually fast, but also more expensive and often complex for a vehicle that deviates from the standard models on the market. Another option is a national approval, where the vehicle is only allowed in Belgium. This procedure is cheaper and offers room to respond to the specific requirements and rules that apply in Belgium. However, national approvals largely follow the instructions of the European regulations, which means that the requirements are still strict. This can be a challenge for the owner of the Cybertruck.
Yet a big question hangs over this remarkable vehicle: is it allowed on public roads?
In some cases, a vehicle that has been approved in another EU country can be admitted to Belgium relatively easily, provided that the owner applies for a validation certificate. However, even in these situations, exceptions may apply. In certain cases, a vehicle may be refused based on specific criteria, although this decision must be well-motivated. Given the unique nature of the Cybertruck, it is possible that homologation could become a time-consuming and uncertain process.
rid of your insecurity
The decision of the man from Groot-Bijgaarden to Cybertruck quickly to sell again, despite the attention the vehicle has received, is therefore not without reason. As long as the homologation procedure is not completed, the question of whether the vehicle may legally drive on Belgian roads remains unanswered. For collectors and enthusiasts of rare vehicles, this is a chance to acquire a piece of Tesla history, but it comes with a good dose of patience and uncertainty.
