Tesla has recently completed an energy consumption filing for the Cybertruck in China, sparking speculations that the model could potentially be introduced in the country. The filing was made with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) to measure the energy consumption of the Cybertruck, leading to the issuance of an Automobile Energy Consumption Label.
The Cybertruck is classified as an M1 passenger vehicle in MIIT’s database, boasting a range of 618 kilometers. With a weight of 3,104 kilograms, the electric pickup is equipped with three electric motors delivering a peak power of 206 kW, 222 kW, and 222 kW. It consumes 22.6 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometers, equivalent to 2.62 L of fuel per 100 kilometers, with an estimated energy cost of RMB 14.92 ($2.1) per 100 kilometers.
In terms of environmental conditions, the range of the Cybertruck may decrease by approximately 15 percent with air conditioning on in high-temperature environments and by about 40 percent with heating air conditioning on in low-temperature environments.
While the energy consumption filing has reignited speculation on social media platforms about the Cybertruck’s potential introduction in China, it’s important to note that obtaining the Automobile Energy Consumption Label is just one of the compliance steps required for a model in China. This does not necessarily guarantee an immediate launch of the Cybertruck in the country.
Tesla had previously denied rumors of introducing the Cybertruck in China, citing challenges in complying with local market access requirements for pedestrian collision protection. However, recent reports suggest that the company is working on improvements to meet these standards.
The Cybertruck was unveiled by Tesla in November 2019 and deliveries began in the United States in November 2023. In a bid to downplay its pickup truck character, Tesla emphasized the Cybertruck as a crossover wagon during a tour in several Chinese cities earlier this year.
Despite initial denials from Tesla’s China team about plans to sell the Cybertruck in the country, the recent energy consumption filing has sparked renewed interest in the model’s potential entry into the Chinese market. With ongoing compliance efforts and regulatory hurdles to address, the fate of the Cybertruck in China remains uncertain for now.
