In a thrilling development for electric vehicle enthusiasts, the highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck has made its way to New Zealand for winter testing. Two versions of the futuristic electric truck were recently sighted playfully maneuvering through the snow and ice, providing a tantalizing glimpse of its capabilities.
The arrival of the Cybertruck in New Zealand signals a significant step towards the commencement of production, aligning with CEO Elon Musk’s previous estimation of a summer production start and potential first deliveries in the latter part of Q3. These hints have generated excitement among eager customers awaiting the release of this groundbreaking vehicle.
Ever since its arrival last month, glimpses of a camouflaged Cybertruck have emerged, accompanied by reports from local Cybertruck enthusiasts that an uncloaked variant was also present at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds (SHPG), alongside a number of Project Highland Model 3s.
Excitement reached new heights on Friday as footage surfaced on Twitter, shared by @CybertruckNZ, capturing both Cybertrucks gracefully traversing the snowy terrain. The video showcased the “naked” Cybertruck emerging from what appeared to be an intriguing “ice tunnel.” Additionally, the camouflaged version was seen executing impressive cornering maneuvers on snow and skillfully gliding across a sheet of ice.
Big day at SHPG again but worth it. 😎 Lots of footage. 🥳 Here is the silver CT just coming out of the ice tunnel. pic.twitter.com/CwM0q0Ken7
— CybertruckNZ 📐🇳🇿 (@CybertruckNZ) July 7, 2023
The fact that both the Cybertruck and the Model 3 refresh are undergoing winter testing concurrently in New Zealand suggests that their respective launches are on a parallel trajectory. As there have been no reports of production line shutdowns in Fremont for the transition to Highland production, it is reasonable to assume that the Highland variant will debut in China, where trial production commenced in early June, while the Cybertruck will make its debut in the United States. Notably, Tesla’s recent logistical alteration to import vehicles from China has raised the possibility that Canadian customers might receive the new Model 3 ahead of their American counterparts.
As anticipation builds around the imminent release of the Tesla Cybertruck, the recent testing in New Zealand provides a tantalizing preview of its performance in challenging winter conditions. Electric vehicle enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await further updates on the production timeline and the opportunity to experience the Cybertruck’s revolutionary features firsthand.
The camouflaged CT at SHPG playing in the snow. pic.twitter.com/A3dwtLVltp
— CybertruckNZ 📐🇳🇿 (@CybertruckNZ) July 7, 2023
And afterwards playing on the ice (with a tiny drift session 😅) pic.twitter.com/ybOMV5sUVQ
— CybertruckNZ 📐🇳🇿 (@CybertruckNZ) July 7, 2023