Tesla Cybertruck's Snow Safety Under Fire: What Customers Are Saying

A Canadian Tesla Cybertruck owner has raised serious concerns about the vehicle's performance in snowy conditions, describing it as "dangerous" after his first winter drive. Brock Nanson, who recently purchased the Cybertruck, encountered significant visibility issues that forced him to drastically reduce his speed and make frequent stops during a nighttime snowfall.

Key Issues Reported

Light Bar Problem: The most pressing issue Nanson identified was the Cybertruck's front light bar. This aesthetic feature, which spans the width of the bonnet, created a diffuse light that reflected off falling snow, severely impairing visibility. Nanson reported having to slow down to 40-50 km/h on the highway due to this problem.

Headlight Snow Accumulation: The Cybertruck's recessed headlights proved problematic, with snow accumulating and blocking the light output. Nanson had to stop multiple times to clear the snow from the headlights, an issue he claims he hasn't experienced since driving a 1976 model vehicle.

Owner's Perspective

Nanson, a long-time Tesla owner since 2015, expressed disappointment with the Cybertruck's performance:

"I've been willing to forgive Tesla for everything through those 10 years. But this is not just inconvenient - it's dangerous. And I can't believe that winter testing didn't reveal it to be a problem."

He suggested that Tesla should, at minimum, include a toggle in the lighting settings to automatically turn off the light bar when the headlights are activated in dark conditions.

Contrasting Views

While Nanson's experience paints a concerning picture, not all Cybertruck owners share his perspective. Doug Lukinuk, another Canadian Cybertruck owner, defended the vehicle:

"I live in Canada and drive regularly through all kinds of snow. The Cybertruck works fantastic. Some people are just very picky."

Lukinuk suggested that early adopters should expect some issues with new technology and that snow accumulation on headlights is a manageable problem.

Implications for Tesla

This incident raises questions about the Cybertruck's suitability for harsh winter conditions, particularly in markets like Canada where such weather is common. With the Cybertruck's hefty price tag of $165,990 CAD ($186,100 AUD), potential buyers may expect better performance in challenging weather conditions.

As Tesla continues to roll out the Cybertruck, addressing these winter driving concerns could be crucial for the vehicle's success in colder climates. The company may need to consider design modifications or additional features to improve the Cybertruck's performance and safety in snowy conditions.