Photos of South Africa's first Tesla Cybertruck have surfaced at OR Tambo International Airport, igniting excitement and debate among locals. The vehicle, imported unofficially, is set for conversion to right-hand drive to comply with road regulations. This arrival highlights growing interest in electric vehicles in a nation fond of traditional bakkies.
The arrival of the first Tesla Cybertruck in South Africa has captured widespread attention. On February 6, 2026, images shared on Instagram by local user TheRealDivan showed the distinctive stainless steel vehicle being loaded onto a flatbed truck at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. This marks a significant moment, as Tesla does not officially sell the Cybertruck in right-hand drive markets like South Africa, where it is available only in left-hand drive countries such as the United States, Canada, and parts of the Middle East.
Local automotive enthusiasts report that the Cybertruck will be converted to right-hand drive by Race South Africa. This modification is crucial under South African regulations, which prohibit left-hand drive vehicles on public roads unless registered before 2000. In contrast, a small number of right-hand drive Tesla models have previously been imported from the United Kingdom.
The Cybertruck's bold, angular design has polarized opinions globally and now locally. Social media reactions in South Africa range from enthusiasm for its cutting-edge electric vehicle technology in a bakkie-obsessed culture to skepticism about its practicality and repairability on local roads. Despite the buzz, the vehicle has faced challenges; in 2025, Tesla recalled tens of thousands of units due to issues with exterior trim panels, rearview cameras, wipers, and accelerator pedals.
Engineered with innovations like a 48-volt electrical system for lighter wiring, steer-by-wire technology, and an ultra-hard stainless steel exoskeleton resistant to dents and small-calibre bullets, the Cybertruck boasts impressive performance. The top Cyberbeast model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, despite weighing over three tonnes, and all-wheel-drive versions can tow nearly five tonnes—though this reduces driving range.
In its debut year, the Cybertruck sold nearly 39,000 units in the US, ranking fifth among electric vehicles, but sales halved in 2025 amid economic and trade uncertainties. Without official Tesla presence in South Africa, where charging infrastructure and import costs pose hurdles, this import symbolizes potential shifts toward electric bakkies, even as it remains a rarity.
