Tesla’s Cybertruck, still in its testing phase, recently experienced a hubcap mishap on California’s 101 freeway near San Francisco. Dashcam footage captured the incident, showing the hubcap detaching from the electric pickup truck and flying through the air before landing on the freeway and being run over by another vehicle.
Cybertruck Hubcap Incident Caught on Camera
A YouTube video showcasing the incident reveals the Cybertruck traveling in the second lane of busy traffic. Approximately ten seconds into the video, the hubcap dislodges, travels a considerable distance, and lands in the fourth lane. The driver of the vehicle equipped with the dashcam brakes abruptly to avoid the airborne hubcap, ultimately driving over it. The hubcap then dislodges from under the vehicle and rolls past the dashcam car.
This incident raises concerns about potential safety hazards. The unexpected nature of the hubcap’s detachment and its trajectory could have resulted in a more serious accident, especially given the speed of freeway traffic. Driver reactions to such unexpected debris can be unpredictable, leading to sudden braking or swerving maneuvers that could cause collisions.
Potential Causes and Tesla’s Response
Several factors could contribute to a hubcap detaching from a vehicle. Possible causes include improper installation, road conditions causing vibrations and loosening, or a design flaw that makes the hubcap susceptible to airflow detachment at high speeds.
Tesla is likely investigating the incident thoroughly to determine the root cause and implement any necessary corrective actions. Preventing similar incidents will be crucial for ensuring the Cybertruck’s safety and reliability before its official launch.
Cybertruck Launch Anticipation
Despite this setback, anticipation for the Cybertruck’s release remains high. Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously hinted at a third-quarter 2023 launch, though official dates are still pending. The company has confirmed the start of production at its Giga Texas facility, with images of the first produced Cybertruck and Musk test driving the vehicle further fueling excitement.
The official launch event is expected to provide concrete details about the Cybertruck’s availability and specifications.
