Tesla has recently taken steps to secure trademarks related to its Cybertruck in China, signaling its ongoing interest in the market despite regulatory hurdles.
According to the China Trademark Network under the National Intellectual Property Administration, Tesla applied for the “Cyber”(Sai Bo in Chinese pinyin) trademark on January 6, 2025, under the international classification 12, which covers “sport utility vehicles” and other transportation tools. This follows an earlier application in January 2024 for the “CYBERTRUCK” trademark, classified under “toy car models,” which was successfully registered on January 13, 2025.
Since its unveiling, the Tesla Cybertruck has sparked significant interest in China, with many speculating about its potential launch in the country. However, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has acknowledged the challenges of bringing the Cybertruck to Chinese roads. He stated that while it would be difficult for the vehicle to meet legal requirements for on-road use in China, Tesla could transport prototype units for display purposes. In line with this, Tesla has showcased Cybertruck prototypes in various locations across China.
The primary obstacle to the Cybertruck’s launch in China lies in the country’s stringent vehicle safety standards. According to China’s GB 24550-2023 standard for “Protection of Pedestrians in the Event of a Collision with a Car,” vehicles must not have sharp protrusions that could cause injury. The Cybertruck’s stainless steel body and angular design directly conflict with this regulation, making it difficult for the vehicle to gain approval for road use.
Despite these challenges, there have been some breakthroughs. For instance, a few imported Cybertrucks have reportedly been successfully registered in China. A notable example is a Cybertruck with the license plate “Jin A DM6357,” which was spotted on the streets of Tianjin in August 2023. This vehicle is believed to be the first of its kind to be officially registered in China, marking a small but significant step for Tesla in the market.
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