At the recent delivery event for the Cybertruck, a bullet-tested model was on display, sparking discussions about its durability. Tesla has consistently touted their electric pickup as “bulletproof,” but the average consumer may struggle to verify such claims. Recently, one owner took matters into his own hands, putting the Cybertruck’s bullet-resistant features to the test, even at the risk of damaging his vehicle.
Adult film actor Dante Colle recently conducted a shooting test on his $100,000 Cybertruck in an open field. In a video he shared on X, after firing the first shot, it appeared that a bullet had penetrated the exterior of the Cybertruck. In the clip, bystanders could be heard saying, “I don’t think it’s bulletproof.”
However, upon closer inspection, it turned out that the bullet had only lodged into the vehicle’s body without completely penetrating it. Colle then shot again, resulting in just a dent with no breach. He noted on X that he was using a 9mm handgun.
According to Tesla’s official website, the Cybertruck’s body is made from cold-rolled stainless steel, designed to resist deformation and withstand various terrains. Its armored glass is said to be able to endure impacts from baseballs traveling at about 70 mph or hailstones rated at four on the scale.
In fact, since the Cybertruck’s unveiling, various bloggers have tested its bulletproof capability. YouTuber Zack Nelson attempted similar tests and found that while the Cybertruck withstood shots from a 9mm handgun and a .22-caliber rifle, it failed against bullets from a .17 caliber rifle, AR-15, and .50 caliber gun.
Southern California-based blogger Joy, known as Teslajoy on YouTube, attended last year’s delivery event and noted that while a bullet-tested Cybertruck was showcased, there were no live tests conducted. She said, “Shooting tests need to take place at a shooting range or an open area; otherwise, it’s too dangerous.”
During last year’s delivery event, Cybertruck chief engineer Wes Morrill posted a test video on Tesla’s official YouTube channel. In the video, his team fired various caliber bullets at the vehicle’s 1.8mm thick super alloy stainless steel exterior. They first used a .45 caliber Thompson submachine gun, shooting at the side of the truck. While the bullets left dents, none penetrated the truck’s shell. The team also tested with a 9mm Glock and an MP5-SD, resulting again in no penetration, with slow-motion footage showing many bullets shattering upon impact.
