Tesla initially planned to produce the vehicle in late 2021, but after many delays, it entered production in November 2023 and was first delivered to customers later that month. Two models are currently offered: a tri-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) model called Cyberbeast, and a dual-motor AWD model. A single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) model is slated to be available in 2025. EPA range estimates cover 250–340 miles (400–550 km), varying by model.[8][9] As of November 2024[update], the Cybertruck was only shipping in the United States and Canada.[10][11]
History
Background
Tesla CEO Elon Musk's ideas for a pickup truck were first stated publicly in 2012 and 2013, envisioning to build a "Tesla supertruck with crazy torque, dynamic air suspension, and corners like it's on rails".[12] In early 2014 Musk predicted 4–5 years before work could start on the product, then in a 2014 interview with CNN, Musk stated that the Tesla pickup would be the equivalent of a Ford F-150.[12] In mid-2016, the outline for a consumer pickup truck was included in part 2 of the Tesla Master Plan.[13][14][15] Musk suggested that the same chassis could be used for a van and a pickup truck.[16] In 2017, Musk teased the picture of a "pickup truck that can carry a pickup truck" was displayed at the official reveal for the Tesla Semi and Roadster.[12]
Window damage caused by the steel ball impacting during the unveiling event
A concept Cybertruck was unveiled in Los Angeles, California, in November 21, 2019[21]—the same month, year, and location in which the movie Blade Runner was set. The Cybertruck was launched under a graffiti-themed logo of "Cybertruck".[22]
During the unveiling, Tesla claimed that the Cybertruck's "Armor Glass" windows were virtually unbreakable, but two windows shattered when Franz von Holzhausen threw a metal ball at each of them.[23] Musk later claimed that the windows were damaged because, in an earlier demonstration, the door had been hit by a sledgehammer that cracked the base of the glass.[24] Tesla released a video of Cybertruck pulling a rear-wheel-drive Ford F-150 uphill in a tug of war.[25] News outlets pointed out this was due to the Cybertruck's heavier weight.[26][27]
Tesla's stated goal was to provide a sustainable energy substitute for the roughly 6,500 fossil-fuel-powered pickup-trucks sold per day in the United States.[28]
At the end of the presentation, a concept Tesla Cyberquadall-terrain vehicle (ATV) was driven onto the bed of the Cybertruck using a built-in ramp in the tailgate. The Cyberquad was plugged into the Cybertruck's onboard power outlet to charge its batteries. The ATV was anticipated for future sale as a Cybertruck option.[29]
In 2019, many social media commentators criticized the sharp contours and unusual exterior shown in the concept vehicle.[30] The prototype was exhibited at the Petersen Automotive Museum in June 2020[31] and returned in November 2022.[32]
Beginning in November 2019, Tesla accepted Cybertruck reservations with a refundable US$100 deposit.[33] On November 23, 2019, Musk tweeted that Tesla had received 146,000 reservations in the first 1.5 days after the unveiling.[34] Musk updated the number of preorders to 250,000 on November 26.[35]
In October 2021, Tesla removed the Cybertruck's pricing and specifications from its website without explanation while still accepting deposits.[36] At the 2022 annual shareholders meeting, in response to a question, Elon Musk stated that final specifications and pricing would be different from those unveiled on the concept vehicle in 2019.[37]
Preorders were temporarily shut down prior to the delivery event on November 30, 2023.[38] Since the delivery event, the price for a deposit was increased to $250.[39] In August 2024, the Cybertruck was readily available for delivery in the U.S. and Tesla shut down the reservation process.[40]
In 2019, Musk claimed that the Cybertruck would be available in late 2021, starting at $39,900. The date was later pushed to 2022, and eventually it was pushed to late 2023, with a starting price of $60,990.[41] In May 2022, Tesla stopped taking orders for the vehicle from customers outside of North America, and in December 2023 Tesla confirmed that the Cybertruck would be available exclusively in North America.[10][42][9]
Franz von Holzhausen drove a prototype to the Petersen Automotive Museum for an event in late June 2023.[43] In July 2023, the first Cybertruck was built on the production line at Gigafactory Texas;[44] and Tesla clarified in October that this was pilot production.[44][45]
Wes Morrill is the lead engineer and team lead for Cybertruck development.[46][47][48]
Serial production began by November 2023. Production-specification Cybertrucks were sent to Tesla showrooms starting in late November 2023.[49][50] During the delivery event at Gigafactory Texas on November 30, 2023, Tesla delivered the first 10 or 12 production units to customers.[51][52] The event featured a 30-minute presentation including a demonstration where the Cybertruck's armored glass withstood a baseball thrown by von Holzhausen.[53] During the delivery event, the Cybertruck was highlighted as being able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds (0–100km/h in 2.7 seconds), which was demonstrated by a video of the Cybertruck winning a drag race with a Porsche 911 while also towing another Porsche 911,[54] which Musk claimed was over a distance of 1⁄4 mi (0.40 km), but based on pavement markings and grandstand position at Sacramento Raceway Park, where the race was recorded, was more likely to be 1⁄8 mi (0.20 km).[55]
At the delivery event, final pricing, availability, and product details were also announced. Three models were announced: single-motor RWD, dual-motor AWD, and a tri-motor AWD branded as the "Cyberbeast". The RWD model base price was US$60,990 to be available in 2025. Its range was 250 mi (400 km) with a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h). The all-wheel drive was to be available in 2024 at a starting price of $79,990, with a range of 340 mi (550 km) and a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h). The tri-motor Cyberbeast variant was offered at $99,990, also to be available in 2024.[38] Compared to the 2019 unveiling of the concept Cybertruck, base prices had risen by US$21,000–39,000, depending on the model, an increase of 53% to 64%.[56]
In August 2024, Tesla discontinued the option to reserve the least expensive version of the Cybertruck (previously priced at $61,000). Until October 2024 only the Foundation Series were sold with the dual-motor variant priced at $99,990, while the tri-motor "Cyberbeast" variant was priced at $119,990. In October Tesla began shipping the standard models priced as promised at the delivery event.[57]
In a Musk biography by Walter Isaacson, Musk's son Saxon was quoted as asking, "Why doesn't the future look like the future?", which Musk used as an inspiration for the design[60] and repeated during the delivery event.[52][61]Lars Moravy confirmed Musk's involvement: "Elon threw in that it had to drive like a sports car but have all the utility of a pick-up truck... basically, we were sweating bullets". Franz von Holzhausen stated the design process "started [by] unpacking existing pick-up trucks and realis[ing] that the market hasn't changed at all.[...] Like Gandini, we wanted to do something dramatic that changed everything. I had this simple idea right in the beginning: this exoskeleton idea, a low-resolution-looking type of truck. And out of that side project, we made a full-size clay model to show Elon. And he's like, 'that's what we're doing.'"[2]
Frank Stephenson was critical, calling the design "almost repulsive" but tempered his criticism by noting it "has the potential to be extremely beautiful" by softening the hard lines.[62] Automotive designer Adrian Clarke was more unsparing: "The Cybertruck is a low polygon joke that only exists in the fever dreams of Tesla fans that stands high on the smell of Elon Musk's flatulences."[63]Giorgetto Giugiaro, credited with originating the "origami" car design trend with the Lotus Esprit, BMW M1, and DMC DeLorean, stated in 2023 that "when you step outside the norms, it's almost always seen as a provocation[...] the Cybertruck will surely be successful[...] I'm convinced it will find its admirers".[64]
Exterior
Production-spec Cybertruck and Cyberquad in a Tesla showroom (November 2023)Tesla Cybertruck in Tokyo, Japan (2024)
The 300-series stainless-steel panels have a thickness of 1.8 and 1.4 mm (0.071 and 0.055 in) for the doors and body, respectively, according to a factory tour video.[65] These panels cannot be stamped like conventional automobile parts, but instead are laser-cut and then bent along straight lines.[66][verification needed] According to Tesla's VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy, Tesla had to invent a manufacturing process called "air bending" which shapes the steel with high air pressure without actually touching the surface.[67] The Cybertruck's stainless steel finish is prone to rust spots and requires special care such as avoiding washing the vehicle in direct sunlight.[68][69]
In 2019, it was reportedly going to use a stainless-steel alloy developed by Tesla[70] in partnership with Aperam.[66]
Powertrain
Tesla stated that they use a platform approach to the powertrain components—using only a single permanent magnet motor rotor/stator design, a single induction motor rotor/stator design, a single motor inverter design, and a single gear set design—for all three configurations of Cybertruck—tri-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), dual-motor AWD, and single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD)—delivering a range of power from 845 hp (630 kW) on the tri-motor down to 315 hp (235 kW) in the single-motor version. All powertrain components for both motor types are housed in a liquid-cooled integrated subassembly that includes the rotor/stator, inverter and the 15:1-ratio gear set.[71]
The dual-motor AWD version uses an induction motor on the front axle with a maximum output of 303 hp (226 kW) and a permanent magnet motor on the rear axle with a maximum output of 297 hp (221 kW) for a total power output of 600 hp (450 kW).[72] The tri-motor AWD version—"Cyberbeast"—swaps motor locations (PM to front axle, IM to rear axle) and adds a second induction motor on the rear axle, offering a maximum combined output of 845 hp (630 kW) in Beast Mode,[73] split as 276 hp (206 kW) for the front motor and 284 hp (212 kW) for each rear motor.[72] A rear-wheel drive version, announced for delayed production not before 2025, will be equipped with the single permanent magnet motor on the rear axle.[71]
In late 2021, Tesla contemplated adding a quad-motor option, but it was not offered when the production vehicles were brought to market in late 2023.[74]
The Cybertruck uses active air suspension at both axles. The Cybertruck has self-leveling suspension that can compensate for variable load weights. Up to 12 inches (30 cm) of suspension travel and 17.4 inches (44 cm) of ground clearance are provided,[2] with a 35 degree approach angle, and 28 degree departure angle.[77]
The Cybertruck uses steer-by-wire,[78] controlled by a "yoke-style steering apparatus".[79] All turns can be completed with less than a full rotation, 340° lock-to-lock, 170° in each direction.[80]Four-wheel steering (rear wheels up to 10°) reduces the turning circle.[52][81] Steering is speed sensitive and damped to mitigate whipping violently in rough terrain. The front motor can deliver all of its torque to one wheel using a locking differential. The handling balance can be adjusted to allow drifting.[82]
Range, battery, and charging
Dual motor all-wheel drive is specified with an estimated range of 340 mi (550 km), while Cyberbeast models have a range of 320 mi (510 km).[80] A rear wheel drive model, slated to begin production in 2025, has a range of 250 mi (400 km).[73]
The Cybertruck has an 816 V nominal, 150 Ah[72][83] structural battery pack with a maximum capacity of 123 kWh.[2] The pack serves as a structural member and is composed of 4680 lithium-ion battery cells; with a stated energy density of 170 Wh/kg for the entire pack, the overall battery pack weight is approximately 1,590 lb (720 kg).[72]
The battery is claimed to charge at a maximum rate of 350 kW at charging stations capable of supplying 800 V DC power.[2] Tesla claims that up to 128 or 136 mi (206 or 219 km) (tri-motor or dual-motor versions, respectively) of range can be added in 15 minutes of charging at 400 V DC.[84] The onboard charger can accept AC power at a maximum rate of 11.5 kW at 240 V, 48 A.[1] The 800 V split-pack battery is composed of two smaller 400 V batteries; contactors connect them in parallel for backwards compatibility with existing 400V DC charging infrastructure.[85] The service menu shows the current state of "Series" or "Parallel" (High Voltage/Charging).[86]
Range extender
The dual-motor and tri-motor configurations can be ordered with a "range extender" option, which adds a 50 kWh battery to the vehicle. The battery occupies approximately 1⁄3 of the bed and increases range by 120–130 mi (190–210 km).[80] It is intended for long trips or towing heavy loads up mountains.[87]
In addition, the Cybertruck also supports up to 11.5 kW AC output for vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging.[89][90] A Tesla Wall Connector and either a Tesla Gateway or Powerwall are required to enable bidirectional loads to a home.[91]
Powershare in the Cybertruck does not directly support vehicle-to-grid (V2G) supply due to regulations for feeding power to the grid.[92]: 42:42
A 'wade' mode allows the vehicle to cross water up to 2.5 feet (0.76 m) deep. It uses scuba pack to create positive pressure inside the battery to keep water from entering.[82]
Mid-voltage electrical system
The Cybertruck uses a 48-volt electrical system; this 48 V DC is fed to electric-powered components including steering actuators, oil pumps at the drive units, window regulator motors, wiper motor,[92]: 18:02 accessory power feed to the frunk (400W)[93] and to the roof (400W),[93] three domain controller ECUs, the touchscreen [94][non-primary source needed] and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery.[95][non-primary source needed]
Interior
The Cybertruck has five seats,[79] two in the front and a three-seat bench in the back row.[2] The vehicle has an 18.5 in (47 cm) touch-screen display in the front for most of the climate, media, and vehicle controls.[79][2] The vehicle also contains a 9.4 in (24 cm) touch-screen for the rear seat passengers.[79][2] The steering wheel is in the shape of a "squircle" (combination of a square and a circle), with a flat top and bottom, and round sides.[73]
Cargo bed
Rear view, 2019 prototypeOpen rear view, Foundation Series
The cargo bed is 72 in (1,800 mm) long and 48 in (1,200 mm) wide. It has a motorized roller shutter style tonneau cover enclosing a storage area of 67 cu ft (1.9 m3).[96][97] The cargo bed has sloped side walls.[98][better source needed]
When the tonneau cover is closed, the rear window is blocked, rendering a traditional rear-view mirror, which is not present, useless.[99][100] To aid visibility when reversing and towing, the feed from rear-facing cameras is displayed on the main touchscreen.[99][100][79]
The bed area is illuminated with LED light strips along each side, contains a storage area below the main cargo deck behind the rear wheels, and has 120 and 240 V AC power outlets.[101]
Network
The Cybertruck uses a central, bi-directional gigabit Etherloop network with CAN bus satellite networks to operate vehicle systems. The result is that data travels over the same network, as opposed to traditional CAN bus systems which require individual connections, reducing the amount of wiring in the vehicle. Audio travels over the same network. For comparison, while the number of endpoints increased 50% over the Model 3, the amount of cross-vehicle wiring was reduced by two-thirds.[71]
Marketing
Its post-apocalyptic dystopian marketing has been described as a reflection of perceived societal decay within America.[102][103] The Cybertruck's stainless steel finish is prone to surface contamination that looks like rust,[104] and requires special care such as avoiding washing the vehicle in direct sunlight and drying after rain.[68][69][105][106]
Reception
The Cybertruck has been criticized for its poor build quality, malfunctions, and price hikes following reservations.[107][108][109] However, in 2024, Car and Driver magazine gave the Cybertruck a score of 8.5 out of 10, saying that "The buzz-worthy Cybertruck leads with show-pony party tricks and high-tech features, but it's also a capable workhorse with a practical side."[110]CleanTechnica also gave Cybertruck a positive review, calling it "an engineering and technical marvel, a joy to drive".[111]Motor Trend has shortlisted it for the magazine's 2025 Truck of the Year, praising its Steer-by-wire system and other tech, but criticizing "the design’s many compromises".[112]
Sales numbers
As of June 2024[update], 11,688 Cybertrucks had been sold,[113] making it the best-selling EV pickup truck in the United States by the first half of 2024.[114] Tesla still has a backlog of 2 million Cybertruck reservations made by December 2023.[115]
As of October 2024, industry experts estimate that at least 27,185 Cybertrucks have been sold.[116]
The Cybertruck's angular design and stiff stainless-steel exterior raised concerns among safety experts that it could hurt pedestrians and cyclists and damage other vehicles on roads.[121][122] Particular concerns were raised about the high stiffness of the "exoskeleton" exterior, potentially reducing crumple zones. The tall, flat front of the truck may increase the severity of pedestrian leg injuries.[121][123] Vehicle design experts speculated that it would fail to pass safety testing in various countries, including Australia, due to the risk it poses to both occupants and people outside of the vehicle, especially pedestrians.[124][125] Tesla defended the design, saying that the structures of the Cybertruck would absorb an impact during a crash,[121] and pointing out that it passed a U.S. regulatory review.[121]
On April 17, 2024, the NHTSA announced that Tesla had recalled all 3,878 Cybertrucks sold as of that date to fix an accelerator pedal pad that could come loose and get lodged in the interior trim, causing the car to unintentionally accelerate.[126][127][128] In June 2024, Tesla delayed deliveries of the Cybertruck due to windshield wiper motor failures.[129] Later that month, another recall addressed loose trim pieces that can fall off, causing danger to other motorists or pedestrians.[130]
On August 5, 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that a Cybertruck had collided with a concrete culvert causing the vehicle to lose control and crash. The vehicle was then engulfed in flames, killing the driver. The crash happened near the intersection of Fisher Road and West Cedar Parkway in Baytown, Texas, marking the first recorded fatal car accident of the Cybertruck. As of September 2024[update], the cause of the crash was unknown.[131][132]
In popular culture
In July 2024, the Cybertruck was added to Fortnite and Rocket League.[133]Fortnite users quickly pledged on social media to target in-game anyone who used the virtual truck.[134]
In the war in Ukraine
In August and September 2024, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov deployed three Cybertrucks, equipped with green paint and machine guns, to the war in Ukraine.[135][136] Kadyrov previously claimed that Elon Musk gave him a free Cybertruck and later accused the Tesla CEO of remotely disabling the car while it was engaged in combat.[137]
^Musk, Elon (November 5, 2018). "Elon Musk: The Recode interview". Recode (Interview). Interviewed by Kara Swisher. Archived from the original on September 12, 2019. Retrieved September 16, 2019 – via Vox. personally most excited about the pickup truck.[...] futuristic-like cyberpunk, "Blade Runner" pickup truck.[...] don't know if a lot of people will buy this pickup truck or not, but I don't care.[...] We wanna get gasoline, diesel pickup trucks off the road.[...] it's the thing that I am personally most fired up about
^Klee, Miles (November 30, 2023). "Tesla Fans Frustrated by Musk's Reveal of More Expensive, Less Impressive Cybertruck". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 3, 2023. In his remarks, Musk stressed that 'experts' had called the Cybertruck 'impossible,' adding, 'I think it's the most unique thing on the road. And finally, the future will look like the future.'
^ abcdSandy Munro, Lars Moravy, Franz von Holzhausen, Drew Baglino, Pete Bannon, David Lau (December 11, 2023). Cybertruck DEEP DIVE with 5 Tesla Executives!. Austin, Texas: Munro Live. Event occurs at 34:10–37:05. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023 – via YouTube.
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