- Key Takeaways
- What’s the Point of the Tesla Cybertruck?
- What Are Cybertrucks Made Of?
- How Many Cybertruck Orders Are There? How Long Is the Waiting List?
- How Long Does It Take To Charge a Cybertruck?
- Is the Cybertruck really Bulletproof?
- Are Cybertrucks Self-Driving?
- Why Did Tesla Recall Some Cybertrucks?
- Who Owns a Cybertruck?
- How Much Can the Cybertruck Tow?
- What Is the Cybertruck’s Environmental Impact?
- Closing Thoughts
Key Takeaways
- Tesla’s Cybertruck aims to reinvent the pickup truck by giving it a (controversial) new look and going battery-powered.
- With over 1.9 million pre-orders in 2023 and a limited production capacity of 375,000 units annually, the waiting list stretches for years.
- The Cybertruck has faced some challenges, recalling the vehicles multiple times for technical issues.
- While the Cybertruck itself has zero emissions, its battery production facilities have drawn criticism for their own carbon use.
The Cybertruck is Tesla’s bold attempt to redefine the utility vehicle, promising to mix durability sustainability, and cutting-edge technology with the classic American pick-up truck.
Since its announcement in November 2019, the Tesla Cybertruck has been a hot topic, making news for its futuristic design and celebrity following – and occasionally getting roasted for its technical failures. And with Elon Musk poised to take on the Department of Government Efficiency at the White House, it seems there’s a good chance we’ll be hearing more about it.
But what exactly is the Cybertruck all about? What makes it so interesting and did it deliver on all of its initial promises?
Today, we’ll dive into some essential facts about Tesla’s Cybertruck, so you can understand exactly what all the fuss is about.
What’s the Point of the Tesla Cybertruck?
The US pick-up truck market is huge, with approximately 2.8 million sold each year. However, the much loved pick-up truck is notoriously bad for the environment, running on fossil fuels and famed for high gas consumption. Elon Musk saw a space for Tesla to offer an alternative: a battery powered pick-up truck that not only offered a sustainable version of the American staple, but also incorporated some of Tesla’s futuristic vision.
The Cybertruck is a battery electric pickup truck. It combines the utility of a pickup truck with Tesla’s trademark sustainability. Consequently, the Cybertruck aims to cater to a wide range of users, from outdoor enthusiasts to urban drivers, and sci-fi fans.
At first glance, the Cybertruck does resemble something you’d see in a sci-fi movie. With its all-electric drivetrain, the Cybertruck eliminates traditional fuel costs and emissions. It also has a unique design that emphasizes durability, with a stainless steel exterior meant to withstand extreme conditions. The Cybertruck’s mission is to demonstrate that electric vehicles can be tough, practical, and futuristic simultaneously. Whether that’s truly the case, remains to be seen.
What Are Cybertrucks Made Of?
The Cybertruck’s standout feature is its exoskeleton, crafted from ultra-hard 300 series stainless steel. This material gives the truck its sharp, industrial look and ensures enhanced durability and resistance to damage.
As a result, the exterior can withstand dents, scratches, and even minor collisions. Additionally, the glass used in the Cybertruck, known as Tesla Armor Glass, is reinforced to provide extra strength, though early demonstrations famously showed mixed results.
How Many Cybertruck Orders Are There? How Long Is the Waiting List?
Tesla hasn’t disclosed the exact number of Cybertruck orders in recent months, but as of 2023, it was estimated that over 1.9 million pre-orders had been placed. The $100 refundable reservation fee attracted widespread interest, with many enthusiasts and speculators eager to secure their spot in line.
With such an overwhelming response, the waiting list is extensive. In addition, Tesla plans to produce only 375,000 Cybertrucks per year. This means that some orders will take around five years before arrival. Even with Tesla’s plans to ramp up production, demand far exceeds the current capacity.
How Long Does It Take To Charge a Cybertruck?
Charging times for the Cybertruck depend on the type of charger used:
- Level 1 Charger (120V): Using a standard household outlet, charging the Cybertruck could take several days.
- Level 2 Charger (240V): A home or public charging station significantly reduces charging time, often completing a full charge overnight.
- Tesla Supercharger: The fastest option, capable of delivering up to 250 kW, can recharge the Cybertruck’s battery to 80% in approximately 45 minutes, depending on the battery size.
With Tesla’s ongoing expansion of its Supercharger network, Cybertruck owners can expect improved convenience for long-distance travel. Despite that, some areas might be lacking a Supercharger, making the process rather slow.
Is the Cybertruck really Bulletproof?
One of Tesla’s most talked-about claims is the Cybertruck’s supposed bulletproof design. It was one of the first things Elon Musk mentioned when the vehicle was initially revealed in 2019. During the initial unveiling, Tesla demonstrated the Cybertruck’s durability by striking it with a sledgehammer. However, a mishap during the demonstration also revealed that the Tesla Armor Glass, while robust, is not entirely shatterproof.
Tesla themselves posted a YouTube video, where the team performed a bullet test on the Cybertruck’s exoskeleton.
Are Cybertrucks Self-Driving?
Like all new Tesla vehicles, the Cybertruck is equipped with an autopilot and can support Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. While the FSD software continues to undergo refinement, the Cybertruck offers other features such as lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The FSD feature for the Cybertruck went officially live in October 2024 but it’s a premium feature. Owners who didn’t purchase a Foundation Series vehicle will have to pay an extra $8,000.
It’s worth noting that Tesla’s FSD does not currently provide full autonomy, and drivers are still required to remain alert and engaged at all times. Even with FSD active, the driver is still the one responsible for the actions of the vehicle.
Why Did Tesla Recall Some Cybertrucks?
Tesla’s Cybertruck recalls have made headlines on more than one occasion, highlighting the challenges of the market. The company has recalled Cybertruck vehicles for the sixth time in a single year. Here’s a full list of the events and the reasons behind them:
- First recall (29 January 2024): The instrument panel on some vehicles displayed the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights with an incorrect font size.
- Second recall (16 April 2024): Certain vehicles had the accelerator pedal pad dislodged, causing it to become trapped by the interior trim.
- Third recall (18 June 2024): Some Cybertrucks had the trunk bed trim sail applique improperly adhered and loosened.
- Fourth recall (18 June 2024): Affected vehicles experienced excessive electrical current, causing the front windshield wiper motor controller to fail.
- Fifth recall (25 September 2024): The cause this time was a delay in the rearview camera image after switching to reverse.
- Sixth recall (13 November 2024): The last reason for the most recent recall was a faulty part that could cause a loss of power to the wheels. It affected over 2,400 vehicles.
Who Owns a Cybertruck?
Tesla has already sold approximately 27,000 Cybertrucks so far, and its community of owners tells an interesting story.
Naturally, the vehicle is popular with tech-afficionados, Tesla devotees and environmentally conscious drivers. But beyond the tech, the car has become something of a cultural zeitgeist. It’s built a well-documented celebrity community, including Kim Kardashian, Serena Williams and Steve Aoki, and is also a favourite among social media influencers testing the limits of the vehicle. In a recent viral video, influencer Adin Ross was seen shooting at his Cybertruck to test out Elon Musk’s claims that the chassis was bullet-proof.
How Much Can the Cybertruck Tow?
The Cybertruck is an electric vehicle but also a pickup truck, and naturally this has raised questions about its capacity for work. Depending on the chosen model, the Cybertruck can tow around 5,000 kg, making it comparable to traditional gas-powered trucks and suitable for tasks like hauling trailers, boats, or construction equipment.
This makes the Cybertruck a viable option for professionals in industries requiring heavy-duty vehicles. One potential downside is that charging the Cybertruck in a rural area could prove a lot slower than a traditional gas truck.
What Is the Cybertruck’s Environmental Impact?
Tesla markets the Cybertruck as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered trucks. With its zero-emission electric motor, the vehicle reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps combat climate change. Additionally, Tesla’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices further supports its eco-friendly image.
On the other hand, the production of the batteries for the Cybetruck has raised some concerns. It attracted criticism due to the environmental cost of lithium mining and disposal. Creating a Tesla battery generates between 5,291 and 35,273 pounds of CO2, a figure three times higher than the manufacturing process of a standard gas car.
Closing Thoughts
As with many of his projects, Elon Musk’s Cybertruck is a magical combination of state-of-the-art technology and shrewd marketing. Despite being a relative newcomer, the Cybertruck has achieved cult status, and united a variety of very different demographics through shared fascination. And while it’s hard to know what the future holds for the Cybertruck, Elon Musk’s imminent ascension to the White House means it’s probably worth knowing a little more about this audacious new type of pick-up truck.
