Tesla Cybertruck: Everything we know so far
Tesla Cybertruck is the second major Tesla vehicle outside the mainline S, 3, X, Y lineup. The first outsider actually predated the line: the Roadster. This outsider is a very different beast, however. The Tesla Cybertruck is Tesla’s take on a pickup truck, and it’s an absolute unit. Here’s everything we know about the Tesla Cybertruck, its release date, feature, range, specs, accessories, and more.
Table of contents
Tesla Cybertruck design: What will it look like?
During his presentation, Elon Musk warned that the design might be too polarizing due to its futuristic Blade Runner-esque look, and no one knew exactly what he meant by that, but now it’s clear that he wasn’t kidding.
Cybertruck is built with an exterior shell made for ultimate durability and passenger protection. Starting with a nearly impenetrable exoskeleton, every component is designed for superior strength and endurance, from Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel structural skin to Tesla armor glass.
Tesla Cybertruck sits six people and is equipped with a 6.5-foot bed, which they call the Cybertruck vault. The top is covered, but it unrolls if you need to fit in something higher than the roof of the “vault.”
As you can tell below, the design is certainly futuristic — perhaps more so than any concept car that has actually hit the road in recent history. Tesla isn’t likely to change the design drastically before shipping the truck, though, so if this is what you pre-ordered, it’s probably pretty close to the real thing.
Famously, the Cybertruck has Tesla Armor Glass, which is intended to protect the windows from even the fiercest of heavy object enemies. During the unveiling, the glass failed. But Elon said it was because the glass was broken before the presentation and it wasn’t the glass’ fault.
Where will Cybertruck be built?
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced in March of 2020 that Tesla had started scouting locations for Cybertruck production and plans to build the truck in “central USA.”
Austin Gigafactory
In May 2020, we exclusively reported that Tesla’s next factory would be located in Austin, and in July 2020, Tesla formally secured a tax break for the Cybertruck Gigafactory in Austin, Texas.
At first, Tesla referred to the factory as the Cybertruck Gigafactory but we later reported that Tesla first plans to produce the Model Y at the factory, and the company later renamed it “Gigafactory Texas.” Tesla will manufacture Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, and Tesla Semi at Gigafactory Texas.
Other Cybertruck production locations
Wondering about a smaller Cybertruck that will be more fitting for other, non-US markets? Then you should know that Elon has also announced that it’s “highly likely” that it will make a smaller Cybertruck for Europe. That model, for obvious reasons, would unlikely to be manufactured in Texas along with the rest of them.
Tesla has also made available reservations for the Cybertruck in China as of last summer, and with the company’s broader push for localized production, the company could be looking to produce future Cybertruck inventory there, too. It’s yet to be seen if there will be demand, however.
Price: How much will Tesla Cybertruck cost?
At the event in Los Angeles, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the new Cybertruck will start at $39,900 before incentives, but there will be more models which are going to start at $49,900 and $69,900.
According to reports, the majority of pre-orders are choosing the dual motor and tri-motor versions. Only an estimated 17% of the pre-orders are for the single motor model, which is the one supposed to be available first.
If you’re looking to move to an EV sooner than the Cybertruck release date, check out our EV Price Guide.
Release date: When will Tesla Cybertruck be available to buy?
At the original event, Cybertruck was scheduled to be released in late 2021 for the dual-motor AWD version. The single-motor versions will be released in late 2022.
Around the time of launch, it was estimated that a half million Cybertrucks were pre-ordered, although the number has likely increased since then.
The company hasn’t updated the number in months, but Cybertruck reservation holders at Cybertruckownersclub.com have been keeping a tally of pre-orders, and based on their estimate, Cybertruck reservations have now reached over 500,000.
Tesla hasn’t updated its official number in a few months since CEO Elon Musk announced they had 250,000 pre-orders within a week of the unveiling.
Elon has recently said Tesla would be unveiling an updated version of the Cybertruck in the second quarter of 2021 as the company nears production. Elon has said that the truck will be produced at Gigafactory Texas, which is still under construction as of this writing.
As is often the case, the original quoted dates for the Cybertruck are unlikely to come through. Musk has warned that Tesla needs to be ‘lucky’ for the electric pickup to not be delayed. It’s probably safe to assume the first consumer-ready Cybertrucks won’t come off the line until some time in 2022.
Tesla Cybertruck range and specs
Three versions of the Tesla Cybertruck are going to be available with different battery packs and drivetrain configurations. The single motor RWD version will offer 250 miles of range. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive version will reach 300 miles of range, and a tri-motor version will have 500 miles of range.
Cybertruck is built with an exterior exoskeleton.
Cybertruck is built with an exterior shell made for ultimate durability and passenger protection. Starting with a nearly impenetrable exoskeleton, every component is designed for superior strength and endurance, from Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel structural skin to Tesla armor glass.
Cybertruck can tow up to 14,000 pounds, seats six people, has onboard power and compressed air, and has 3,500 pounds of payload capacity.
Tesla Cybertruck accessories
While no accessories are officially for sale, there has been a lot of speculation about various ways to make the Cybertruck work in more situations.
Musk has said the the Cyberquad, an electric ATV, is going to be launched as an option when the truck goes on sale. We learn in November there will be a camper configuration as well.
Musk has also mentioned an option to add solar panels to the roof that would charge up to 15 miles per day. For many commuters, that would cover a drive to work.
Pre-orders are now live for $100 down.
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