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The Tesla Cybertruck is an upcoming battery electriclight-duty truck announced by Tesla, Inc. in November 2019. Three models have been announced, with EPA range estimates of 250–500 miles (400–800 km) and an estimated 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 2.9–6.5 seconds, depending on the model.[8]
The stated goal of Tesla in developing the Cybertruck is to provide a sustainable energy substitute for the roughly 6,500 fossil-fuel-powered trucks sold per day in the United States.[8][9][10]
The base price of the rear-wheel drive (RWD) model of the vehicle was announced to be US$39,900, with all-wheel drive (AWD) models starting at US$49,900.[11][12] Production of the dual-motor AWD and tri-motor AWD Cybertruck were initially slated to begin in late 2021, with the RWD model release date in late 2022,[8] but production dates were pushed back multiple times.[13][14] As of July 2022, the start of limited production was estimated to start in mid-2023.[15]As of January 2023, the start of mass production was estimated to be in 2024.[16] However, in February 2023, Elon Musk stated that the Cybertruck would be available later in 2023[17] with deliveries planned to begin by the end of Q3 2023.[18]
Between the years 2012[19] and 2013, Elon Musk discussed the desire to build a truck with self-levelling suspension, making comparisons with a Ford F-250.[20][21] In early 2014 Musk predicted 4–5 years before work could start on the product.[22]
In mid-2016, Musk outlined the intent for a new kind of consumer pickup truck,[23] and suggested using the same chassis for a van and a pickup truck.[24] In late 2017, the size was estimated to be at least that of a Ford F-150, in order to be large enough to enable a "game-changing" feature.[25] During the Tesla Semi and Tesla Roadster unveiling in November 2017, a picture of a "pickup truck that can carry a pickup truck" was displayed.[26] Background ideas had been in preparation for nearly five years.[27]
In late 2018, Musk anticipated a prototype to be ready to show in 2019.[28]
Musk also talked about the increasing the dynamic air suspension travel of the Cybertruck for better off-road performance.[38][39][40][41]
In mid-2019, the towing capacity of the vehicle was stated to meet or exceed that of a Ford F-150.[42] In June 2019, Musk noted that an amphibious vehicle design concept—based partly on Wet Nellie, the submarine car from the film The Spy Who Loved Me—was possible.[43][44] Musk had bought a Wet Nellie used in the filming at a 2013 Sotheby's auction.[45]
In response to queries for an unveiling date,[46] Musk stated in late July 2019, "We're close, but the magic is in the final details. Maybe 2 to 3 months", indicating late 2019.[47] The unveiling was then scheduled for November 21, 2019 at the Tesla Design Studio, next to SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles—the same month, year and location that the movie Blade Runner was set in.[48][49][50][51][52] The truck was launched under a graffiti-themed logo of "Cybertruck", and a new trademark request was filed with the graffiti logo at the same time.[53]
The concept Tesla Cybertruck was unveiled at the Tesla Design Studio in Los Angeles on November 21, 2019 (Thurs.) 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.[54] Musk jokingly exclaimed that "the ball didn't make it through" and "we'll fix it in post".[55] He later claimed that the windows were damaged because, in an earlier demonstration, the door was hit by a sledgehammer and that cracked the base of the glass.[56]
At the end of the presentation, the Tesla Cyberquad, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), was driven onto the bed of the Cybertruck using built-in ramps in the tailgate. The Cyberquad was plugged into the Cybertruck's onboard power outlet to charge the Cyberquad's batteries. The ATV will be available for sale as an optional package with the Cybertruck.[57]
Many social media commentators disliked the sharp contours and unusual exterior.[58] Tesla, Inc. stock declined 6% following the announcement.[59]
On November 23, 2019, Musk tweeted that Tesla had received 146,000 pre-orders in the first 1.5 days after the unveiling—each requiring a US$100 refundable deposit—with 42% choosing the dual-motor configuration, 41% choosing the tri-motor configuration, and 17% choosing the single-motor configuration.[60][61] The number was reported to be 250,000 on November 26.[62]
Tesla released a video of Cybertruck pulling a rear-wheel-drive Ford F-150 uphill in a tug of war.[63] Various news outlets pointed out this was simply due to the Cybertruck's heavier weight.[64][65]
In January 2020, Automobile Magazine named Cybertruck the "Concept Car of the Year" for 2019.[66]
The proposed truck uses self-leveling suspension which compensates for variable load and some models feature all-wheel drive. The company states that other standard features will include on-board power inverters for supplying both 120 and 240-volt electricity, allowing use of power tools without a portable generator. An air compressor for powering pneumatic tools is included. The exterior stainless steel sheet-metal is said to be bullet-resistant. All vehicles are also planned to come with Tesla Autopilot, and they are planned to have the hardware capabilities for fully autonomous operation.[67] As of 2019, Musk indicated that there would be a solar roof option which would add 15 miles (24 km) of range per day.[68]
Beginning in November 2019, Tesla has accepted Cybertruck pre-orders with a US$100 deposit, and used to offer a US$10,000 'full self-driving' option.[69][needs update]
Tesla stated in 2019 that they expected the EPA range of the Cybertruck to range from 250–500 miles (400–800 km), depending on configuration selections.[70]
In April 2022 Elon Musk drove the new prototype of the Cybertruck onstage at the Cyber Rodeo Event in Texas, where he revealed a new detail – no door handles. Musk said that the truck can sense your approach and "just knows that it needs to open the doors."[71] Additionally Tesla has reportedly decided to allow the rear glass of the truck to drop, which would optimize the Cybertruck’s capability to carry cargo.[72]
The interior of the prototype unveiled on November 21, 2019 included a 17-inch center display, seating for 6 using two bench seats with the front middle seat being a fold-down center arm rest, a digital rear-view camera based mirror, a race car style steering yoke, and a dashboard with a surface resembling marble.[73] The rear middle seat folds down to allow loading long cargo extending into the cab from the vault (enclosed lockable bed).[74] The "marble look" dashboard of the unveil prototype vehicle was a paper composite material made from "paper, wood-based fibers, natural wood pigments and non-petroleum based resins."[75]
The bed of the truck is planned to be a standard-bed size, 6.5 feet (2.0 m) long, similar to a conventional pickup truck bed. It has sloped side walls, similar to a first-generation Honda Ridgeline, and a planned integral motorized roller shutter style tonneau cover to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Because of the additional security this provides, Tesla terms this 100-cubic-foot (2.8 m3) enclosed space "the vault". It includes LED light strips along each side, an additional under-floor storage space behind the rear wheels, 120 and 240 VAC outlets,[29] and a compressed air outlet for pneumatic tools.[76] While one article claims that there is a pass-through to the cabin for long cargo,[76] the displayed prototype lacks any corresponding opening in the front of the bed.[77] The cabin's climate control was expected to be available in the vault for uses such as camping.[78][79]
A lineup of preproduction Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck, on display in September 2020
According to Musk, the design of the Cybertruck was inspired by Blade Runner and the Lotus Esprit driven by James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me, which doubled as a submarine.[45] The Cybertruck uses stressed skin[80] construction (termed an "exoskeleton" by Tesla)[81][82] like most modern aircraft, rather than the body-on-frame construction which is typical of trucks,[83] as a standard vehicle frame would conflict with the under-floor battery pack.[84] It uses unusually thick 3 mm (1⁄8 in) 30x-seriescold-rolledstainless steel body panels, which cannot be stamped like conventional automobile parts.[85] The panels can only be bent along straight lines,[85] resulting in a very distinctive faceted design which has been called "low-poly" or likened to origami.[86] This material is the same material SpaceX (also owned by Musk) uses on their Starshiprocket, because it distributes stress more evenly and allows for more interior volume.[87] Earlier design concepts for Cybertruck had included using titanium for the outer panels, but this was later switched to stainless steel for additional strength,[88] using an alloy that was developed in-house by Tesla.[89]
The powertrain for the dual motor AWD version is similar to the 2019 and newer "Raven" Tesla Model S and Model X, all of which have an inductive rear motor and the Model 3's permanent-magnet motor in front.[85] Other versions are single-motor rear-wheel drive, or tri-motor with one front and two rear motors.
Similar to other Tesla models, the Cybertruck can be pre-ordered with Full Self-Driving software upgrade, adding an additional US$10,000 to the price of the configuration.[8][90][needs update]
Tesla Cybertruck (initial) model specifications[8]
Model
Range (EPA est.)
0–60 mph (0–97 km/h)
Top speed
Payload
Towing capacity
Availability
Single Motor RWD
400 km (250 mi)
< 6.5 seconds
175 km/h (110 mph)
1,600 kg (3,500 lb)
3.4 t (7,500 lb)
TBA
Dual Motor AWD
480 km (300 mi)
< 4.5 seconds
195 km/h (120 mph)
1,600 kg (3,500 lb)
4.5 t (10,000 lb)
TBA
Tri Motor AWD
800 km (500 mi)
< 2.9 seconds
210 km/h (130 mph)
1,600 kg (3,500 lb)
6.4 t (14,000 lb)
TBA
Quad Motor AWD
1,000 km (620 mi)
< 2.5 seconds
240 km/h (150 mph)
1,600 kg (3,500 lb)
6.8 t (15,000 lb)
TBA
All models will have 100 cubic feet (2.8 m3) of storage space, and a 6.5-foot-long (2.0 m) cargo area. As an off-road vehicle, up to 16 inches (40 cm) of ground clearance is provided, with a 35 degree approach angle, and 28 degree departure angle.[8]
In October 2021, Tesla removed the Cybertruck's pricing and specifications from its website without explanation while still accepting deposits.[91]
At the 2022 Annual Shareholders meeting, Elon Musk stated that final specifications and pricing will be materially different from those unveiled on the concept vehicle in 2019.[92]
As of November 2019, The Tesla Cybertruck production was scheduled to start in late 2021 and expand to offer more configurations in 2022.[93] By July 22, 2020, Tesla had chosen Austin, Texas, (Gigafactory Texas) for the production of the Cybertruck, Model Y, and Semi.[94] The factory will reportedly be open to the public and will include a boardwalk near the Colorado River, hiking trails, and biking trails.[95]
By March 2021 a Giga Press die casting machine capable of 8,000-tonne-force (80,000 kN; 20,000,000 lbf) had been ordered for production of the Cybertruck rear chassis casting.[96][97]
On August 9, 2021, the production of the Cybertruck was delayed to 2022 according to Tesla's website.[98] In January 2022, the production was further delayed into early 2023[14] and then again to end of 2023, two years after the initial production target date.[99][15]
In the United States, the total addressable market for full-sized pickup trucks is over two million vehicles per year.[100] It has been argued that the Cybertruck will be able to take advantage of the Tesla Network of shared vehicles[23][101] to generate an income stream,[102] if the latter were to become available in the United States[103] and worldwide.[23]
The Cybertruck's design has received criticism from automotive safety groups, including the Australasian New Car Assessment Program and the Euro NCAP, for not conforming to standards for pedestrian and cyclist safety. In its December 2019 form, the truck would likely not be street-legal in either Australia or the European Union.[104] Particular concerns highlighted by these two bodies include the high stiffness of the "exoskeleton" exterior resulting in a lack of crumple zones, as well as the tall, flat front of the truck, which could increase the severity of leg injuries.[105]
^ Jump up to:abcTuran, Aybars (November 23, 2019). "Cybertruck". ArtStation Folio. Archived from the original on November 28, 2019. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
^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
^Musk, Elon (May 29, 2019). "Episode 200: My Elon Musk Interview"(offset 51:02) (Interview). Ride the Lightning. Interviewed by Ryan McCaffrey. Tesla Headquarters, Palo Alto, California. Archived from the original on October 13, 2019. Retrieved October 14, 2019. we don't want it to be really expensive, ... it's got to start at less than $50,000 dollars, it's got to be like $49,000 dollars starting price, max ... ideally less ... it has got to be something that is affordable ... you've got to be able to get a really great truck for $49,000, or less, ... it's going to have incredible functionality, from a load-carrying standpoint, look amazing, ... but it won't look like a normal truck ... it's going to look pretty sci-fi, ... not going to be for everyone, if somebody just wants to have a truck that looks like trucks have looked for the last twenty years, thirty or forty years, then this truck probably isn't for them, going to be a truck that is more capable than other trucks ... it'll be a better truck than an equivalent ... better truck than an F-150 in terms of truck-like functionality, be better sports car than a standard 911 ... [the teaser image] is the front ... like a Bladerunner truck
^Musk, Elon (January 16, 2014). "When will you be able to afford a Tesla?". CNN Money. CNN (video offset: 2:08). Interviewed by Poppy Harlow – via Youtube. Yeah, we'd like to produce an electric pickup truck; we're not really thinking much about that, but that is part of our long-term plans. Would imagine that is probably something like 4‒5 years.
^Musk, Elon. Tesla Semi & Roadster Unveil. Tesla, Inc. – via Youtube. For interests sake we created a pickup truck version of the Tesla Semi. It's a pickup truck that can carry a pickup truck. By the way, you can legally drive that—it shouldn't be legal, but...—you'll be able to legally drive that with a normal driver's license. It's kind of wrong, but I like it.
^Musk, Elon (November 5, 2019). "Elon Musk's Complete interview at Air Force Space Pitch Day". Space Pitch Day (Interview). Interviewed by John F. Thompson. San Francisco. Retrieved November 12, 2019. We're going to come out with the Tesla pickup truck which we call the Cybertruck. I mean, it looks like an Armoured Personnel Carrier from the future. Yeah, it won't look like a normal truck and people might not like it. I like it! It's going to look like it came from a movie set when it goes down the road; ...what is that thing? It's literally bullet proof. ... If I can elaborate on that: a lot of times people try to make products that they think others would love, but they don't love them, themselves; if you don't love the product, you should not expect that others will. ... Know your own heart, and if it's compelling to you, it will be compelling to others.
^Lawler, Richard (November 6, 2019). "Elon Musk talks up Tesla's 'Cyberpunk truck,' and 400-mile range EVs". Engadget. Archived from the original on July 11, 2019. Retrieved July 28, 2019. The "Cyberpunk truck" ... being designed to "meet or exceed an F-150 ‒ if the F-150 can do it then a Tesla Truck should be able to do it." ... that if "you're driving it down the road, it will look like it came out of a sci-fi movie" and called it "the coolest car I've ever seen."
^Musk, Elon (June 11, 2019). Tesla Annual Shareholders Meeting. [Musk] a car that can go in the water basically? [Questioner] On, or under, or both, the water? [Musk] It's funny you should mention that ... if you make it a big bigger then you can actually have a submarine car. It's like technically possible. I think the market for this will be small; small but enthusiastic. So... we do actually have a design for a submarine car.
^Mongo (November 26, 2019). "ALL CyberTruck discussion". Tesla Motors Club (forum posting). Retrieved November 27, 2019. the bed has no pass through that I see
^Ollie (November 24, 2019). "What is Cybertruck Exoskeleton?". Teslas Motors Club (forum post). All modern cars except most pickup trucks have a frameless exoskeleton, AKA monocoque or unibody.
^ Jump up to:abcReynolds, Kim (November 22, 2019). "How Tesla's Cybertruck Turns Auto Manufacturing and Engineering Upside-Down". Motor Trend. Archived from the original on November 22, 2019. The plusses for a folded stainless steel, origami truck are compelling: no paint shop and no expensive tooling. No Godzilla-scale stamping machines stomping it with multiple strikes. groove the steel where it's supposed to fold (avoiding cracks) and bend it on simple, cheap machines
^Ireson, Nelson (November 22, 2019). "Is the Tesla Cybertruck *Really* Bulletproof?". Motor Trend. Archived from the original on November 22, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019. 'If fully hardened, 3mm of 301 stainless is more than adequate to stop any 9mm Luger round I can think of...' said Iain Harrison, editor-in-chief of Recoil as well as a competitive shooter and former British Army captain. ... Elon Musk says the laminated windshield, which appears to be completely flat, will stop a 9mm round, as well. We tested its strength by dropping weighed metal spheres from various heights. It didn't break.
^Ferrario, Riccardo (March 18, 2021). Giga Press. Flash News (offset 00:31). Idra Group Idra. Retrieved March 19, 2021 – via Youtube. Today, on 16 March 2021, [Idra] have been able to secure the first order for an 8,000-tonne [force] die-casting machine ... placed by a leading global manufacturer for new energy vehicles ... toggles-closing, ... together with ... regenerative injection system.
^Ohnsman, Alan (November 20, 2019). "Elon Musk's 'Cybertruck' Will Thrill Tesla Fans, But Its Pickup Market Potential Is A Puzzler". Forbes. Archived from the original on November 22, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019. U.S. sales of full-size pickups, the world's primary market for such vehicles, surpasses 2 million units annually, and volume leaders Ford, GM and FiatChrysler's Ram battle to retain buyer loyalty and bragging rights in a space where median prices approach $50,000.
Musk, Elon (October 24, 2019). Tesla [2019] Q3 Earnings Call(shortened fixed version; offset: 46:05) – via Youtube. My opinion ... I think the Tesla Cyber Truck is our best product ever. That's my opinion.
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