TESLA CYBERTRUCK: A LONG-AWAITED MYTH BECOMES REALITY
Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle (EV) maker, has a reputation for overpromising and underdelivering on its products. However, despite the skepticism surrounding the company’s timelines, Tesla has consistently managed to bring its products to market, albeit with some delays. This trend has been observed with the Model 3, Tesla Full Self-Driving, the Cybertruck, and now, the next-generation EV platform.
The Cybertruck, in particular, has been a subject of much anticipation. CEO Elon Musk continuously teased new features, putting pressure on the engineers to bring his vision to life. This, however, resulted in significant delays. Over time, the Cybertruck took on an almost mythical status, with extraordinary features that seemed too good to be true. Doubts arose as to whether this groundbreaking vehicle would ever see the light of day.
Fortunately, after more than a year of teasing fans with prototype sightings across California and the rest of the US, Tesla finally unveiled the Cybertruck. Its unique design, characterized by straight angles and minimal curves, made camouflaging the vehicle virtually impossible. The Cybertruck’s stainless steel exterior, whether covered or bare, showcased its stunning beauty. Tesla even capitalized on this by offering camo wraps as a way for owners to personalize their prized possession.
The second Cybertruck launch event, aptly named “Delivery Day” by Tesla, was not without controversy. Unlike the infamous broken window incident from the first event, this time, a baseball was playfully thrown at the window, causing no damage. Tesla found humor in the situation and even included a picture of the incident in the official press kit.
However, the controversies did not end there. Tesla failed to meet the initially advertised specifications, with the most powerful Cybertruck variant offering a lower range than expected. Instead of the promised 500 miles (805 km), the Cybertruck could only manage 320 miles (515 km). Opting for the dual-motor AWD trim would provide a slightly better range of 340 miles (547 km).
To compensate for this shortfall, Tesla announced a “battery range extender” that could be installed in the truck’s bed, adding up to 130 miles (210 km) of extra range. Unfortunately, this feature is not yet available for purchase, and it significantly reduces the available bed space. This puts potential buyers in a dilemma – they would need the range extender for towing purposes, but it compromises the Cybertruck’s utility as a traditional truck. Additionally, installing or removing the range extender is a complex task that cannot be easily adjusted to changing needs.
Despite the delays and controversies, the Tesla Cybertruck has finally become a reality. Its unique design and innovative features have captivated the automotive world. Now, it remains to be seen how this groundbreaking EV will perform in the hands of its owners.
Unknown Secrets of the Cybertruck Revealed: What Tesla Doesn’t Want You to Know!
When it comes to the production of the highly anticipated Cybertruck, Tesla has been keeping things under wraps. While they did provide an estimate of the production capacity in their Q4 2023 shareholder deck, the actual number of Cybertrucks produced remains a mystery. With an installed capacity of over 125,000 units per year at the Giga Texas production line, it’s clear that Tesla has big plans. However, factors such as battery cell availability could potentially impact this capacity, although Tesla executives deny any bottlenecks.
But let’s focus on the present. According to Tesla enthusiast Joe Tegtmeyer, the current production rate stands at approximately 250 units per week, translating to an annualized production of 13,000 units. However, recent observations suggest that Tesla is ramping up production at an impressive pace, with the potential to triple output by March. Exciting times are ahead for Cybertruck enthusiasts!
Looking ahead to the future, things are looking even brighter. With the introduction of more 4680 cell production lines at Giga Texas in June and September, the annual production rate could exceed 132,000 units by December 2024. Additionally, implementing a second shift in the second half of the year will allow Tesla to surpass the theoretical production capacity of 125,000 units per year. The future of Cybertruck production is looking electrifying!
Now, let’s address another burning question: how many Foundation Series Cybertrucks will be offered? This is a concern for those who are hesitant to shell out an extra $20,000 for the Foundation Series. But fear not, as Tesla seems to have a plan in place. As long as there are customers willing to pay the premium, Tesla will continue to offer the Foundation Series. After all, the modifications required to transform a regular Cybertruck into a Foundation Series are minimal, making it a viable option for those seeking a more affordable choice.
What sets the Foundation Series apart? Well, it comes equipped with all the extras you could dream of. The configurator includes Full Self-Driving and free Supercharging for the lifetime of the vehicle. On top of that, a comprehensive set of accessories is included in the package. Whether or not the $20,000 premium is worth it depends on your desire for these accessories and extras. And to make it even more exclusive, Tesla will laser-etch a Foundation Series badge on the side of the truck, showcasing its special status.
In conclusion, the Cybertruck continues to captivate the automotive world with its impressive production potential and enticing Foundation Series. As more information comes to light, we’ll be sure to keep you updated. Stay tuned for more exciting news about the Cybertruck, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
However, reality might not meet their expectations. As it turns out, the Cybertruck’s resale value might not be as high as anticipated. Some early reservation holders have reported that their attempts to sell their Cybertrucks at a premium have been unsuccessful. Potential buyers are either not interested or are offering significantly lower prices than expected. This could be due to several factors, including the increasing competition in the electric pickup truck market and the availability of other options. So, if you were hoping to make a quick buck by selling your Cybertruck, you might want to reconsider your strategy.
In a surprising move, Tesla has implemented a contract for owners of their Foundation Series to prevent them from selling their Cybertruck within the first year of delivery. The contract stipulates that owners can only sell their truck back to Tesla, leaving it unclear how much they would receive in return. If the truck is sold to a third party, the owner would owe Tesla a hefty $50,000 or the amount gained from the sale, whichever is higher. This strict policy effectively eliminates the possibility of reselling the Cybertruck for a profit, ensuring that Tesla reaps all the benefits.
However, things become more complicated for those who simply want to get rid of their Cybertruck because they don’t like it, without the intention of making a quick buck. A recent video by the “What’s Inside? Family” YouTube channel revealed that CarMax appraised the first Cybertruck at a disappointing $76,000. This valuation is significantly lower than the truck’s original price of $100,000, despite it being almost new with only 3,000 miles on the odometer.
While there may be individuals willing to pay more for a Cybertruck, the no-resale clause in Tesla’s sales contract makes selling the vehicle a less appealing option. However, some resourceful individuals have discovered a potentially more profitable alternative: renting the Cybertruck on platforms like Turo. With daily rental rates reaching up to $1,000, it is possible to cover the truck’s payments in less than a year and still retain ownership at the end of the rental period.
One of the most debated aspects of the Cybertruck is its range. Many owners have had mixed experiences with the vehicle’s range, which often falls short of the EPA-estimated figures. This has led to speculation that Tesla may have been overly optimistic in their range reporting, a criticism that has been directed at other models in their lineup as well.
However, it is important to note that the range issue may not solely be a problem with the Cybertruck itself. Tesla initially stated the EPA range with all-season tires, which are currently unavailable for order. Most real-world range tests have been conducted using the standard All-Terrain tires, which are known to impact efficiency.
CYBERTRUCK OWNERS SATISFIED WITH IMPRESSIVE RANGE
In a surprising turn of events, some Cybertruck owners are actually satisfied with the range they are getting from their vehicles. One early owner reported a remarkable 382 Wh/mile energy consumption on a “heavy normal day.” This impressive figure translates to a range of 322 miles, which is exactly what Tesla had promised for the Cyberbeast. The owner achieved this range by using All-Terrain tires, keeping the tonneau closed, and driving in Beast mode. They even managed to do a few 0-60 runs and cover over 50 miles on the highway at speeds exceeding 65 mph.
WHEEL COVER ISSUE UNCOVERED
Recently, Tesla made a shocking discovery regarding the wheel covers on the Cybertruck. It has been found that these covers are causing unusual wear on the tires’ sidewalls, prompting Tesla to remove them altogether. As a result, new Cybertruck owners will not receive wheel covers with their vehicles, but they will be provided with them once redesigned versions are available.
The wheel covers were a distinctive feature of the Cybertruck, and their removal has disappointed many fans. These covers had a unique design that perfectly matched the bespoke pattern of the tires. With seven spokes that seamlessly integrated into the tire sidewall, the covers were not just aesthetically pleasing but also improved the truck’s aerodynamic efficiency. Tesla claimed that these aero covers could enhance efficiency by 5-10% compared to the bare wheel.
Unfortunately, the rubber tips on the cover’s spokes were causing accelerated wear and tear on the tire sidewall. To address this issue, Tesla plans to redesign the wheel covers without compromising the iconic wheel design that has captivated people since the initial design sketches were unveiled.
LOCKING DIFFERENTIALS STILL UNAVAILABLE
One notable missing feature in the Cybertruck is the absence of locking differentials. Tesla had previously announced that the AWD model and the Cyberbeast would come equipped with an electromechanical differential lock on the front drive unit. Additionally, the AWD model was supposed to have a lockable differential on the rear axle. However, it seems that Tesla has not yet implemented these features in the production vehicles.
This issue came to light when a Release-Candidate Cybertruck had to be rescued by a Ford truck after sliding down a snowy incline at Corral Hallow OHV. Without the ability to lock the rear wheels, the Cybertruck was unable to regain traction on its own. Although this was a prototype vehicle, customers were understanding of the incomplete software and the lack of lockers. However, it is disappointing to see that Tesla has still not resolved these issues for the final production models.
A Cybertruck owner recently discovered that the truck still doesn’t have the “Locking Differential Controls” feature available when trying to engage them in Off-Road mode. This is disappointing for those who were looking forward to having some fun on the trails with their Cybertruck, as they will only experience frustration and embarrassment.
During the King of Hammers event, attendees witnessed a rear wheel of the UP Invincible Cybertruck, owned by Unplugged Performance, breaking while driving on the dunes. However, it’s important to note that this event is known for being extremely tough on cars, and broken parts are a common occurrence. Despite this, the Cybertruck held up well for two days before the bolt broke.
It’s worth mentioning that the UP Cybertruck had modifications to its suspension, including front and rear quick-disconnect sway bar end links. While it’s unclear whether these modifications contributed to the incident, it’s evident that the UP team was determined to push the truck and its custom-made components to their limits for a learning experience.
One of the concerns that Cybertruck owners had was how to prepare their homes for the PowerShare feature. This feature allows the Cybertruck to power a home during emergencies, essentially turning the truck into a portable Powerwall. However, there are limitations to this feature.
The Foundation Series Cyberbeast includes the PowerShare gateway, compatible wall charger, and installation costs in its price. On the other hand, Foundation Series AWD Cybertruck owners must pay for the installation separately. The hardware is shipped to the installer once the price quote is accepted and an installation date is scheduled. Additionally, approval from the utility company is required.
For AWD Cybertruck owners, the installation prices vary depending on the specific requirements. Some have reported costs around $4,000, while others have paid over $5,500. However, there are cases where PowerShare installation is not feasible for various reasons. In such situations, Tesla offers six months of free Supercharging as compensation for the inability to install PowerShare.
Lucky enough to have PowerShare hardware installed? Well, the Cybertruck has got you covered with its ability to provide up to 11 kW of continuous power during an outage. With a full battery, you can enjoy about ten hours of backup power. But here’s the kicker – in real-world scenarios, the power draw is much lower, meaning the battery could last for more than a day. And if you have solar, the PowerShare system even extends the backup time to several days. Impressive, right?
However, it’s important to note that there are limitations to using the Cybertruck as a power backup source. While it does have a larger battery capacity of 123 kWh compared to the 13.5 kWh of a Powerwall battery, the Powerwall still reigns supreme when it comes to advanced functions and providing the best backup solution, especially for those with solar panels.
One standout feature of the Powerwall is load shifting. This nifty function allows the Powerwall to power your house during high rate times, saving you money on electricity bills. It then recharges when rates are more favorable. Unfortunately, utility companies currently state that the PowerShare can only be used when the home is disconnected from the grid, during an outage, or with manual disconnect. This means that the Cybertruck’s power backup capabilities are more of an emergency solution rather than a regular one.
But don’t fret! There’s still a way for you to contribute to the stability of the grid and even earn some extra cash. In certain states, you can participate in Virtual Power Plant events. However, it’s important to consider the wear and tear on your Cybertruck’s battery. The cost of replacing one or two Powerwalls may be a better option than replacing the entire battery pack of the truck. So, think twice before using your Cybertruck as a backup power source.
Overall, the Cybertruck’s PowerShare system offers some impressive backup power capabilities. But when it comes to a reliable and advanced backup solution, the Powerwall still takes the crown.
