Overview
The Tesla Cybertruck looks like it was dropped off by an alien race, but it’s said to have the capabilities to challenge top-selling pickup trucks. With a sharp-edged exterior design, Tesla’s all-electric truck looks seriously tough. Three versions are said to be in the mix, with a single-motor rear-wheel drive model serving as the entry point and a much more powerful tri-motor version with all-wheel drive sitting at the top of the range. With that top powertrain, Tesla claims the Cybertruck can tow up to 14,000 pounds and has an estimated driving range of 500-plus miles. Of course, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the Cybertruck, including when it will officially go on sale. Tesla has delayed the truck’s production timeline several times already, but on April 7, 2022, CEO Elon Musk again promised that the truck is coming and will be out in 2023. At this point, we’re expecting very late in 2023 or early 2024.
What’s New for 2024?
Tesla is expanding its lineup to include one of the most popular body styles in America—the pickup truck. With seriously impressive stats for both an EV and a pickup, the Cybertruck gives the company a potentially strong seller given how well trucks sell in this country. However, it’ll have to compete with the Ford F-150 Lightning, the GMC Hummer EV, and the Rivian R1T right out of the gate. Chevy is also launching an electric Silverado, and the Ram 1500 REV is nearing its initial production date too.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
While a starting price of about $40,000 was touted at the Cybertruck’s reveal back in 2019, that price was attached to a single-motor rear-wheel drive model. For the Cybertruck’s first year on the market though, governmental documents indicate that Tesla will only offer dual- and tri-motor all-wheel drive models which will carry higher starting prices.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The Cybertruck will eventually be available with three different powertrain arrangements. At launch, dual- and tri-motor models will be available and offer all-wheel drive; a rear-wheel drive single-motor model is expected to join the lineup later on. Tesla claims the single-motor model will go from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and top out at 110 mph. The dual-motor Cybertruck will reportedly reach 60 mph in just 4.5 ticks and have a top speed of 120 mph. Those looking for the ultimate performance will appreciate the Tri-Motor model, which Tesla says will essentially teleport from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds (!) with a top speed of 130 mph. All Cybertrucks are said to have an adjustable air suspension that can be raised or lowered on the fly and provides up to 16 inches of ground clearance. Add that to its 35-degree approach and 28-degree departure angles and the Tesla pickup could prove to be a formidable off-road machine.
Towing and Payload Capacity
If the Cybertruck can really tow as much as Tesla claims, it will have a higher maximum rating than popular alternatives such as the Ram 1500. While the single- and dual-motor Teslas have a maximum tow rating of 7500 and 10,000 pounds, respectively, models with a third motor will be able to pull a whopping 14,000 pounds. Tesla says every Cybertruck can also haul 3500 pounds in its 6.5-foot cargo bed.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Tesla hasn’t revealed the size of the batteries that will power its electrified pickup. However, every model will have a 250-kW charging cable. Of course, it will also have access to Tesla’s vast network of Superchargers. Its driving range varies with the number of motors, but Tesla claims the single motor has a range of 250-plus miles, the dual motors boast 300-plus miles of range, and the top-tier Tri-Motor setup should provide more than 500 miles on a single charge.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
Since there aren’t any official ratings for the Cybertruck, we can only go off Tesla’s preliminary estimates. Likewise, we’ll also have to wait until we get our hands on a real production model to test its ambitious maximum driving range in the real world. For more information about the Cybertruck’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Those who thought the Tesla Model 3 interior was minimalistic will relive that reaction when they see the Cybertruck’s spartan cabin. While many standard features and options haven’t been disclosed, the first images show a slab-like dashboard that is solely dominated by one large touchscreen. Its squared-off steering wheel looks to have some sort of illuminated display, but nothing has been confirmed. The Cybertruck will also be able to seat up to six people, and its 6.4-foot cargo bed offers 100 cubic feet of volume. It’s also said to have a nifty slide-out tailgate that doubles as a ramp to load four-wheelers and motorcycles.
Infotainment and Connectivity
As with most of the interior, specific details about the Cybertruck’s infotainment system are largely a mystery. However, we do know every model will have a big 17.0-inch touchscreen that is horizontally mounted in the center of the dashboard.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every model will feature Tesla’s controversial self-driving Autopilot feature, and the company says it will offer a Full Self-Driving as an option. We also expect other driver-assistance technology to be available. For more information about the Cybertruck’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Tesla provides a comprehensive warranty on its current models, however, it doesn’t include any complimentary maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers eight years, regardless of miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
