The Tesla Cybertruck, Tesla’s foray into the electric pickup truck market, has experienced a tumultuous journey since its 2019 unveiling, complete with a memorable broken window incident during a strength demonstration. After a slow rollout to customers in 2023 and a subsequent recall, the Cybertruck has become a more common sight on roads, particularly in major U.S. cities. This unique vehicle embodies Tesla’s vision for the future of personal transportation. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Cybertruck, covering its design, interior, specifications, competitors, price, release date, and recall history.
Design and Features
alt text: A close-up view of the Tesla Cybertruck showcasing its stainless steel body and unique angular design.
The Cybertruck’s futuristic, angular design has been a major talking point. The production model remains largely faithful to the 2019 prototype, though slightly smaller (around 5%). Its stainless steel body offers superior dent and rust resistance. The 6.5-foot cargo box, dubbed the “vault” by Tesla, features a robust tonneau cover capable of supporting a person’s weight. Tesla offers various accessories, including a $3,000 camper top. Onboard power outlets, drawing power from the battery pack, enable off-grid powering of tools and devices. While an onboard air compressor has been mentioned, it’s not yet available.
Interior and Passenger Experience
alt text: The interior of the Tesla Cybertruck featuring a minimalist design, a large central touchscreen, and a yoke steering wheel.
The Cybertruck’s interior echoes the minimalist, angular aesthetic of the exterior, yet offers surprising comfort. A large storage bin sits between the two front armrests. A 17-inch touchscreen display serves as the central hub for infotainment, instrument monitoring, and vehicle controls. The second row provides seating for three, accommodating a total of five occupants. A 9.4-inch touchscreen in the rear caters to passenger entertainment and climate control adjustments.
Specifications and Performance
The Cybertruck’s performance varies depending on the model. Currently, the dual-motor all-wheel drive version is the entry-level option, boasting 318 miles of range and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.1 seconds. It delivers 600 horsepower and a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds. The top-tier tri-motor “Cyberbeast” model, with a motor for each rear wheel and one powering both front wheels, achieves 0-60 mph in a mere 2.6 seconds, albeit with a slightly reduced range of 301 miles. Both variants share the same 11,000-pound towing capacity.
alt text: A Tesla Cybertruck with a camping setup in the truck bed, highlighting its potential for outdoor adventures.
While the Cybertruck’s range might be considered a drawback, a future Range Extender accessory promises to boost it to an impressive 470 miles, depending on the model. Details regarding the Range Extender remain scarce, and it’s not yet available for purchase. The Cybertruck features up to 16 inches of ground clearance, thanks to its standard adaptive air suspension. It offers an approach angle of 35 degrees and a departure angle of 28 degrees.
Competition and Pricing
alt text: A Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck, a direct competitor to the Tesla Cybertruck.
The Cybertruck faces competition from the Ford F-150 Lightning, an electric iteration of the popular F-150. While the Cybertruck targets buyers seeking a radical departure from conventional trucks, the F-150 Lightning appeals to those desiring a familiar yet electrified experience. The Cybertruck’s starting price of $81,985 for the dual-motor model significantly surpasses the F-150 Lightning’s $57,090 base price. Another key competitor is the Rivian R1T, offering a longer range (270-410 miles) and a lower starting price of $71,700.
alt text: A front view of the Tesla Cybertruck, emphasizing its distinctive futuristic design.
The tri-motor Cyberbeast commands a starting price of $101,985. These high prices currently disqualify the Cybertruck from the federal EV tax credit, which requires vehicles to be under $80,000, manufactured in North America, and meet EPA battery and critical mineral requirements. A single-motor version is slated for a 2025 release, potentially offering a more affordable entry point.
Availability and Recalls
alt text: A Tesla Cybertruck being driven on a road, showcasing its real-world presence.
The Cybertruck is currently available for order on Tesla’s website. Delivery times vary depending on the chosen model, with the dual-motor version estimated within a month and the Cyberbeast requiring a few months. Since its launch, the Cybertruck has been subject to several recalls. One addressed a potential accelerator pedal sticking issue, affecting models manufactured between November 2023 and April 2024. Another recall, implemented via a software update, corrected overly small warning light text. Two further recalls, affecting models produced until June 2024, rectified a faulty windshield wiper motor and improperly installed black trim. All recalls except the software update necessitated a visit to a Tesla service center.
