Tesla recently showcased the durability of its Cybertruck’s exterior through a live-fire demonstration at Gigafactory Texas. The event, which marked the first deliveries of the electric pickup truck, featured CEO Elon Musk highlighting various aspects of the vehicle. One of the most dramatic demonstrations involved firing multiple rounds into the Cybertruck’s side panels.
From Tommy Gun to Shotgun: Testing the Limits
Tesla’s demonstration included a variety of firearms, starting with a Tommy gun, then moving on to a Glock pistol, an MP5SD submachine gun, and finally a shotgun. The test aimed to showcase the robustness of the Cybertruck’s exterior and its ability to withstand impacts.
TeslaTesla engineers inspect the Cybertruck after the bullet test. The exterior withstood most rounds with minimal damage.
Assessing the Damage: Minimal Impact, Impressive Resilience
Following the test, Tesla shared a behind-the-scenes video on social media, providing a closer look at the damage. While the exterior held up remarkably well against most firearms, the shotgun proved to be the most challenging. A double shot in a single spot caused a crack in the window (which was down at the time, positioned behind the door). However, the pellets didn’t appear to penetrate the vehicle’s interior. The rest of the exterior primarily exhibited impact craters, demonstrating the material’s impressive resilience.
Cybertruck’s “Badass” Design: Form and Function Combined
This demonstration aligns with Elon Musk’s previous statements regarding the rationale behind the Cybertruck’s robust design. When questioned about the practicality of bulletproof glass on a pickup truck, Musk simply stated, “Because it’s badass and super cool.” The recent test offers tangible evidence of this philosophy, showcasing the vehicle’s unique combination of form and function.
Beyond Bulletproof: The Cybertruck’s All-Around Toughness
The bullet test provides a glimpse into the overall durability that Tesla aims to achieve with the Cybertruck. While the focus of this demonstration was on ballistic resistance, it speaks to the vehicle’s broader design principles centered on strength and resilience in various conditions.
Relive the Cybertruck Launch Event
For those who missed the live Cybertruck delivery event, including the full durability demonstration and Elon Musk’s presentation, recordings are available online. These replays offer a comprehensive overview of the event and a deeper dive into the features and capabilities of Tesla’s groundbreaking electric pickup truck.
