The Tesla Cybertruck is finally here, but is it the truck we’ve waited more than four years to see on the roads? Let’s dig in and find out.
Tesla finally delivered its new electric truck. The Cybertruck is unique in almost every way, but it might not be the good kind of unique that you want. Could this new electric truck be nothing more than a disappointing experiment that forces Tesla back to the drawing board, or does it have some redeeming qualities? Let’s explore.
Does this new truck change the game?
Everything Tesla promised with this new truck has been done before. The Cybertruck features a 48-volt base electrical architecture, ethernet internal communication, steer-by-wire, variable-ratio steering, and four-wheel steering. Are you bored yet? All of these promised “game-changing” technologies have been done by other automakers. This might cause some drivers to cancel their Cybertruck reservations in favor of the Rivian R1T or R1S, which actually do change things and provide real off-road electric driving dynamics.
Can the Cybertruck tow?
Promises, promises: Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk loves to promise things to get us excited about them, but sometimes he can’t keep these promises. The promised 14,000-pound towing capacity is actually 11,000 pounds in the production version. This isn’t nearly enough power to go up against gas-powered half-ton trucks, but it could be good in the electric truck world. The real challenge will be understanding how significant a drop in driving range we’ll experience when towing a trailer with this electric truck.
The payload figures are another disappointment
The Tesla Cybertruck was supposed to come with a maximum payload rating of 3,500 pounds, but that figure is actually 1,000 pounds less than it should be. This payload rating is impressive, besting all other electric trucks in the market. Its also mor than most gas-powered half-ton trucks. This could be the saving grace for the Tesla, making it easier to take more stuff with you in your truck’s bed.
Is the driving range where it should be?
The Cybertruck has a maximum stated range of 340 miles for the dual-motor version. This doesn’t come close to topping the EV truck charts, especially with the new Chevy Silverado EV offering 450 miles of range. The Cybertruck’s range can be improved to 470 miles if you add the “Range Extending” battery pack. This additional battery pack takes up nearly half of the truck’s bed, which essentially removes the usefulness of this truck.
Charging speeds are still to come
Currently, the Tesla Cybertruck charges at 250-kW, which isn’t the fastest fast-charging speed available. Other electric pickups charge at 350-kW, which means the Cybertruck is behind. An upgrade is in the works to allow this Tesla pickup to charge at 350-kW, matching the fast-charging speeds of other EV pickup trucks.
Where are the door handles?
The Cybertruck is a truck and its supposed to be used as one. Instead of thinking about the hard-working people that might use this truck on the jobsite, Tesla stuck with the tech rich build, which means the Cybertruck doesn’t have door handles. This could be problematic in cold climates or at dusty and dirty job sites.
Can this truck go off-road easily?
Tesla claims the Cybertruck has 17.44 inches of ground clearance in the Extract mode. That’s physically impossible. The tires are 35 inches, which means that halfway point is 17.5 inches. The tires would have to be perfect and no suspension components can hang down. Electric trucks allow better ground clearance because of their flat bottom and lack of axles, but no truck or tires can hit this level of perfection.
Additionally, the Cybertruck doesn’t have a place for a spare tire. One can be carried in the bed, but then you don’t have room for the rest of your stuff.
Is this truck the right size?
When first revealed in 2019, Elon Musk said the new Cybertruck would be a full-size truck at 231.7 inches long, seat up to six people, and have a 6.5-foot bed. Fast-forward four years, and we’ve got a truck that’s 223.7 inches long, seats five people, and has a 6-foot bed. The Cybertruck matches the Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab, not the Ford F-150 Crew Cab in size. This is just another way the Tesla Cybertruck is disappointing.
Verdict
Is the Tesla Cybertruck any good? It can carry plenty of stuff, has a useful driving range, and is a tech-forward vehicle that some drivers have waited four years to drive. Unfortunately, most of what we were promised with this truck has not become a reality, making it a serious disappointment.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.