Tesla Cybertruck

Tesla Cybertruck, the all electric truck description and specification, models, price, directives for purchase, latest trends and comparison with similar trucks.

Model description

The Cybertruck is an all-electric, battery-powered, light-duty truck in Development by Tesla, Inc. Three models have been announced; with EPA range estimates of 400–800 kilometers (250– 500 mi) and an estimated 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 2.9–6.5 seconds, depending on the model (Single motor, Dual Motor and Tri Motor). Tesla’s all-electric truck is seriously tough and has the capabilities to challenge all of the top-selling pickup trucks With a sharp-edged exterior that is made of scratch- and dent-resistant stainless steel.

Production of the Cybertruck is expected to begin in 2020, the 4-door polygonal pickup truck is of a Rear motor, rear-wheel drive and a Dual- or tri-motor, all-wheel drive layout with Unibody chassis. The electric power train is an Internal Permanent Magnet – Synchronous Reluctance Motor (IPM-SynRM). Its comes with a dimension of 149.9 in (3,807 mm) wheelbase, 231.7 in (5,885 mm) long, 79.8 in (2,027 mm) wide and 75 in (1,905 mm) tall.

The base price of the rear-wheel drive (RWD) model of the vehicle was announced to be US$39,900, with all-wheel drive (AWD) models starting at US$49,900. Production of the dual-motor AWD and tri-motor AWD Cybertruck production was slated to begin in late 2021, the RWD model release date in late 2022, but the production was pushed back to 2022.

History of the Cybertruck.

Since 2012, Elon Musk the CEO of Tesla Inc discussed the desire to build a truck with load-compensating suspension, making comparisons with a Ford F-250. Planning continued with prediction to begin production in 4-5 years as of 2014, and in mid-2016, Musk outlined the intent for a new kind of consumer pickup truck, and suggested using the same chassis for a van and a pickup truck. In order to be large enough to enable a “game-changing” feature, the size was estimated to be at least like that of a Ford F-150 in late 2017.

In late 2018, Musk anticipated a prototype to be ready to show in 2019. Insights on the Cybertruck were showcased during unveiling and launching events of the company’s other vehicles, including Tesla Semi and Tesla Roadster unveiling in 2017 and Tesla Model Y Launch in 2019. Elon Musk always fantasized the might of the Cybertruck stating it appearing a truck carrying another truck or resembling a futuristic armoured personnel carrier.

The Cybertruck was rumored to be named the Model B, but Tesla filed for a trademark on “Cybrtrk”, which was granted under United States Patent and Trademark Office 88682748. In mid-2019, the towing capacity of the vehicle was stated to meet or exceed that of a Ford F-150, and Elon Musk mention the Cybertruck design is influenced partly by The Spy Who Loved Me with the amphibious vehicle design concept of the Wet Nellie.

Musk stated in late July, “We’re close, but the magic is in the final details. Maybe 2 to 3 months”, indicating late 2019. The unveiling was then scheduled for 21 November 2019 at the Tesla Design Studio, next to SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles. The truck was launched under a graffiti-themed logo of “Cybertruck”, and a new trademark request was filed with the graffiti logo at the same time.

Musk also talked about increasing the dynamic air suspension travel of the Cybertruck for better off-road performance. And in late December 2019, both the Cybertruck and Tesla Cyberquad made an appearance in rapper Travis Scott’s “Gang Gang” music video.

Design and Features of the Cybertruck.

According to Musk, the design of the Cybertruck was inspired by Blade Runner and the Lotus Esprit driven by James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me, which doubled as a submarine. The Cybertruck uses unibody construction (termed an “exoskeleton” by Tesla) like most passenger cars, rather than the body-on-frame construction which is typical of trucks, as a standard vehicle frame would conflict with the under-floor battery pack.

The Cybertruck uses unusually thick 3 mm 30x-series cold-rolled stainless steel body panels, an alloy that was developed in-house by Tesla. The same material SpaceX (also owned by Musk) uses on their Starship Rocket, because it distributes stress more evenly and allows for more interior volume, which cannot be stamped like conventional automobile parts but adopted for additional strength. The panels can only be bent along straight lines, resulting in a very distinctive faceted design which has been called “low-poly” or likened to origami.

The Cybertruck is available with not just one, not just two, but three electric motors. While the single-motor truck has rear-wheel drive, the two and three motor models have all-wheel drive. Tesla claims it’ll 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 seconds and have a top speed of 120 mph. Those looking for the ultimate performance will appreciate the three-motor model, which Tesla says will essentially teleport from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.

The powertrain for the dual motor AWD version is similar to the 2019 and newer “Raven” Tesla Model S and Model X, all of which have an inductive rear motor and the Model 3’s permanent magnet motor in front. Other versions are single-motor rear-wheel drive, or tri-motor with one front and two rear motors. Similar to other Tesla models, the Cybertruck can be pre-ordered with Full Self-Driving software upgrade, adding an additional US$10,000 to the price of the configuration.

All models will have 100 cubic feet (2.8 m3) of storage space, and a 6.5-foot-long (2.0 m) cargo area. As an off-road vehicle, uses an adjustable air suspension that can be raised or lowered on the fly and provides up to 16 inches (40 cm) of ground clearance is provided, with a 35 degree approach angle, and 28 degree departure angle.

Other standard features include on-board power inverters for supplying both 120 and 240-volt electricity, allowing use of power tools without a portable generator. An air compressor for powering pneumatic tools is included. The exterior stainless steel sheet-metal is bullet-resistant. All the models will also come with Tesla Autopilot, and will have the hardware capabilities for fully autonomous operation. As of 2019, Musk indicated that there would be a solar roof option which would add 15 miles of range per day.

The interior of the prototype unveiled on 21 November 2019 included a 17-inch center display, seating for 6 using two bench seats with the front middle seat being a fold-down center arm rest, a digital rear-view camera based mirror, a race car style steering yoke, and a dashboard with a surface resembling marble. The rear middle seat folds down to allow loading long cargo extending into the cab from the vault (enclosed lockable bed). The “marble look” dashboard of the unveil prototype vehicle was a paper composite material made from “paper, wood-based fibers, natural wood pigments and non-petroleum based resins.

The bed of the truck is 6.5 feet (2.0 m) long and similar to a conventional pickup truck bed with tailgate. It has sloped side walls and an integral motorized roller shutter style tonneau cover to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Because of the additional security this provides, Tesla terms this 100-cubic-foot (2.8 m3) enclosed space “the vault”. It includes LED light strips along each side, an additional under-floor storage space behind the rear wheels, 120V and 240V AC outlets, and a compressed air outlet for pneumatic tools.  Elon Musk indicated in a tweet that the cabin’s climate control will also be available in the vault for uses such as camping. One feature demonstrated on the prototype, but not explicitly advertised, is a ramp that extends from the tail gate to the ground for loading cargo.

Price and Markets for the Cybertruck

In October 2021, Tesla removed the Cybertruck’s pricing and specifications from its website without explanation while still accepting deposits.

In the United States, the total addressable market for full-sized pickup trucks is over two million vehicles per year. It has been argued that the Cybertruck will be able to take advantage of the Tesla Network of shared vehicles to generate an income stream, if the latter were to become available in United States and worldwide.

Cybertruck Reviews

The Cybertruck’s design has received criticism from automotive safety groups. Including the Australasian New Car Assessment Program and the Euro NCAP, for not conforming to standards for pedestrian and cyclist safety; the truck, in its current form, would likely not be street-legal in either Australia or the European Union. Particular concerns highlighted by these two bodies include; the high stiffness of the “exoskeleton” exterior, resulting in a lack of crumple zones, as well as the tall, flat front of the truck, which could increase the severity of leg injuries.

The Cybertruck unveiling event was covered heavily by traditional media and online blogs/social media. Many social media commentators disliked the sharp contours and unusual exterior. making Tesla, Inc. stock to down 6% following the Cybertruck announcement. However orders came in tremendously with Musk reporting on twitter that Tesla had received 146,000 pre-orders in the first 1.5 days after the unveiling—each requiring a US$100 refundable deposit—with 42% choosing the dual-motor configuration, 41% choosing the tri-motor configuration, and 17% choosing the single-motor configuration. The number reached 250,000 on 26 November.

A video of the Cybertruck pulling a rear-wheel-drive Ford F-150 uphill in a tug of war resulted in 14,000 comments and 619,000 likes on Twitter. Various news outlets pointed out it was not a result of superior horsepower or torque, but simply due to the Cybertruck being heavier. And In January 2020, Automobile Magazine named Cybertruck the “Concept Car of the Year” for 2019.

Insights

As of November 2019, Tesla scheduled production of Cybertruck was to start in late 2021 and expand to offer more configurations in 2022. The city of Joplin, Missouri offered land and incentives to attract production of the vehicle. Tesla had chosen Austin and Giga Texas for the production of the Cybertruck, Model Y, and Semi. The factory will reportedly be open to the public and will include a boardwalk near the Colorado River (Texas), hiking trails, and biking trails.

By March 2021 a Giga Press die casting machine capable of 8,000-tonne-force (80,000 kN; 20,000,000 lbf) had been ordered for production of the Cybertruck rear chassis casting. On August 9, 2021, the production of the Cybertruck has been delayed to 2022 according to Tesla’s website.

Musk noted that an amphibious vehicle design concept—based partly on Wet Nellie. The submarine car from the film “The Spy Who Loved Me” was possible. Musk had bought a Wet Nellie used in the filming at a 2013 Sotheby’s auction. Considering Cybertruck as the most adventurous vehicle wouldn’t be wrong. Shouldn’t Musk keen attention on the Wet Nellie and making the design of the Cybertruck influenced by this submarine. And making with corrosion resistive steel suggest it could easily be upgraded to such features  if desired?