El Tesla Cybertruck, with its cutting-edge design and technological innovations, has captured the world's attention since its announcement. Featuring an angular and futuristic aesthetic that breaks with the conventionality of traditional vehicles, the Cybertruck stands out as a symbol of the future for electric cars.
However, this distinctive design also has generated controversy, since some consider it too revolutionary, while others believe that it has very important defects as an all-terrain vehicle, especially there has been criticism about its practicality in everyday life and its suitability for the mass market. In this duality between lights and shadows, the Tesla Cybertruck continues to be the subject of debate and reflection in the automotive industry and beyond.
Tesla Cybertruck lights
El Tesla Cybertruck, with its futuristic design and innovative features, has captured the imagination of technology enthusiasts and electric vehicle lovers, with inspiration from science fiction films and even cyberpunk inspiration. In addition, Elon Musk's car has also shown some advantages, such as:
- Robust and distinctive design: The Tesla Cybertruck departs from traditional truck design conventions. Its rugged, angular body is made of cold-rolled stainless steel, giving it a unique appearance and exceptional durability.
- Strength and durability- The steel of the Cybertruck's exoskeleton is capable of withstanding bumps, dents, and even hammer impacts without significant damage. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a sturdy and reliable vehicle.
- Electrifying performance- Offers a variety of engine options, including single-, dual- and triple-engine versions. The three-motor version is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.9 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle as large as this one, which let's not forget is a pick-up.
- Long distance autonomy- With a high-capacity battery, the Cybertruck can travel more than 800 km on a single charge. This outperforms many other electric vehicles on the market and eliminates range anxiety.
- Cargo and towing capacity: It is designed for heavy duty work. It can carry up to 1.5T of cargo and tow up to 6 tons. Perfect for outdoor adventures or for professionals who need a tough pick-up.
- Minimalist and tech-laden interior: The interior is spacious and minimalist. It has a 17-inch touch screen that controls all vehicle functions, from navigation to music. Plus, the seats are comfortable and versatile. Also, as you know, Tesla is a leader in autonomous driving technology. The Cybertruck comes with the Autopilot system, which allows assisted driving. In addition, software updates are carried out wirelessly (OTA or Over The Air), constantly improving the user experience.
- Wheel size and design: The Cybertruck's wheels are huge, with a diameter of about 35 inches. This contributes to its robust and resistant appearance. The Cybertruck comes with a basic wheel design that will likely be included from the factory. These wheels have a functional look and fit the style of the vehicle. Premium Options: Although not yet confirmed, it is possible that Tesla will offer the original prototype design as a premium option for those looking for an extra touch of style.
- Steering technology: has a system of cable steering (steer-by-wire). Instead of the traditional steering wheel, it features a rounded yoke. This system improves the maneuverability of the truck and has proven to be agile in testing.
- 48v electrical architecture- The Tesla Cybertruck uses a 48-volt electrical architecture, representing a significant advancement in the automotive industry. This allows for more efficient power delivery and reduces the overall weight of the vehicle. Tesla's vertical integration and manufacturing capabilities played a crucial role in the rapid adoption of this technology.
- Beast Mode: It has a high performance mode called “Beast Mode”. In this mode, the truck becomes a powerful beast, with a dual-induction rear-wheel drive unit, active torque vectoring and an electro-mechanical front differential. Together, they produce an impressive 850 hp approx.
- Motorization: The Tesla Cybertruck comes in three variants with different technical characteristics or engine variants to choose from:
- Rear-wheel drive Cybertruck (Single Motor), that is, with a single electric motor on the rear axle:
- Estimated range: Up to 402 km (about 250 miles).
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 6,5 seconds.
- Electric motor power: More than 300 HP in the front-wheel drive unit.
- Steering system: Steer-by-wire instead of mechanical steering column.
- Four-wheel drive Cybertruck (Dual Motor), with an electric motor on the front axle and another motor on the rear axle, for all-wheel drive:
- Estimated range: 547 km (approximately 340 miles).
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 4,1 seconds.
- Electric motor power: More than 300 HP in the front-wheel drive unit and more than 300 HP in the rear-wheel drive unit.
- Active torque vectoring to improve maneuverability.
- Cyberbeast, the model with a triple motor, that is, the same as the four-wheel drive and one more motor to achieve greater power:
- Estimated range: 515 km (about 320 miles).
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 2,6 seconds.
- Electric motor power: Triple motor configuration.
- Range Extender Option: Allows greater range with an additional battery that can be added or removed depending on the owner's needs.
- Rear-wheel drive Cybertruck (Single Motor), that is, with a single electric motor on the rear axle:
- Additionally, the Cybertruck features a frunk (front compartment) called Powergate, which is Tesla's first electric frunk. It includes a hidden and very spacious bench, among other new features and amenities designed for life of adventure.
And these are some of the most prominent lights of the Tesla Cybertruck, but it also has shadows, as I mentioned before...
The shadows of the Tesla Cybertruck
As for those Shadows that could end up completely tarnishing the Tesla Cybertruck model, and that it is not a mass production model like other vehicles from this Californian brand of Elon Musk, here I highlight the most important ones:
Unbreakable windows that break
The Tesla Cybertruck promised unparalleled endurance, especially in relation to its windows nicknamed “unbreakable”. During the presentation of the vehicle, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, decided to test this feature through a demonstration in which objects were thrown against the windows in an attempt to demonstrate its durability.
However, the surprise came when, against expectations, the windows were broken during the live show. This episode quickly became an iconic moment, highlighting the complexity and sometimes unpredictability of innovation, as well as exposing Tesla and Musk, who felt like Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer when their wonderful Windows 95 crashed. in front of all those attending the presentation.
Off-road that is not off-road
The Tesla Cybertruck is presented as an all-terrain pick-up, however, it has already had its problems off-road. For example, he found himself trapped in one of his expeditions, unable to progress on his own. Ironically, two Ford gasoline pick-ups were the ones that came to the rescue. The incident occurred on the Corral Hollow OHV Trail, a 22-mile route near Kit Carson, California, that runs through the Stanislaus National Forest.
Although the Cybertruck struggled to get out of a quagmire, it was eventually connected by a rope to a Ford Super Duty that helped him free himself. A complete disaster for the image of this specific Tesla, which was a pre-production (RC) version. Apparently, a software issue affected the Tesla's traction control, and the lack of rescue hooks further complicated the situation.
Dangerous angles for pedestrians in the event of a collision
The Tesla Cybertruck has a very robust stainless steel sheet body, more so than other cars. In addition to that, the angular contours of the model make it almost a murder weapon in the event of an accident. This bodywork is not made to cushion impacts against pedestrians, and these angles could be very sharp, resulting in serious injuries or death in the event of a collision at considerable speed. However, this is part of the essence of the Cybertruck, they can't change the angles or they will alter the entire design, so we'll see...
Problems for mass production
The materials used in the Tesla Cybertruck, such as the type of glass or stainless steel sheet, make the manufacturing of this vehicle quite complicated, which is why it does not adapt well to mass assembly lines. Therefore, mass production of this model could be impossible. For example, some of the drawbacks are:
- Materials and construction: As I said earlier, it uses a cold-rolled stainless steel exoskeleton, giving it a distinctive appearance and greater strength. However, working with this material can be complicated in terms of welding and forming. The precision required to assemble steel parts without compromising structural integrity is a challenge.
- Geometric form: Its angular and flat shape, with straight lines and sharp edges, makes mass production difficult. Conventional presses and machines used in automobile manufacturing are designed for softer, curved shapes. Adapting these technologies to produce the Tesla Cybertruck requires significant adjustments.
- Dimensions and interior space- The minimalist design of the Cybertruck affects the interior space. The cabin is spacious, but the shape of the vehicle limits cargo capacity and seating arrangements. Optimizing ergonomics and functionality without compromising aesthetics is a challenge for mass production.
- Windows and visibility: The infamous incident at the Cybertruck launch, where windows shattered during a strength demonstration, highlights the difficulty of achieving strong, safe windows without sacrificing visibility. In mass production, ensuring the quality and safety of the windows will be crucial.
And all this to obtain a car that does not represent an impressive waste of money and from which Tesla can make profits...
The botched doors of the Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck, the highly anticipated electric pickup, has faced its first manufacturing quality problem: The doors are not aligned correctly with the body. This drawback became evident when a Reddit user, allegedly a Tesla employee, shared detailed photos revealing that the doors are slightly raised compared to the rest of the body.
Although Elon Musk had demanded precision levels below 10 microns, the need to adapt to adjustments and assembly made the alignment of the doors less precise than expected. This issue, visible in the Cybertruck's distinctive design, highlights the difficulty of maintaining extremely high standards in vehicle manufacturing.
Adaptation to European security legislation difficult
In 2019, a TÜV technician warned that the Tesla Cybertruck would require extensive modifications to pass the homologation process in Europe and the crash tests. According to Stefan Teller, a technician at SGS-TÜV, the Cybertruck contradicts the safety philosophy in Europe. Although occupants may feel safe, the reality is that they are not.
Passive safety in the United States differs significantly from that in Europe. In Europe, bumpers must be deformable to absorb most of the energy during an impact. However, due to its high-strength steel body, the Cybertruck does not deform in the event of a collision. This means that all the impact energy negatively affects the occupants, rendering airbags useless.
Recently, Tesla posted a video of a Cybertruck crash test, where it is observed that the vehicle does not deform much when hit. However, the lack of specific data on the test makes it difficult to assess whether this is positive or negative. Furthermore, the state of the dummies (test dummies) is not visible in the video.
3 tons of Tesla Cybertruck to move
The challenge posed by the 3-tonne weight of the Tesla Cybertruck has raised concerns in various aspects, from the energy consumption to vehicle agility. With considerable mass, this electric pick-up faces the challenge of maintaining energy efficiency and optimal performance.
The high mass directly affects energy consumption, since more power is required to move a heavier vehicle, which could affect its range between charges. Additionally, agility and maneuverability may be compromised due to the considerable weight, which could influence the driving experience, especially on more demanding terrain. This aspect raises questions about how Tesla will address these challenges and optimize the Cybertruck's performance in varying conditions.
A Cx from a shoebox
In contrast, the Tesla Cybertruck features a aerodynamic coefficient (Cx) of 0,335, while the other Tesla models are in a range of 0,22 to 0,23. This high aerodynamic coefficient probably negatively affects both the consumption and the range of the vehicle. And between the Cybertruck and a shoebox there is not much difference in terms of aerodynamics...
The square surfaces and flat front of the Cybertruck harm its aerodynamics. On the other hand, vehicles with more curved shapes allow air to flow with less resistance over the bodywork. Unfortunately, this advantage does not apply to the Cybertruck. Ultimately, this translates into greater energy consumption, and that drag or aerodynamic resistance will cause the top speed to be lower...
Difficult to model stainless steel body
The Tesla Cybertruck faces another challenge regarding its stainless steel body, as I mentioned previously. Several Cybertruck workers revealed that stainless steel has proven difficult to mold into panels without gaps, causing alignment problems in the body, but this is not the only problem. According to some media, stainless steel is manufactured in coils that are susceptible to bending, trying to recover its original shape even after being flattened. So far, Tesla has not officially commented on this fitment issue.
The Tesla Cybertruck has an exorbitant price
And finally, another of the great shadows of the Tesla Cybertruck: its price. Elon Musk's company estimated that the average price would be about $39.900, but the reality is that in the end this estimate has ended up doubling, so the price of this vehicle is exorbitant. The starting price of the model will be about $60.990, which works out to about €56.000 at the exchange rate.
In addition, the all-wheel drive version rises to $79.990, about €73.000. And if we go to the Cyberbeast version, we will have to pay about $99.990 or €92.000. A price that is too high for a car with so many design problems from its inception…
Remember Tesla offers various configurations of the Cybertruck, each one with different characteristics. For example:
- Standard Cybertruck:
- Estimated range: Up to 547 km.
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 2,7 seconds in “Beast” mode (four-wheel drive).
- Load capacity: 1134 kg.
- Platform size: 1,83 m x 1,22 m.
- Additional features: Adaptive air suspension, armored glass, stainless steel exoskeleton.
- Cyberbeast:
- Estimated autonomy: Milla 320 (about 515 km).
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 2,6 seconds.
- Towing capacity: 11,000 lbs.
- Weight: 6,843 lbs.
- Central screen: 18,5 inches.
- Rear wheel drive model (preview for 2025):
- Estimated autonomy: Not yet specified.
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6,5 seconds.