Tesla’s Long-Awaited Cybertruck: What to Expect

Tesla is no stranger to lavish product reveals and cult followings of fans. It is why the hype managed to persist despite multiple delays since its 2019 reveal. Here is what you can expect from the now-in-production Tesla Cybertruck.

 

Tesla Cybertruck. Image used courtesy of Tesla

 

What Are the Cybertruck’s Specs?

To understand the Cybertruck craze, it is essential to unpack it. The selling point of the Cybertruck is its impact- and bulletproof exoskeleton. It is made of stainless steel and Tesla’s own armor glass for an outer shell capable of withstanding environmental stressors and wear and tear. 

It has a toughness promising to keep passengers and drivers as safe as possible – the exterior promises to dent or corrode rarely. Tesla boldly asserted if there were better materials on the market, they would have used them to make the Cybertruck instead.

The main difference between this EV and Tesla’s other offerings is its size and hauling capabilities. It touts a 3,500-pound carrying capacity with a locking tonneau and can pull up to 14,000 pounds in attached weight. It has adaptive air suspension, making rolling equipment on and off the bed easy.

Stylized photos make it shine as the perfect family camper and moving van all at the same time. It has enough room to fit six riders and has a sleek leather interior. Tesla claims its battery can travel 500 miles on a single charge despite its weight, theoretically minimizing range anxiety in EV truck drivers.

 

How Has Growth Looked for the Cybertruck?

EV adoption is projected to reach 45% by 2030-2035 in the United States, and the Cybertruck is only helped by this growth. Data mining suggests around 1,940,000 reservations have hit Tesla’s books since the truck’s announcement — almost doubled from May 2021. Tesla made it easy to seal a spot, only requiring a $100 refundable deposit. In the last two years, it averages to around 1,100 daily reservations for a car buyers were not even sure would hit the market.

 

Image used courtesy of Tesla
 

Tesla soon ventured into the semi-truck realm rather than residential pickups. Government incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act may have motivated Tesla to ramp up production, as consumers crave the tax breaks on EVs.

International buyers contributed to the vehicle’s preorder success, even when the car was only slated as a North American exclusive. It is to the point where Elon Musk is considering adjusting specs to align with European safety guidelines.

Production will roll out in earnest at the beginning of 2024, with test models arriving before the end of 2023. Getting the Cybertruck on public roads as soon as possible is crucial, mainly because practical and cultural roadblocks hinder its potential.

 

Is the Cybertruck Immune to Challenges?

Timing is the first concern. Even if Tesla employs all the power in its Texas-based gigafactory, it can only pump out 375,000 Cybertrucks yearly, making early reservers wait even longer for their new ride. The number does not account for incoming reservations since their most recent booking window opening.

The Cybertruck’s design is avant-garde — a stylistic choice atypical of the market’s associated target audience of heavy-hauling trucks. Early interest is enough to gain short-term headlines, but it is hard to tell if the car’s design will appeal to the masses when it becomes a staple on dealership lots. Ford EV sales have had a growth rate of 139% with their classic designs and brand familiarity. Will Ford, Dodge, and Toyota fans be convinced to move from a comfortable, fossil-fuel model to an innovative EV alternative?

Copious manufacturing and logistical delays abound in the Tesla Cybertruck’s narrative. From disruptive noise and vibrations to braking issues, leaked documents in 2023 made investors question the stability of its development. Consistent postponements were not all due to factors outside Tesla’s control — some were internal, technical failings from the car’s design and construction.

 

Image used courtesy of Tesla

 

COVID-19 supply chain disruptions did not help the cause, but as the media focuses less on these influences, buyers pay more attention to how it impacts their wallets. Industry experts question if these documents threaten its release even more, as scared investors could pull funds from the delicate project.

The wait times could make more than investors pull from their commitment. It is easy for the average consumer to get their $100 refundable deposit back, funneling that into another EV they could have five years sooner.

 

Will 1,100 Reservations Equal 1,100 Sales?

The Tesla Cybertruck may have garnered early interest, especially with its inexpensive reservation down payment. However, the timetable for rolling out new models feels arduous and high pressure. It is difficult to tell whether Tesla will amp up production to meet demand or if they expect fans to remain dedicated to their reservation.

Once the van truck is on the road, it could skyrocket interest or reveal numerous performance inadequacies. Hopefully, it illuminates how larger electric vehicles will run in a newly decarbonized transportation sector for a healthier, more sustainable future.