Seven years ago, it started off as just an idea. A Tesla “Super Truck” with all the added benefits of electric propulsion. Insane torque, even weight distribution, and of course, gas savings. Well, it’s been a week since the official unveiling, and a lot has happened. After much speculation, we now have the facts. It happens to be everything you’ve ever wanted plus some.
@DJjodes Would love to make a Tesla supertruck with crazy torque, dynamic air suspension and corners like its on rails. That'd be sweet…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 1, 2012
Tesla’s flagship vehicle marked an era. The Model S was a first of its kind and stood as the base behind the Model X and the newly affordable Model 3. It was the first in the line of S-E-X-Y cars. Teslas all seem to have that Tesla… look to them. This new electric truck looks a bit different from its family members, and I like it. A new era has begun, the cyberpunk era.
Relatively untraditional, the Cybertruck design is stated as being “partially influenced” by the submarine car in The Spy Who Loved Me. The original car from the film, a custom-built Lotus Esprit S1, is actually owned by Musk himself. Sadly, the Cybertruck can’t swim… yet. Let’s see how far we can push the limitations of over-the-air software updates. Some design notes seem to have also been taken from the Nintendo 64.
Goldeneye game had the truck first …. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/2IBjTUdoIG
— Tesla Owners Online (@Model3Owners) November 22, 2019
Cybertruck design influenced partly by The Spy Who Loved Me https://t.co/HKBzxFNfzm
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 21, 2019
After it all played out, conspiracy theories were quick to form. The electric truck was obviously some elaborate prank on the masses. The real design would debut soon enough. The window shatter was intended as memes are the best form of free press. This was just an early April fool’s joke in November.
As it turns out, it wasn’t a joke. This is the truck of the future and it works. The Tesla Cybertruck received nearly 150,000 reservations in the first 48 hours. It’s over 250,000. By no means was this a flop, it was actually one of Tesla’s more successful unveilings. While many doubted initially, things quickly turned around.
146k Cybertruck orders so far, with 42% choosing dual, 41% tri & 17% single motor
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 23, 2019
But there are a few things the Tesla Cybertruck has going for it. It’s faster, stronger, and more unique than anything else expected for the future electric truck market. The Cybertruck currently comes in three trim levels:
Single Motor RWD | Dual Motor AWD | Tri Motor AWD | |
---|---|---|---|
Price | $39,900 | $49,900 | $69,900 |
Tow Capacity | 7,500 lbs | 10,000 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
Max Payload | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
Range | 250 miles | 300 miles | 500 miles |
0-60 | 6.5 seconds | 4.5 seconds | 2.9 seconds |
The electric truck will also have onboard power outlets for both 110V and 220V, a built-in air compressor, and adaptive air suspension. Its size is standard at 231.7″ long, 79.8″ wide, and 75.0″ high with a 6.5’ bed and seating for six adults. With the entire body made out of bulletproof ultra-hard 30X steel, windows made with proprietary transparent steel dubbed Tesla Armor Glass, and the bed electronically locked, this will be the most durable vehicle on the streets. It’s basically military grade.
In typical Tesla fashion, the interior is fitted with a sleek and modern design. A 17” screen with an all-new interface is dash-mounted as found in the Model 3. By the time deliveries begin, Full Self-Driving is set to be road-ready. And of course, the truck will be capable of charging speeds up to 250 kW.
When all said and done, the new Tesla pickup truck is a better value than a Ford F 150 or comparable truck. The futuristic concept is no concept, it’s available for preorder today. With just a $100, fully refundable deposit, you can secure your spot early in line. If any previous Tesla releases taught us anything, it’s that this electric vehicle will have at least a year of backorders. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2021 with the Tri-Motor option following in 2022.
Sadly, we haven’t heard much more about the new Tesla truck. From its own webpage, we can see that a potential camping edition will be available. It is equipped with its own cooktop and built-in tent, possibly inspired by the Rivian R1T. The page also shows a custom Tesla trailer which could potentially see the streets alongside the Cybertruck. And while there may have not been any additional information, Tesla has not wasted any time calling out Ford with a video of the Cybertruck out-pulling an F-150.
Cybertruck pulls F-150 uphill pic.twitter.com/OfaqUkrDI3
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 24, 2019
What do you guys think of the Cybertruck? Let us know down in the comments below.