The TESLA CYBERTUCK

The long-awaited Tesla CyberTruck has finally entered the automotive scene, marking the culmination of nearly four years of anticipation since its grand unveiling at the Tesla Design Studio in Los Angeles back on November 21, 2019. Despite facing a series of very public challenges, including the now-famous window-breaking incident and production delays, the CyberTruck has finally hit the roads with new deliveries now in progress.

Here's a quick rundown on what the new truck brings to the scene:

Pros:

1. Boasting a potential range of up to 500 miles on a single charge.
2. A futuristic and unconventional appearance, setting it apart from traditional truck designs.
3. Featuring an ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless-steel structural skin and Tesla armor glass.
4. Capable of towing up to 11,000 pounds.

Cons:

1. The base model is priced at $61,000, surpassing the initially promised $39,900.
2. The polarizing nature of the design may be a factor for some consumers.
3. The base model is not available until 2025, which may be a drawback for those seeking immediate purchase and delivery.

Starting at a base price of $61,000, the Cybertruck slightly exceeds the initially promised $39,900. However, Tesla caters to various preferences with a range of models, including a more affordable rear-wheel drive version slated for 2025, with a starting price of $60,990 and an estimated range of 250 miles. Tesla's Cybertruck boasts a robust and resilient exterior, complemented by a spacious interior and cutting-edge technological features, distinguished by its ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless-steel structural skin and Tesla armor glass.

Performance-wise, the Cybertruck stands out with an impressive range of up to 500 miles on a single charge, the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, and a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds. Its unique and futuristic design sets it apart from traditional truck models, positioning it as a formidable competitor to offerings from established brands such as Ford, Chevy, and Rivian.

While the Cybertruck showcases commendable features, it does face its fair share of challenges, including a higher price point than initially communicated, potential delivery delays, and the polarizing nature of its unconventional design. As the first new vehicle from Tesla in three years, the Cybertruck's performance and reception are anticipated to play a pivotal role in influencing the broader electric vehicle market, particularly within the fiercely competitive pickup truck segment.

Moreover, the Cybertruck distinguishes itself among electric trucks by offering unparalleled range and battery capacity, boasting a 250kWh battery capacity and a potential range of up to 500 miles on a single charge. Its towing prowess of up to 11,000 pounds and an estimated driving range of up to 340 miles further underscore its outstanding performance, making it a standout choice among electric trucks.

In a nutshell, the Tesla Cybertruck represents a harmonious blend of innovation and challenges, offering ground-breaking features and top-tier performance while navigating criticisms and intense market competition. Its reception and impact are poised to shape the trajectory of the electric vehicle landscape, particularly within the pickup truck market.

The Tesla Cybertruck lineup includes three models – the Cyberbeast, All-Wheel Drive, and Rear-wheel drive. Customer deliveries kicked off in November 2023, providing enthusiasts with various options. These include the 845bhp ‘Cyberbeast’ tri-motor version priced at $99,990, featuring a commendable 320-mile range. Additionally, there's a $79,990 AWD dual motor version boasting 600bhp, a 340-mile range, and a 0-60mph acceleration in 3.9 seconds. Looking ahead to 2025, a RWD-only single motor variant is expected, offering a 250-mile range and a 0-60mph acceleration in 6.5 seconds. The entry-level option, the single motor truck, is available at a competitive price of $60,990. The tri-motor version, equipped with two induction motors on the rear axle and a permanent magnet motor on the front, achieves remarkable feats – 0-60mph in 2.6 seconds, an 11-second quarter mile, weighing 3,100kg, and housing a substantial 123kWh battery, Tesla's largest to date. For those looking to extend the range, Tesla offers an optional plug-and-play 50kWh battery extender, essentially repurposing the pack from a standard range Model 3, fitting into the bed and extending the range to an impressive 440 miles (470 for the AWD version). The powertrain operates on an 800V architecture, a notable Tesla first, capable of charging at up to 350kW when utilizing a V4 Supercharger – an entirely in-house design and build by Tesla.

The Cybertruck's construction is a testament to innovation, featuring stainless steel panels directly bolted onto a steel monocoque to form a bullet-proof exoskeleton. However, the process wasn't without its challenges, particularly when it came to bending stainless steel. The innovative solution, known as Airbending, involves floating the tool on a high-pressure air hockey table, ensuring it doesn't directly touch the surface during bending. The steel used is a special grade, addressing the inherent susceptibility of stainless steel to corrosion over time. This unique approach results in a supercar-like torsional stiffness of 45kNm/deg. Notably, the absence of "hemming," a traditional panel wrapping technique, means that all edges are exposed, requiring chamfering to avoid potential injuries. While certain elements, like the bottom edge of the frunk, have protective rubber strips, the overall design demands some adjustment, particularly regarding the way panels meet and align. The Cybertruck's distinctiveness lies in its different construction approach, a quality to be celebrated.

Tesla's Cybertruck has not only garnered attention for its performance and design but has also sparked interest in its innovative features. The truck enters a fiercely competitive market, challenging traditional aesthetics with a trapezoidal exterior design inspired by the "Blade Runner" movie and a stainless-steel alloy exoskeleton. Beyond its eye-catching appearance, the Cybertruck stands out with practical features such as a 6-foot-long bed, additional storage spaces, and a powered gate. The interior reflects Tesla's minimalist design philosophy, dominated by an 18.5-inch screen that controls various functions, replacing the traditional steering yoke found in other Tesla models with a squared-off version seen in the Model 3.

The Cybertruck offers a versatile and powerful package, boasting 2,830 liters of lockable cargo capacity. This includes the load bed, referred to as the "vault," the frunk, and additional storage behind the side windows. The integration of 120-volt and 240-volt power points further transforms the Cybertruck into a mobile power station. An onboard air compressor adds to its utility, emphasizing its readiness for a range of tasks.

Tesla's Cybertruck not only pushes the boundaries of electric truck performance but also redefines the expectations of durability and versatility. As Tesla continues to forge its path in the electric vehicle landscape, the Cybertruck remains a symbol of innovation, seamlessly blending futuristic design with robust and practical features. 

There is no news yet if the truck will be heading to our shores anytime soon but with COE prices today and the likelihood of it increasing, this beast is highly likely to cost half a million SGD easy. Then again if you are in the market for a 5 seater truck with a huge towing capacity (not like you can actually tow anything legally on our roads) and a huge boot, which can put most supercars to shame. Maybe this is the vehicle for you.