Trystan Casey
The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup truck that has been in development since 2012. With its unique design and features, it has created a new segment in the automotive industry. The Cybertruck is priced at around $100,000 and offers innovative technology such as an aircraft-style steer-by-wire system, all-wheel drive, and impressive horsepower. Despite its polarizing reception and production delays, the Cybertruck became available in November 2023, and Tesla has since offered various discounts and promotions to boost sales.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Tesla |
| Category | Electric pickup truck |
| Design | Futuristic, geometric, polarizing |
| Performance | Fast acceleration (0-60 mph in 2.6-4.1 seconds), high top speed (113-131 mph), strong towing capacity (7500-11,000 lbs), adjustable air suspension, all-wheel drive |
| Technology | New electrical architecture, steer-by-wire system, large touchscreen displays |
| Safety | Concerns about stiff exterior and potential harm to pedestrians, not crash tested by NHTSA or IIHS as of December 2024 |
| Sales and Production | First deliveries in November 2023, sales lower than anticipated, production delays, price reduction in November 2024, interest-free loans and discounts offered in June 2025 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup truck
The Cybertruck has a unique design that is more ""cyber" than "truck". It has some truck capabilities, such as a pickup bed, but it does not resemble a traditional truck. The vehicle has an angular design with a stiff stainless-steel exterior, which has raised concerns among safety experts about the potential risk of harm to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as damage to other vehicles.
Despite the criticism, the Cybertruck has some impressive features. It has tight steering, a stiff chassis, and an aircraft-style "steer-by-wire" system, which gives it a tight turning radius similar to that of a car. The Cybertruck also has an adjustable air suspension that can raise or lower the vehicle, providing up to 17 inches of ground clearance.
In terms of performance, the Cybertruck is offered in dual and tri-motor configurations, with the tri-motor version, known as the Cyberbeast or Beast, producing 834 horsepower and reaching 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. The dual-motor version generates 600 horsepower and can reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The electric truck's driving range varies, with the Beast having an estimated range of 320 miles per charge, while the AWD version is estimated to have a range of 325 miles per charge.
The Cybertruck has faced some challenges, with Tesla announcing its biggest discount yet in June 2025, offering 0% APR financing for those who order the truck with its $8,000 Full Self-Driving Package. As of March 2025, the Cybertruck has been subject to eight recalls, and sales have been lower than anticipated, with some analysts describing it as a commercial failure.
Electric Fireplace TV Stands: Are They Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Hot Wheels Tesla Cybertruck, HW Rolling Metal 4/5 [Silver] 246/250](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81GH0wfKriL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Its design is futuristic and polarising
The Tesla Cybertruck is a futuristic and polarising vehicle. Its design is a mash-up of polarising styling and bleeding-edge technology. Its angular design and stiff stainless-steel exterior have raised concerns among safety experts about the potential harm it could cause to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as the damage it could inflict on other vehicles. Its futuristic design has been likened to that of a spaceship, a UFO, and even a dumpster.
The Cybertruck's design is far more "cyber" than "truck", with its pickup bed and utilitarian features being the only traditional truck elements. Its unique design has created a new segment in the automotive industry. The vehicle's exterior has sharp contours and an unusual look, which was criticised by social media commentators when the prototype was exhibited in 2020.
The Cybertruck's cabin is minimalistic, with a spartan interior. It has a dramatically sloped roofline, providing generous headroom in the rear seats, although taller riders may find it snug. The front trunk has limited space, holding just one carry-on suitcase, but the interior can accommodate 22 with the rear seats folded up. The cargo bed offers 121 cubic feet of volume and includes a hidden underfloor storage compartment.
The Cybertruck features an aircraft-style steer-by-wire system, which uses electronics and software to control the vehicle's steering without a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. This gives it a tight turning radius, more similar to a car than a traditional truck, making it easier to manoeuvre in urban environments.
The vehicle has a stiff chassis similar to a sports car, and its seating feels more like a car than a truck. Its adjustable air suspension can raise or lower the EV on the fly, providing up to 17 inches of ground clearance. The Cybertruck also has an impressive towing capacity of 11,000 pounds and can haul 2,500 pounds in its cargo bed.
Becoming an Electrical Inspector: Requirements and Qualifications
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It has innovative features like steer-by-wire
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck with a unique design and innovative features. One of these features is the steer-by-wire system, which has been described as "reimagining the steering wheel". This system removes the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front tires, replacing it with a ribbon cable. This allows for a full range of motion in just 340 degrees, improving the truck's agility and providing a quicker response in low-speed turning situations.
The steer-by-wire system in the Cybertruck is controlled electronically and through software, which differs from typical electric power steering systems that rely on a steering wheel column to transfer steering torque to the wheels. This system provides the quickest steering of any production vehicle at parking lot speeds and more relaxed responses at highway speeds, allowing for smooth and steady control. The yoke also steers the rear wheels up to 10 degrees, tightening the turning circle at low speeds and stabilising handling during high-speed manoeuvres.
The steer-by-wire system in the Cybertruck is exclusive to the vehicle and is not active on any other vehicle in Tesla's all-electric lineup. It is an example of Tesla taking risks and innovating beyond what the risk-averse automotive industry typically does. While the system has been praised for its performance and benefits, it has also raised concerns and prompted discussions about new regulations.
The lack of a mechanical backup system in the Cybertruck's steer-by-wire system has been a topic of debate. Some have questioned the safety of solely relying on an electronic system, especially considering Tesla's record with technologies such as the Autopilot advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). However, Toyota has also announced plans to introduce steer-by-wire without a mechanical backup, opting for a redundant electric system as a backup instead.
Overall, the steer-by-wire system in the Tesla Cybertruck is a significant innovation that has the potential to influence the automotive industry. While it offers improved performance and manoeuvrability, it also raises important considerations regarding safety and regulations for vehicles with similar systems.
Solar Power: Connecting Solar Shades to Electricity
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Hot Wheels Tesla Cyberquad, HW Dirt 4/10 [Black/Silver] 82/250](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81aIz0vQ8OL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Sales have been disappointing
The Tesla Cybertruck has been described as a disappointment in terms of sales. Despite being the top-selling electric pickup truck in the US in the first half of 2024, with 11,688 sold by June, sales began to slow towards the end of the year. Industry estimates placed cumulative sales at around 27,185 by October 2024, but by November, sales were lower than expected, prompting a price reduction.
The Cybertruck's sales performance has been labelled "disappointing" by some analysts, who have pointed to the vehicle's high price point and niche appeal as potential reasons for its lacklustre sales. The Cybertruck's starting price has escalated beyond initial projections, with the current starting price at a minimum of $80,000, significantly higher than the original figure of $39,900. This has likely impacted sales, as consumers may be hesitant to purchase a vehicle that is not only expensive but also does not fit within the traditional truck category.
The Cybertruck's unique design and features, such as its angular body and unconventional steering system, may have also contributed to its disappointing sales. While some praised the vehicle for its futuristic and unconventional design, others found it too "weird" and not in line with what consumers typically look for in a pickup truck.
In addition to the high price and unusual design, the Cybertruck has faced other challenges. There have been concerns about the durability of its aluminium frame, and the vehicle has been subject to multiple recalls due to safety concerns. These factors, combined with production issues and a slowdown in EV sales growth, have likely contributed to the disappointing sales performance of the Cybertruck.
Despite being a best-seller among electric pickup trucks, the Cybertruck's sales have not met the initial expectations set by Elon Musk and Tesla. With the company facing a sales slump and the Cybertruck struggling to gain traction, it remains to be seen whether the vehicle can achieve the level of success once anticipated.
Mequon Electric Utility: Net Metering Options Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Cybertruck has faced safety concerns
The Tesla Cybertruck has faced scrutiny for its safety since its unveiling in 2019. Its angular design and stiff stainless-steel exterior have sparked concerns among safety experts about the potential harm it could inflict on pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles in the event of a collision. The absence of traditional crumple zones in the "exoskeleton" exterior and the tall, flat front of the truck have been highlighted as potential contributors to more severe injuries.
The Cybertruck's unique design has also led to concerns about impaired visibility for the driver due to thick pillars creating significant blind spots and an inadequate windshield wiper system that fails to clear the entire screen during heavy rainfall. The small rear window and the use of wing mirrors further hinder the driver's view, with the only rear-facing visibility provided through a fascia-mounted screen.
In addition to external safety concerns, the Cybertruck has also faced scrutiny for its electrically operated doors. In the event of an accident or malfunction, there are worries that these doors could lock occupants inside, hindering rescue efforts. As of March 2025, the Cybertruck has been subject to eight recalls, with some issues resolved through software updates and others requiring vehicle repairs.
The vehicle's safety has also been questioned in relation to its durability. Reports and videos have surfaced, showcasing issues with the aluminum frame's durability, including pieces of trim peeling off. The Cybertruck's unique design and use of hard metals and sharp edges have also been criticised as potentially dangerous, and it has been noted that it may struggle to meet stringent safety standards in countries outside the United States, such as Australia and those in the European Union.
While the Cybertruck has received some positive reviews for its high-tech features and driving experience, its safety concerns have been a significant point of criticism, with some describing its sales performance as disappointing.
Full-Size Electric SUVs: Exploring the Current Market Options
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, it is not. The first electric trucks were available in the early 2020s from General Motors, Ford Motor and Rivian Automotive.
The Tesla Cybertruck is a fully electric pickup truck. It was first unveiled in 2019 and the first deliveries were made in 2023.
The Tesla Cybertruck has a unique design that is far more "cyber" than "truck". It has a stainless-steel exterior, an aircraft-style steer-by-wire system, and a cargo bed with a power-retractable hard tonneau cover. It also has tight steering and a stiff chassis.
The Tesla Cybertruck is unlike any other vehicle on the road today. It has a more agile and car-like driving experience compared to typical pickup trucks. It also has impressive acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.6 to 4.1 seconds depending on the model. However, it has been criticized for its design, production quality, safety concerns, and disappointing sales.
