Tesla Cybertruck

This article is about the Tesla pickup. For Tesla's semi-trailer tractor-unit truck, seeTesla Semi.

Tesla Cybertruck
Overview
Manufacturer	Tesla, Inc.
Production	2023–present
Assembly	United States:Austin, Texas(Gigafactory Texas)
Designer	Franz von Holzhausen,Sahm Jafari,Ian Kettle, WooTak Kim, Julien Bilodeau
Body and chassis
Class	Full-sizepickup truck
Body style	4-doorcrew cab
Layout	Rear motor, rear-wheel drive Dual- or tri-motor, all-wheel drive
Powertrain
Transmission	single-speed 15:1 fixed gear ratio
Battery	123 kWh: 816 V, 150 Ah +50 kWh (with range extender battery)
Electric range	250–340 mi (400–545 km) EPA estim. 440–470 mi (710–755 km) (with optional range extender battery)
Plug-in charging	≤250 kW DC at 400V ≤350 kW DC at 800V 11.5 kW AC (240V, 48A) V2HandV2V:11.5 kW AC (240V, 48A) V2L:9.6 kW AC (240V, 40A) continuous
Dimensions
Length	223.7 in (5,682 mm)
Width	80–95 in (2,032–2,413 mm)
Height	70.5 in (1,791 mm)
Curb weight	AWD: 6,603 lb (2,995 kg) Cyberbeast: 6,843 lb (3,104 kg)

TheTesla Cybertruckis abattery electricfull-size pickuptruck built byTesla, Inc.since 2023. The vehicle was introduced as aconcept vehiclein November 2019. It is notable for its distinctive triangular body design with flat sheet metal panels made ofstainless steel,which has attracted controversy.

Tesla was initially aiming to bring the vehicle into production in 2021. After a series of delays, production Cybertrucks were first delivered to customers in late November 2023.

As of December 2023,three models are offered: the tri-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) "Cyberbeast",' adual-motor AWDmodel, and arear-wheel drive(RWD) model, withEPA rangeestimates of 250–340 miles (400–550 km), varying by model.Cybertruck is available only inNorth America.

History

Background

From 2012to 2013,Elon Muskdiscussed his desire to build a truck, making comparisons with aFord F-250.In early 2014, Musk predicted 4–5 years before work could start on the product.

In mid-2016, Musk outlined his goals for a consumer pickup truck.He suggested using the samechassisfor a van and a pickup truck.During theTesla SemiandTesla Roadsterunveiling in November 2017, a picture of a "pickup truck that can carry a pickup truck" was displayed.

In late 2018, Musk talked of showing a prototype in 2019.In March 2019, following theTesla Model Ylaunch, Musk distributed ateaser imageof a vehicle described as having acyberpunkorBlade Runnerstyle,with the form resembling a futuristicarmored personnel carrier.

2019 concept

TheconceptCybertruck was unveiled at the Tesla Design Studio in Los Angeles on November 21, 2019—the same month, year and location that the movieBlade Runnerwas set.The truck was launched under a graffiti-themed logo of "Cybertruck".

Window damage caused by steel ball impact during unveiling event

During the unveiling, Tesla claimed that the Cybertruck's "Armor Glass" windows were virtually unbreakable, but two windows shattered whenFranz von Holzhausenthrew a metal ball at each of them.Musk later claimed that the windows were damaged because, in an earlier demonstration, the door was hit by a sledgehammer that cracked the base of the glass.In mid-2019, the towing capacity of the vehicle was stated to meet or exceed that of a Ford F-150.Tesla released a video of Cybertruck pulling a rear-wheel-drive Ford F-150 uphill in a tug of war.News outlets pointed out this was due to Cybertruck's heavier weight.

Tesla's stated goal was to provide asustainable energysubstitute for the roughly 6,500 fossil-fuel-powered trucks sold per day in the United States.

At the end of the presentation, theTesla Cyberquad,anall-terrain vehicle(ATV), was driven onto the bed of the Cybertruck using built-in ramps in the tailgate. The Cyberquad was plugged into the Cybertruck's onboard power outlet to charge its batteries. The ATV was to be available for sale as a Cybertruck option.

In 2019, many social media commentators criticized the sharp contours and unusual exterior shown in the concept vehicle.Tesla, Inc. stock declined 6% following the announcement.The prototype was exhibited at thePetersen Automotive Museumin June 2020and returned in November 2022.

In January 2020,Automobile Magazinenamed Cybertruck the "Concept Car of the Year" for 2019.

Reservations

Cybertruck prototype on display at thePetersen Automotive Museum

Beginning in November 2019, Tesla accepted Cybertruck reservations with a US$100 deposit.On November 23, 2019, Musk tweeted that Tesla had received 146,000 reservations in the first 1.5 days after the unveiling.Musk updated the number of preorders to 250,000 on November 26.

In October 2021, Tesla removed the Cybertruck's pricing and specifications from its website without explanation while still accepting deposits.An updated prototype was spotted undergoing testing in December 2021. The newer prototype could be distinguished from the 2019 concept vehicle by the presence of a largewindshield wiperand the omission of the truck's front light bar.

At the 2022 annual shareholders meeting, in response to a question, Elon Musk stated that final specifications and pricing would be materially different from those unveiled on theconcept vehiclein 2019.

Preorders were temporarily shut down prior to the delivery event on November 30, 2023.Since the delivery event, the price for a deposit was increased to $250.

Pilot production

Release Candidate testing inSan Mateo, Californiaduring October 2023

Franz von Holzhausen drove a prototype to the Petersen Automotive Museum for an event in late June 2023.

In July 2023, the first Cybertruck was built on the production line atGigafactory Texas;and Tesla clarified in October that this waspilot production.

Delivery

Production-specification Cybertrucks were sent to Tesla showrooms starting in late November 2023.

During the delivery event atGigafactory Texason November 30, 2023, Tesla delivered the first 10 or 12 production units to customers.The event featured a 30-minute presentation including a demonstration where the Cybertruck's armored glass successfully withstood a baseball thrown by von Holzhausen.During the delivery event the speed of the Cybertruck was highlighted as being able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 2.6 seconds which was demonstrated by a video of the Cybertruck winning a drag race with aPorsche 911while also towing another Porsche 911,which Musk claimed was over a distance of1⁄4mi (0.40 km), but based on pavement markings and grandstand position atSacramento Raceway Park,where the race was recorded, was more likely to be1⁄8mi (0.20 km).

At the delivery event, final pricing, availability, and product details were also announced. Three models were announced: single-motor RWD, dual-motor AWD, and a tri-motor AWD branded as the "Cyberbeast." The RWD model base price was US$60,990 to be available in 2025. Its range was 250 mi (400 km) with a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h). The all-wheel drive was to be available in 2024 at a starting price of $79,990, with a range of 340 mi (550 km) and a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h). The tri-motor Cyberbeast variant was offered at $99,990, also to be available in 2024.Compared to the 2019 unveiling of the concept Cybertruck, base prices were substantially more expensive by US$21,000–39,000, depending on the model, an increase of 52.9% to 82.1%.

Design

Inspiration and styling

A lineup of preproduction Tesla vehicles, including the 2019 Cybertruck prototype, theCyberquad,thesecond generation Roadster,and theTesla Semion display in September 2020

According to Musk, the design of the Cybertruck was inspired byBlade Runnerand "Wet Nellie",theLotus Espritdriven byJames BondinThe Spy Who Loved Me,which doubled as a submarine.In June 2019, Musk noted thatamphibious vehicleswere technically possible and claimed Tesla had a design for one.Musk had bought the Wet Nellie used in filming at a 2013Sotheby'sauction.

In aMusk biographybyWalter Isaacson,Musk's son Saxon was quoted as asking, "Why doesn't the future look like the future?", which Musk used as an inspiration for the designand repeated during the delivery event.Lars Moravyconfirmed Musk's involvement: "Elon threw in that it had to drive like a sports car but have all the utility of a pick-up truck... basically, we were sweating bullets". Franz von Holzhausen stated the design process "started [by] unpacking existing pick-up trucks and realis[ing] that the market hasn't changed at all. [...] LikeGandini,we wanted to do something dramatic that changed everything. I had this simple idea right in the beginning: this exoskeleton idea, a low-resolution-looking type of truck. And out of that side project, we made a full-size clay model to show Elon. And he's like, 'that's what we're doing.'"

Syd Mead,Blade Runner's artistic director, called the Cybertruck "stylistically breathtaking" shortly after the unveiling.Frank Stephensonwas critical, calling the design "almost repulsive" but tempered his criticism by noting it "has the potential to be extremely beautiful" by softening the hard lines.Automotive designer Adrian Clarke was more unsparing: "The Cybertruck is a low polygon joke that only exists in the fever dreams of Tesla fans that stands high on the smell of Elon Musk’s flatulences".Giorgetto Giugiaro,credited with originating the "origami" car design trend with the Lotus Esprit,BMW M1,andDMC DeLorean,stated in 2023 that "when you step outside the norms, it's almost always seen as a provocation... the Cybertruck will surely be successful... I'm convinced it will find its admirers".

Journalist Paul Niedermeyer said he was "blown away," comparing the design to Giugiaro'sMaserati Boomerang,as "never has anyone put something so uncompromising into production," adding that "in a world of look-alike cars and trucks, the Cybertruck is a very welcome addition to the streets."Tom Halter wrote the polarizing design could mark the start of a new design trend for pickup trucks, arguing "the paramilitary 'stealth fighter' look of the Cybertruck successfully kicks aside the old urban cowboy look while not compromising the inherent manliness and toughness that attracts buyers to pickups in the first place".

Exterior

Production-spec Cybertruck and Cyberquad in Tesla showroom (Nov 2023)

The Cybertruck usesstressed skinconstruction,which Tesla calls an "exoskeleton";this structure is used rather than thebody-on-frameconstruction typical of trucks. Musk likened it to the difference betweenbiplaneandmonoplaneaircraft structures. In its 2021 patent application, Tesla clarified that the vehicle would include a frame but claimed the exterior panels served to support at least one component, such as a hinge, handle, bolt, motor, or interior trim panel, and also provided side impact protection.

The body panels are made from300-seriesstainless steel up to3 mm-thick (1⁄8in) which has beencold-rolled.These panels cannot bestampedlike conventional automobile parts, but instead arelaser-cutand then bent along straight lines,resulting in afaceteddesign that was called "low-poly"in 2019, and likened toorigami.The exterior stainless steel sheet metal was demonstrated to bebullet-resistant.

In 2019, it was reportedly going to use the same stainless steel alloy developed by Teslain partnership withAperamthat Musk'sSpaceXuses on itsStarshiprocket,because of its even stress distribution and increased interior volume.Earlier design concepts had proposedtitaniumouter panels, but stainless steel offered additional strength.

Powertrain

Tesla uses a platform approach to the powertrain components—using only a singlepermanent magnet motorrotor/stator design, a singleinduction motorrotor/stator design, a single motorinverterdesign, and a singlegear setdesign—for all three configurations of Cybertruck: tri-motor AWD, dual-motor AWD, and single-motor RWD delivering 845 hp (630 kW) on the tri-motor down to 315 hp (235 kW) in the single-motor version. All powertrain components for each motor are housed in a liquid-cooled integrated subassembly that includes the rotor/stator, inverter and the 15:1-ratio gear set.

The dual-motor AWD version uses an induction motor on the front axle with a maximum output of 303 hp (226 kW) and a permanent magnet motor on the rear axle with a maximum output of 297 hp (221 kW) for a total power output of 600 hp (450 kW). The tri-motor AWD version— "Cyberbeast" —swaps motor locations (permanent magnet to front axle, induction motor to rear axle) and adds a second induction motor on the rear axle, offering a maximum combined output of 845 hp (630 kW) in Beast Mode,split as 276 hp (206 kW) for the front motor and 284 hp (212 kW) for each rear motor. The rear-wheel drive version, announced for production in 2025, will be equipped with a single permanent magnet motor on the rear axle.

The inverter design is the same 4th-generation Tesla inverter used in theTesla Model S Plaid,with updated silicon rated for up to 1000 V DC input voltage. The size of the rotor/stator is smaller than in aTesla Model 3due to higher input voltage, 15:1 gear ratio and a lower top speed.

Cybertruck model specifications

Model Spec	Rear-wheel drive	Dual-motor AWD	Tri-motor AWD "Cyberbeast"
Range (EPA est.)	250 mi (400 km)	340 mi (550 km)	320 mi (510 km)
Range with Extender	?	>470 mi (760 km)	>440 mi (710 km)
0 to 60 mph	6.5 sec.	4.1 sec.	2.6 sec. (withrolloutsubtracted)
Top speed	112 mph (180 km/h)	112 mph (180 km/h)	130 mph (210 km/h)
Power	315 hp (235 kW)	600 hp (450 kW)	845 hp (630 kW)
Wheel torque	?	7,435 lb⋅ft (10,081 N⋅m)	10,296 lb⋅ft (13,960 N⋅m)
Payload capacity	?	2,500 lb (1,100 kg)
Towing capacity	7,500 lb (3,400 kg)	11,000 lb (5,000 kg)

Suspension, chassis and steering

Cybertruck features activeair suspensionat both axles. The truck hasself-leveling suspensionthat can compensate for variable load weights. Up to 12 inches (30 cm) of suspension travel and 17.4 inches (44 cm) of ground clearance are provided,with a 35 degreeapproach angle,and 28 degreedeparture angle.The four dampers featureadaptive dampingwith valves for compression and rebound.

Interior view, 2019prototype

The Cybertruck featuressteer-by-wire,with control of steering done by electrical signals rather than a mechanical linkage.Variable-sensitivity steeringis used where steering control is more sensitive at low vehicle speed and less sensitive at higher speeds. The steering wheel completes all turns with less than a full rotation, 340°lock-to-lock,170° in each direction.Four-wheel steering(rear wheels up to 10°) reduces theturning circle.The steering actuators (two at the front axle for redundancy, one at the rear axle) are operated at 48V DC.

Range, battery, and charging

Dual motor all-wheel drive is specified with an estimated range of 340 mi (550 km), while Cyberbeast models have a range of 320 mi (510 km).On November 30, 2023, an RWD model with a range of 250 mi (400 km) was announced for delivery in 2025.

The Cybertruck has an 816 V nominal, 150 Ahstructural battery pack with a maximum capacity of 123 kWh and is claimed to charge at a maximum rate of 350 kW at appropriate charging stations supplying 800V DC power, like the Tesla Supercharger v4.The pack serves as a structural member and is composed of4680 lithium-ion battery cells;with a stated energy density of 170 Wh/kg for the entire pack, the overall battery pack weight is approximately 720 kg (1,590 lb).At 400V DC stations, such as earlier Superchargers, it is split internally into two parallel 400V sub-batteries to charge natively without internal power conversion,at a maximum rate of 250 kW.Up to 128 or 136 mi (206 or 219 km) (tri-motor or dual-motor versions, respectively) of range can be added in 15 minutes of charging.The onboard charger can accept AC power at a maximum rate of 11.5 kW.

Range extender

The dual-motor and tri-motor configurations can be ordered with a "range extender" option, which adds a 50 kWh battery to the vehicle. The battery occupies approximately1⁄3of the truck bed and increases range by 120–130 mi (190–210 km). It is intended for long trips or towing heavy things up mountains. Since most daily usage of pickup trucks is far less than 100 mi (160 km), Tesla made the tradeoff to put fewer battery cells in the standard configuration to enable them to make more vehicles with limited 4680 cell production capacity, while allowing the smaller number of use cases that need the increased energy storage to purchase it as an option.

The range extender is priced at US$16,000.Charging rates and architecture of the optional range extender battery were not disclosed at the November 2023 delivery event.It is sold and installed separately.The range extender battery is not yet visible in Tesla's Electronic Parts Catalog for Cybertruck as of December 2023.

Vehicle-provided power

Main article:Tesla Powershare

Cybertruck offers up to 9.6 kW ofvehicle-to-load(V2L) continuous AC power through five outlets:

• Four 120 V 20 A outlets (NEMA 5-20), two in the bed and two in the cabin
• One 240 V 40 A outlet (NEMA 14-50) in the bed

In addition, Cybertruck also supports up to 11.5 kW AC output for vehicle-to-home (V2H), or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging.A Tesla Wall Connector and either a Tesla Gateway or Powerwall are required to enable bidirectional loads to a home.

Powershare in Cybertruck does not directly supportvehicle-to-grid(V2G) supply due to regulations for feeding power to the grid.A home must be off-grid for Cybertruck to power the home in a V2H scenario, or a Cybertruck can charge a grid-tiedTesla Powerwall,which then can feed energy to theelectrical gridas a certified component.

48-volt "mid-voltage" electrical subsystem

The Cybertruck uses an additional48-volt electrical subsystem(calledmid-voltageby Tesla) to partly migrate the traditional automotive industry vehicle electrical system operating at 12 volts to a higher voltage of 48V, butnotto high voltage which would be 400V or 800V in a typical EV.

Automotive industry groups had previously talked about adopting a42-volt electrical systemstandard in the late 1990s, but the cross-industry standards initiative failed, and the multi-company approach was mostly abandoned by 2009.By the late 2010s, some automakers adoptedmild hybridsystems working at 48 volts, spurring the development and mass production of several 48-volt components including lithium-ion batteries, starter-generator motors, oil pumps and water pumps,however, even on these automobiles, manufacturers still use 12-volt system for most electrical requirements.

In the Cybertruck, the 48-volt supply with up to 3 kWof power is provided by the power conversion system PCS2, that does high-voltage DC to mid-voltage DC conversion as one of its functions. This 48V DC is fed to electric-powered components including steering actuators at both axles, oil pumps at the drive units, window regulator motors, wiper motor,accessory power feed to the roof,three domain controllerECUs(Left, Right, Rear Controller), and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery.

Cybertruck can use thinner-gauge wires in these places and smaller actuator motors because the higher voltage means reduced current. The 48-volt subsystem reduces 84% of wiring harness massfor those components with high power draw at low-voltage in the truck, at the expense of a reduction in suppliers, thicker insulation, and fitting more DCDC converters distributed in the ECUs to supply other voltages where needed, most of them with small power demand.The overall increase in vehicle power demand due to many more electrical loads are better served by the 48-volt subsystem. There are 368 endpoints (sensors, ECUs, actuators) in Cybertruck compared to 273 endpoints in Model 3/Y.The majority of these endpoints are still supplied by 16V DC in Cybertruck.For this purpose, Left Controller, as an example, includes a DCDC converter section down to 16V to supply attached endpoints.

In order to accelerate the adoption by other automakers of a 48 V subsystem voltage for automobiles, Tesla offered a "48-volt electrical system whitepaper to all industry leaders.FordCEOJim Farleyconfirmed it got a copy and agreed to 'help the supply base move into the 48-volt future.' "Tesla plans to migrate over time more of its low-voltage components with high power draw to 48 V in upcoming vehicle models, as well as theOptimus robot.

Cargo bed

Rear view, 2019 prototype

The cargo bed is 72 in (1,800 mm) long and 48 in (1,200 mm) wide. It has a motorizedroller shutterstyletonneaucover enclosing a storage area of 67 cu ft (1.9 m³).Tesla calls the tonneau "the vault bed cover" because of the additional security the company says it provides.The cargo bed has sloped side walls.

When the tonneau is closed, it covers the rear window, blocking rear visibility via the over-the-dashrear-view mirror.Instead, the image from a rear-facing camera is shown on the center screen.In the bed area there are LED light strips along each side, a storage area below the main floor behind the rear wheels, and 120 and 240 VACoutlets.

Interior

Tesla includes anactive road-noise cancellationfeature in the Cybertruck.

Production

Cybertruck production began inGigafactory TexasinAustin, Texas,with pre-production models in July 2023.Serial production had begun by November 2023.

Availability

As of December 2023, Tesla has confirmed that the Cybertruck will be available exclusively in theUnited States,Canada,andMexico,with no plans for release in other global markets, includingEuropeandAustralia.The decision to limit the Cybertruck's availability was first indicated in May 2022, when Tesla stopped taking orders for the vehicle from customers outside North America.

Safety concerns

The Cybertruck's angular design and stiff stainless-steel exterior have raised concerns among safety experts that it could hurt pedestrians and cyclists and damage other vehicles on roads.Particular have been raised about the high stiffness of the "exoskeleton" exterior, potentially reducingcrumple zones.The tall, flat front of the truck may increase the severity of pedestrian leg injuries.

Tesla has defended the design, saying that the structures of the truck would absorb an impact during a crash.Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a social media post that he was "highly confident" Cybertruck would be safer than other trucks for occupants and pedestrians.He also said in an interview with auto consultantSandy Munrothat the Cybertruck had passed U.S. regulatory review.

External links

• Official website