Unpacking the Tesla Cybertruck: Is the Futuristic Electric Pickup Worth Its $100,000 Price Tag
The launch of Tesla's new Cybertruck has been controversial, to say the least. Here are the pros and cons of owning the fully electric pickup truck.
By D.M.May 29 2024, Published 10:32 p.m. ET
If you’re looking to hop into a new Tesla Cybertruck, there are a few pros and cons to be aware of.
The $100,000 electric truck, first unveiled in November 2019, has been a polarizing figure in the automotive world. It’s equipped with cutting-edge technology and a futuristic design, which has sparked both excitement and skepticism.
As it gears up for mass production, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of purchasing this revolutionary vehicle.
The Cybertruck is presented at the Mall of Berlin.
Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of Tesla's Cybertruck.
The Cybertruck's exoskeleton is made of ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel, which Tesla claims is nearly impenetrable.
“It is literally bulletproof,” Elon Musk said (per Repair Driven News). The car’s exterior offers unprecedented durability, ensuring the vehicle can withstand considerable wear and tear. Additionally, the Cybertruck has a minimalist design that claims to improve aerodynamics and speed.
With its tri-motor all-wheel drive option, the electric supertruck can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, rivaling some of the fastest sports cars.
The Cybertruck also has a towing capacity of over 14,000 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, making it a solid option for commercial and personal use. The truck has a range of up to 500 miles on a single charge (in the tri-motor version) and can be refueled at any Tesla supercharger or electric vehicle hub.
The interior of the car is equipped with even more features. It comes with adaptive cruise control, automated lane-keeping, and the potential for full self-driving capabilities. The cabin has a minimalist design with a 17-inch touchscreen interface.
The Cybertruck has faced production delays and performance issues.
While the Cybertruck’s design has garnered considerable attention, it is not universally loved. This could limit its appeal to a broader market. The truck’s size and design may also pose challenges in practical scenarios.
Its large dimensions could make it difficult to maneuver in tight urban environments or fit in standard parking spaces and garages. The lack of a traditional truck bed structure could also make cargo transport difficult.
Production delays have also been a concern. Tesla has a history of struggling with manufacturing timelines, and the Cybertruck is no exception. Potential buyers have faced long waiting periods and uncertainty about when large-scale deliveries will begin.
Some of the customers who have received their vehicles have since complained about issues with the accelerator pedal, Forbes reports.
A Tesla Cybertruck Odyssey is displayed.
Additionally, the electric truck market is becoming increasingly competitive. Rivals like the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and the GMC Hummer EV offer strong alternatives with their own unique features and capabilities – with few reports of faulty accelerator pedals.
Performance issues could sway buyers looking to get their hands on a car quickly.
Despite its issues, the Cybertruck has received favorable reviews. Car and Driver gave Tesla’s electric truck an 8.5 out of 10, calling it a “capable workhorse.”
"The buzz-worthy Cybertruck leads with show-pony party tricks and high-tech features, but it's also a capable workhorse with a practical side,” the review stated.
