How much does a Tesla truck cost?

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, has just shown off the company's prototype electric pickup truck, dubbed the Cybertruck. The vehicle will be offered in three different variants, with ranges of 250, 300, and 500 miles, respectively. Musk also revealed the starting price: $39,900. Preorders for the truck can be placed at tesla.com/cybertruck, but customers won't receive their vehicles until late 2021.

Musk, ever the showman, put the vehicle through its paces to prove its sturdiness. He had Tesla's head of design, Franz von Holzhausen, bash the doors of the pickup with a sledgehammer, said it was nearly bulletproof, and demonstrated the truck beating a Ford F-150 in a tug-of-war and a Porsche 911 in a drag race.

The demonstration of the invulnerability of the "armoured" glass, however, ended disastrously. Von Holzhausen threw a metal ball that shattered both of the truck's windows. We'll update the post to reflect the correction," Musk said sheepishly.

Tesla Cybertruck

The brand-new Tesla electric pickup truck has arrived, and it looks like a futuristic triangle and can withstand a sledgehammer blow to the door without sustaining any damage. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, debuted the company's latest all-electric model Thursday night at a glamorous event in Los Angeles. While that's not something most customers will need on a regular basis, it comes in useful when demonstrating the vehicle's impressive capabilities. Moreover, Musk displayed another brand-new item from Tesla, a (presumably) electric ATV, for kicks. Tesla's website states that the start of truck production will occur in late 2021.

The base model of the Cybertruck, powered by a lone motor, will cost $39,900. It will have a range of 250 miles, the ability to tow 7,500 pounds, and accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. A version with two motors costs $49,000 and has a range of 300 miles and can tow 10,000 pounds. It can achieve 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The range-topping model can travel over 500 miles on a single charge, can accelerate to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds, can tow much to 14,000 lbs, and will go into manufacturing in late 2022 for a starting price of $69,900. Musk said in a presentation slide that it contains three motors, but he didn't elaborate on how they would function. (In single-motor installations, the motor is typically mounted behind the back wheel; in dual-motor setups, each wheel has its own motor.)

Musk stressed the importance of breaking into the pickup market, one of the most lucrative in the United States, in his relatively brief 25-minute address. "There must be a new approach. Presently, we require renewable energy, "Musk remarked in front of a packed house of SpaceX supporters and media at the company's headquarters.

Tesla, like with its previous models, included some nice extras with the Cybertruck. This vehicle may serve as a mobile power-station for construction sites thanks to its 120-volt or 240-volt outlets and onboard air compressor. If it ever gets lost in a metropolis, Musk has already revealed on Twitter that it can parallel-park itself (a feature currently standard on most new cars). And for some strange reason, it can't be shot through by a 9 mm pistol. However, when Musk had Tesla engineer Franz von Holzhausen toss a metal ball through the window, it shattered and the CEO was left feeling a little humiliated.

Despite its less-than-stellar debut, Tesla's Cybertruck could play a significant role in the company's future as it looks to increase its market share and boost its bottom line. IHS Markit, a research firm, reports that the percentage of US car sales that are pickup trucks has been increasing continuously since 2009. For the past 36 years in a row, the F-150 has served as the best-selling passenger car in the United States. More importantly, pickups generate substantial profits for their manufacturers; Reuters estimates that General Motors earns $17,000 each pickup. High-end versions with the kinds of add-ons that drive sale prices beyond $100,000 can have a profit of up to $50,000. However, Johnson's "chicken tax" places a 25% tariff on foreign light trucks, limiting competition for Tesla in this market to domestic manufacturers.

Solid, Bulletproof Stainless Steel Construction

The Tesla Cybertruck, like a fridge or the DeLorean from the Back to the Future films, has a body composed of cold-rolled stainless steel. At the Cybertruck's debut, we noticed that the stainless steel exterior got filthy with fingerprints quickly and needed regular cleaning. We also saw Tesla's director of architecture, Franz Von Holzhausen, whack the driver's door panel with a sledgehammer and see no damage at all.

At the unveiling of the Cybertruck, Tesla displayed photos purportedly showing a 9mm bullet penetrating a stainless-steel body panel from a distance of ten metres. Though there were some black marks at the point of impact, the Cybertruck's bulletproof stainless steel exterior otherwise looked unharmed.

The "Transparent Metal" windows of Cybertruck, on the other hand, performed poorly. Franz Von Holzhausen, Tesla's director of design, threw a hefty metal ball through the driver's glass as a demonstration of the vehicle's strength. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, speculates that Franz's incident was a fluke and recommends that he try the back window instead. Right after that, that one broke too. This means that the Cybertruck's glass is not bulletproof, despite the fact that other sections of the vehicle likely are.

It Has Great Features, Right?

Of course, the degree to which this is true depends on the specific iteration being considered. The rear wheels of the base model are driven by a single motor. It has a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, can reach 60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds from a standstill, and has a range of about 250 miles. Tesla does not disclose battery technical details.

The next tier up is the mid-range model, which features two electric engines (one for each axle) for AWD, can tow up to 10,000 pounds, can reach 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds, and has a range of around 300 miles. The top-of-the-line triple-motor version has a range of around 500 miles, can hit 60 mph in 3 seconds, can tow 14,000 pounds, and can accelerate to 60 mph in 14,000 feet. The Tesla Cybertruck is not yet in production, thus these figures are aspirational only. Nothing about them is fixed in stone; they haven't been tried and tested for miles and miles under real-world conditions.

The adaptive air suspension is standard on all configurations of the truck and contributes to the truck's maximum ground clearance of 16 inches. Tesla has set the angle of approach to 35 degrees and the angle of departure to 28 degrees. As a driver aid system, the included autopilot is included as standard equipment but does not make the vehicle fully driverless.

Like an F-150, Then?

Not exactly; it's more like that than anything else. Outwardly, they're both pickup trucks, because Ford will definitely offer a battery-powered variant of the next-gen F-150. Nonetheless, internal Tesla documents show that the Cybertruck will cater to larger vehicles.

In a letter to the California Air Resources Board, the senior managing special adviser Sarah Van Cleve explained that while manufacturing of the Cybertruck has not yet begun, the company anticipates that the truck will have a cargo capacity of 7,500 up to 14,000 pounds and will very likely eligible as a 2B-3 Class medium duty vehicle (ARB).

That's legalese meaning a truck with a GVWR of 8,501 – 10,000 pounds, which puts it above the F-150 in terms of towing capacity. Medium-duty trucks like the Ford F-250, Ram 2500, as well as the Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Yukon 2500 twins will compete with the Cybertruck if the specifications remain unchanged.

Where Exactly Will Construction Take Place?

To meet demand for the Cybertruck, Tesla revealed in early 2020 that it would need to construct a second facility. After a public dispute with Californian officials about when and if to reopen its Fremont plant, the company has intimated that it intends to leave the state. Company officials said the Cybertruck manufacturing facility would be located in the central Part Of the country, and anonymous sources involved with the talks said Austin and Tulsa, are the frontrunners. As of this writing, no official choice has been made.

Since the second half of 2018, when production of the relatively affordable Model 3 reached full throttle, Tesla has depended on volume to sometimes break into the black, subjecting Musk to a protracted and painful journey through "production hell." That stress could be alleviated with a car line that generates more money per vehicle. Like high-end cars and SUVs, customers will pay extra for additional space and greater capacity.

Cybertruck's success will rely heavily on this talent. Pickups, in contrast to luxury SUVs, are frequently used for their intended purpose. Many reliable handymen, builders, and other professionals who rely on their comfortable beds and powerful tools. Some are purchased by regular people who use them to haul heavy equipment on the weekends when they go dirt biking, horseback riding, or boating. Brinley says, "You can't replace an F-150 with a Camry."

One piece of good news regarding Tesla would be that pickup trucks can be converted into useful electric vehicles. Comparatively, a compact sedan is not as well suited to transporting pricey, massive batteries as are the larger, more expensive vehicles. As with Tesla's "ludicrous" acceleration, the Cybertruck derives its power from the effortless flow of torque from electric motors. Those who have regular journeys to and from work may be able to schedule charging stations in advance. Customers of Pickup are more likely to have a single-family home and hence have access to a home charger than to reside in a multi-family dwelling.

Despite the widespread use of pickup trucks in the heart of the country, public charging stations are still in their infancy there. Chargepoint, the largest EV charging service in the United States, with more than 500 sites in California and less than 150 in Northern and Southern Dakota combined. Eight of Tesla's superchargers can be found in South Dakota, while none can be found in the neighbouring state of North Dakota.

Which is why it comes as no surprise that Tesla was not the only automaker entering this market. Rivian, a relative newcomer in the electric vehicle market, will begin production of its R1T truck in 2019. Bollinger, another young company, is working on a rugged electric pickup for off-road use. In July, Ford used a test version of its battery-powered F-150 to pull a 1.3 million-lbs train across a Canadian railyard, signalling the company's intent to produce a production model in the coming years. After much anticipation, General Motors finally confirmed on Thursday afternoon that production of its electric pickup truck will begin in the fall of 2021. However, Cybertruck won't really have to worry about those other electric cars. A study conducted by Cox Automotive found that fuel economy was not a major factor for pickup purchasers. They are concerned with efficiency and dependability. Further, motorists of this type are notably brand loyal.

If Tesla wants the Cybertruck to be as successful as the Model 3, the company will have to steal the customers that Ford, Chrysler, GM, and other automakers currently have. The city of Detroit is not one into which one should casually stroll with such a scheme, to quote Boromir. The major manufacturers pay close attention to their trucks, as they have a deep understanding of their target market. Musk is known for his ability to reimagine the customer satisfaction, and the Cybertruck's innovative design may win over adventurous truckers. However, it's playing catch-up when it comes to providing the features and amenities that truck drivers want and expect. Brinley asserts that "Tesla can figure this out, but they do not even know." In the words of one expert, "if the truck can't give the functionality [drivers] require, they're not going to buy it." As a result, Tesla is about to face an unprecedented test of its central competence, the creation of automobiles whose owners experience joy and surprise.

There's also the issue of Tesla's unreliability. Because of issues with blocked latches and nonfunctioning doors, Consumer Reports removed the Model 3 from its list of recommended products in February. (Tesla has resolved those concerns as it has streamlined manufacture of the Model 3; this week, Consumer Reports reinstated its recommendation.) The Model X SUV has had a lot of issues, and the complicated falcon-wing doors are a big part of the problem.

Such problems would be an annoyance for any motorist, but they may be catastrophic for one who depends on the Cybertruck to accomplish more than just commute to and from work. Autotrader's executive editor, Brian Moody, has said that many service industry positions require "borderline abuse" such as frequent hauling, off-roading, and other laborious tasks. If Tesla's pickup falls behind, "customers are going to be extremely outspoken about their disappointment."

However, this is all for nought unless Tesla is successful in commercialising the prototype Musk unveiled. Long after Musk's deadlines, the Roadster, Model X, Model S, and Model 3 were all released. They rolled off the assembly line gradually and with issues once they finally did. There was a high learning curve. In addition, Musk has shown off a smaller SUV, the Model Y, since March, and Tesla needs to start mass producing that vehicle before it can move on to the Cybertruck. In addition to its semi-truck, the Venture Capital upstart is planning to release its redesigned Roadster sports vehicle early next year. How Tesla could add production of yet another new vehicle type to a factory currently housing an ever-increasingly complicated portfolio of vehicles is unclear.

As a result, developing the Cybertruck will take some time. You had best hope Musk & Tesla could do their jobs if you want to use it for yours.

Conclusion

Three models, with ranges of 250 miles, 300 miles, and 500 miles, will be available. You can place your preorder for the truck at tesla.com/cybertruck until January 1, 2021. At the Silicon Valley press presentation, Tesla unveiled its Cybertruck. Musk, CEO, emphasised the need to enter the pickup truck industry. With its 120-volt outlets and onboard air compressor, the truck may double as a mobile power-station at construction sites.

CEO Elon Musk of Tesla thinks it was just a fluke and suggests he try the rear window next time. The fastest version, powered by a trio of motors, can reach 60 miles per hour in under three seconds and has a maximum towing capacity of 14 tonnes. The Cybertruck, according to Tesla's internal materials, will focus on larger vehicles. The truck will qualify as a 2B-3 Class medium duty vehicle with a payload range of 7,500-14,000 pounds (ARB). Due to disagreements with Californian officials over the reopening of its Fremont plant, Tesla has hinted that it plans to depart the state.

Pickup trucks from Tesla can be converted into practical electric automobiles. In 2019, Rivian, a newcomer to the market for electric vehicles, will launch manufacturing of its R1T pickup. Ford's battery-powered F-150 was put to the test by towing a train across a Canadian railyard. However, when it comes to the comforts and conveniences that truck drivers have come to expect, Tesla's Cybertruck is playing catch-up. Major manufacturers care deeply about their trucks because they know their market inside and out.

Now, Tesla will be put to the ultimate test of its core competencies in a way never seen before. The next step in Tesla's plan to commercialise the Model 3 is mass production. As Brian Moody of Autotrader points out, if Tesla's production lags, it will disappoint buyers.

Content Summary

• Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, has just shown off the company's prototype electric pickup truck, dubbed the Cybertruck.
• The vehicle will be offered in three different variants, with ranges of 250, 300, and 500 miles, respectively.
• He had Tesla's head of design, Franz von Holzhausen, bash the doors of the pickup with a sledgehammer, said it was nearly bulletproof, and demonstrated the truck beating a Ford F-150 in a tug-of-war and a Porsche 911 in a drag race.
• This vehicle may serve as a mobile power-station for construction sites thanks to its 120-volt or 240-volt outlets and onboard air compressor.
• Despite its less-than-stellar debut, Tesla's Cybertruck could play a significant role in the company's future as it looks to increase its market share and boost its bottom line.
• Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, speculates that Franz's incident was a fluke and recommends that he try the back window instead.
• Nonetheless, internal Tesla documents show that the Cybertruck will cater to larger vehicles.
• To meet demand for the Cybertruck, Tesla revealed in early 2020 that it would need to construct a second facility.
• Despite the widespread use of pickup trucks in the heart of the country, public charging stations are still in their infancy there.
• After much anticipation, General Motors finally confirmed on Thursday afternoon that production of its electric pickup truck will begin in the fall of 2021.
• If Tesla wants the Cybertruck to be as successful as the Model 3, the company will have to steal the customers that Ford, Chrysler, GM, and other automakers currently have.
• However, it's playing catch-up when it comes to providing the features and amenities that truck drivers want and expect.
• There's also the issue of Tesla's unreliability.
• If Tesla's pickup falls behind, "customers are going to be extremely outspoken about their disappointment.
• Long after Musk's deadlines, the Roadster, Model X, Model S, and Model 3 were all released.
• In addition, Musk has shown off a smaller SUV, the Model Y, since March, and Tesla needs to start mass producing that vehicle before it can move on to the Cybertruck.