Tesla confirmed that the Cybertrucks were part of a 1280-mile off-road durability testing using Starlink mobility units. Starlink is Tesla’s sister company that provides satellite internet service. The mobility units are portable devices that can be mounted on vehicles and enable high-speed internet access in remote areas. Tesla said that the testing was done to evaluate the Cybertruck’s performance, handling, and suspension in tough off-road conditions.
Cybertruck Features and Specs
The Cybertruck is Tesla’s first electric pickup truck, which was unveiled in 2019. The truck has a futuristic and polarizing design, which has drawn both praise and criticism from the public. The truck also had a controversial launch event, where its supposedly bulletproof windows shattered when hit by a metal ball.
The Cybertruck is expected to have a rugged and versatile air suspension that can adjust the ride height and damping according to the load and terrain. The truck also has a large cargo bed, called the vault, which can be covered by a retractable tonneau cover. The truck also has a built-in ramp that can be used to load bikes, ATVs, and other vehicles.
The Cybertruck will come in three variants: single motor rear-wheel drive, dual motor all-wheel drive, and tri motor all-wheel drive. The single motor version will have a range of 250 miles, a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, and a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. The dual motor version will have a range of 300 miles, a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. The tri motor version will have a range of 500 miles, a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, and a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds.
The Cybertruck will also have a self-driving feature, called Autopilot, which can assist the driver with steering, braking, and lane changing. The truck will also have a full self-driving option, which will enable the truck to drive itself on highways and city streets, as well as park itself and summon itself to the owner.
Cybertruck Availability and Price
Tesla has said that the Cybertruck will start production by the end of 2021, and deliveries will begin in 2022. However, the company has also faced delays and challenges with its other vehicles, such as the Model 3 and the Model Y, so the timeline may change. Tesla has also not revealed where the Cybertruck will be manufactured, although it has hinted that it may be in Texas, where it is building a new factory.
The Cybertruck will start at $39,900 for the single motor version, $49,900 for the dual motor version, and $69,900 for the tri motor version. The full self-driving option will cost an additional $10,000. Tesla has also offered a Cyberquad, an electric ATV that can fit in the Cybertruck’s vault, as an accessory. The price and availability of the Cyberquad are not yet known.
Tesla has received over one million reservations for the Cybertruck, which can be made with a refundable deposit of $100. The Cybertruck will compete with other electric pickup trucks, such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, the Rivian R1T, and the GMC Hummer EV.