Analyzing Tesla Cybertruck's Suspension Setup

author: FutureCar Staff    

A few days ago, a Tesla Cybertruck prototype was found covered on the side of the road. Someone took pictures of the suspension components and sent them to Electrek, who published the images. Vehicle teardown expert Sandy Munro then made a video analyzing the suspension setup of the all-electric pickup truck.

In the video, Munro explains that the front suspension features an independent setup with aluminum front lower control arms and an air suspension strut. The use of aluminum in the front is interesting because in the event of a crash, aluminum cracks and allows the wheels to detach, while steel bends and keeps the wheel in place, potentially causing impact forces to be transmitted into the cabin.

Underneath the front part of the battery pack, there is a carbon fiber shield along with a steel undercarriage. Munro and the other teardown expert speculate that this combination could be a cost-effective solution compared to a traditional steel or aluminum tray, especially if the production volume is high.

At the back, the Cybertruck also has an independent suspension setup with air struts, but this time the lower control arms are made of regular steel. The presence of a ball joint in the wheel hub area confirms that the Cybertruck has rear-wheel steering capabilities.

Munro mentions that the steel suspension arm used in this setup is a perfect application because it is relatively lightweight, cheap, and easy to manufacture. The air suspension strut has the Tesla logo and a metal shield to protect the airbag underneath, but it looks similar to those used by other brands.

The presenters note that this particular vehicle is a prototype, as it has some components that are not off-the-shelf parts. They also mention a missing bolt along the high-voltage cable channel and the lack of a rugged cover for the cables.

In general, Munro and the other expert conclude that the suspension setup is pretty conventional and not groundbreaking. However, they do spot clues about Tesla's gigacasting techniques, which are unique to the company.

The Tesla Cybertruck is expected to debut in the next quarter, possibly in September, with release-candidate units already being built at the Texas Gigafactory. After watching the video, readers are encouraged to share their thoughts in the comments section.

FutureCar Staff