Sandy Munro Analyzes Tesla Cybertruck Suspension

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. In response, vehicle teardown expert Sandy Munro 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 lower control arms and an air suspension strut. The use of aluminum at the front is interesting because in the event of a crash, aluminum cracks, allowing the wheels to detach. On the other hand, steel bends and keeps the wheel in place, potentially leading to impact forces being transferred to the cabin.

Another notable feature is the presence of a carbon fiber shield underneath the front part of the battery pack, along with a steel undercarriage. Munro and the other teardown expert theorize that this could be a cost-effective solution compared to a regular 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. Additionally, there is a ball joint in the wheel hub area, confirming rear-wheel steering capabilities.

Munro points out that the steel suspension arm used in this setup is a perfect application because it is lightweight, cheap, and easy to manufacture.

The air suspension strut has the Tesla logo and a metal shield to protect the airbag underneath. However, Munro mentions that it looks similar to air struts used in vehicles made 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 observe that there are some machined bits in the front suspension that appear to have been made using a lathe. Additionally, a bolt seems to be missing along the high-voltage cable channel, and the cables themselves are not protected with a rugged cover.

Overall, Munro and the other expert conclude that the suspension setup is pretty conventional and nothing 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, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.

FutureCar Staff