Stunning Panel Gaps

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【Summary】Dirty Tesla Cybertrucks were spotted on a hauler, revealing panel gaps and a need for cleaning. The angular design may not meet European safety regulations, and the body material easily shows blemishes. The images suggest these trucks may be sacrificial units used to perfect the production process. Elon Musk emphasized the importance of precision in the manufacturing. The starting cost of the Cybertruck is rumored to be around $50,000, with higher-priced versions available.

FutureCar Staff Aug 28, 2023 4:18 PM PT

If you're one of the many people who have pre-ordered a Cybertruck, it might be a good idea to order some stainless steel cleaner before it becomes a high-demand item and gets expensive. Additionally, considering wrapping the Cybertruck could be beneficial. Now, let's dive into some interesting details about the Cybertruck.

A Rivian R1T owner recently spotted a semi-truck in Gallup, New Mexico, carrying some Cybertruck units. They decided to share some up-close snapshots with fellow EV fans. Interestingly, the exposed vehicles had duct tape on the hood, possibly to ensure that whatever was in the frunk (front trunk) remained secure.

The Cybertruck stands out from traditional vehicles due to its angular design with straight edges, giving it a unique appearance reminiscent of brutalist architecture. However, this design might not be suitable for European markets. In the US, light-duty trucks receive exemptions from certain safety regulations, but in Europe, larger vehicles must have a flexible front end to protect pedestrians in the event of a crash.

Aside from safety considerations, the Cybertruck seems to be prone to getting dirty easily. Its pointy surfaces make rain, dust, and fingerprints more noticeable, requiring owners to put in extra effort to keep it clean. The images also reveal some challenging panel gaps, indicating that these units may be sacrificial ones used to perfect the production process.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has communicated to employees that precision is crucial in the production of the Cybertruck. He emphasized the importance of ensuring part dimensions are correct and requested tolerances to remain in the single-digit micron area.

In terms of its construction, the Cybertruck's flat surfaces require thicker-than-usual planes to prevent buckling. This consideration for structural integrity may have led to the concept of making the vehicle bulletproof. Tesla's stainless steel supplier will provide metal that is 90% recycled from scrap, reducing the Cybertruck's production carbon footprint. However, this special alloy cannot be stamped to make the body panels; instead, it must be bent into shape.

Regarding the price of the Cybertruck, rumors suggest it will start around $50,000. This estimate aligns with Elon Musk's comment on Ford reducing the price of the F-150 Lightning Pro to $49,995, which he still considered "somewhat expensive." However, other sources claim that high-profile customers of the first units were told to prepare for a cost of around $70,000. Official specifications and prices have not been confirmed yet.

It is expected that the Cybertruck will be available in different versions, including an entry-level rear-wheel drive, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant, and the high-performance Cybertruck Plaid with a tri-motor powertrain. It is unlikely that Tesla will create a direct competitor for the quad-motor Rivian R1T. Pre-tax pricing could start from $50,000, but the most capable version may exceed the $100,000 threshold. Additionally, the Cybertruck could be eligible for the $7,500 EV tax credit.

Finally, there are reportedly 1.9 million pre-order holders eagerly awaiting their chance to configure and purchase a Cybertruck. The handover event is expected to take place around the end of September 2023, according to Elon Musk.