Stunning Panel Gaps

author: FutureCar Staff    

If you have pre-ordered a Cybertruck, it might be a good idea to order some stainless steel cleaner before it becomes expensive and in high demand. Additionally, considering wrapping the Cybertruck could be beneficial. Here's why.

A Rivian R1T owner in Gallup, New Mexico, came across a semi-truck carrying some Cybertruck units and shared close-up snapshots with fellow EV fans. The exposed vehicles had duct tape on the hood, presumably to secure the items in the frunk. The Cybertruck stands out from traditional vehicles with its angular design and straight edges, resembling a block of steel crafted by a fan of brutalist architecture. However, this unique design might pose challenges for the European market, as big vehicles there need to meet stricter safety regulations, including a flexible front end for pedestrian protection.

In addition to safety concerns, the Cybertruck seems prone to getting dirty easily, with any blemish standing out prominently. Cleaning the vehicle's pointy surfaces may require significant effort due to rain, dust, and fingerprints. The images also reveal complex body parts with challenging panel gaps, suggesting that these units may be sacrificial ones used to perfect the production process.

Elon Musk, in an email to Tesla employees, emphasized the importance of precision in the production of the Cybertruck. He described the upcoming handover event, scheduled for September 2023, as a rare and incredible product. The bulletproof nature of the Cybertruck was a result of the need to ensure resistance to buckling, which required thicker-than-usual flat surfaces.

Tesla's stainless steel supplier has committed to providing the automaker with metal that is 90% recycled from scrap, reducing the Cybertruck's production carbon footprint. However, this special alloy cannot be stamped to create body panels and must be bent into shape, adding complexity to the manufacturing process.

Rumors suggest that the starting price of the Cybertruck will be around $50,000, in line with Elon Musk's comments on the price of Ford's F-150 Lightning Pro. However, there are also claims that high-profile customers of the first units have been informed of a price around $70,000, indicating the possibility of different motor configurations. While there is no official confirmation on specs and prices, it is expected that there will be a rear-wheel drive version, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant, and a high-performance tri-motor Plaid model. The Cybertruck may qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit and could have a pre-tax pricing range from $50,000 to over $100,000.

Finally, there are reportedly 1.9 million pre-order holders eagerly awaiting their chance to configure and purchase a Cybertruck.

FutureCar Staff