Tesla Cybertrucks: Impressive Appearance Reveals Panel Gaps

author: FutureCar Staff    

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 a wise choice. Here's why.

A Rivian R1T owner recently spotted a semi-truck in Gallup, New Mexico, 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 whatever was in the frunk. Unlike traditional vehicles, the Cybertruck has a unique angular design with straight edges that give it a distinct appearance. However, this design may pose challenges for European markets due to stricter safety regulations that require vehicles to have a flexible front end to protect pedestrians in the event of a crash.

In addition to safety concerns, the Cybertruck's design also makes it prone to getting dirty easily. Rain, dust, and fingerprints are likely to be more noticeable on its pointy surfaces. The images of the Cybertruck also reveal that panel gaps are difficult to avoid with such complicated body parts. However, markings on the doors suggest that these units may be candidates for production and have been tested in various environments to perfect the manufacturing process.

Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, stated in an email to employees that "precision predicates perfectionism," emphasizing the importance of ensuring part dimensions and tolerances are accurate. Musk also announced that the Cybertruck handover event is expected to take place around the end of September 2023, describing the vehicle as an incredible product that comes along once in a long while.

The concept of the Cybertruck being bulletproof likely emerged during the project's development when it was realized that the flat surfaces of the vehicle needed to have thicker-than-usual planes to resist buckling. Tesla's stainless steel supplier will provide the automaker with metal that is 90% recycled from scrap, reducing the production carbon footprint. However, this special alloy cannot be stamped for body panels and must be bent into shape, requiring precision in the manufacturing process.

Rumors suggest that the starting price for the Cybertruck could be around $50,000, with high-profile customers potentially paying around $70,000 for the first units. However, these figures are not officially confirmed, and there is no official information regarding specifications and prices. It is expected that the Cybertruck will be available in different versions, including a rear-wheel drive, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and a tri-motor powertrain known as the Cybertruck Plaid. The pricing is likely to range from $50,000 to over $100,000 for the most capable version, and the vehicle may qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit.

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

FutureCar Staff