Tesla Cybertrucks Spotted on Transporter

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 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 several Cybertruck units and shared close-up snapshots with fellow EV enthusiasts. The exposed vehicles had duct tape on the hood, possibly to secure whatever was in the frunk. Unlike other traditional vehicles, the Cybertruck has a unique angular design with straight edges, resembling a block of steel crafted by someone fascinated with brutalist architecture. However, this design may not be suitable for Europe due to stricter safety regulations that require vehicles to dissipate crash energy and have a flexible front end to protect pedestrians.

One drawback of the Cybertruck's design is that it easily gets dirty, and any blemishes are easily noticeable. Cleaning rain, dust, and fingerprints off the pointy surfaces can be a lot of work. The images also reveal that panel gaps are challenging to avoid with such complex body parts. However, markings on the doors suggest that these units may be candidates for production and have been tested in various harsh environments to perfect the manufacturing process.

Elon Musk, in an email to Tesla employees, emphasized the importance of precision and perfectionism in achieving the desired part dimensions and tolerances. Musk announced that the Cybertruck handover event is scheduled for the end of September 2023 and described the bulletproof vehicle as an exceptional product.

The concept of the Cybertruck being bulletproof likely emerged after realizing that the flat surfaces of the truck required thicker planes to resist buckling caused by heat or cold exposure. To reduce the production carbon footprint, Tesla's stainless steel supplier will provide metal that is 90% recycled from scrap. However, this special alloy cannot be stamped but 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, influenced by Ford's decision to lower the price of the F-150 Lightning Pro. However, other sources claim that high-profile customers of the first units were informed of a cost of approximately $70,000. These figures indicate that the initial deliveries may feature a Cybertruck with one motor on each axle, but no official specifications or prices have been announced.

It is expected that the Cybertruck lineup will include an entry-level rear-wheel drive version, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant, and the high-performance Cybertruck Plaid with a tri-motor powertrain. While the starting price could be $50,000, the fully equipped version may exceed $100,000. Additionally, the Cybertruck might qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit.

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

FutureCar Staff