The Tesla Cybertruck has finally hit the market, sort of. Tesla has started delivering the truck to customers but only ten have received theirs so far. It remains uncertain how rapidly Tesla can increase production.
First unveiled in 2019, the Tesla Cybertruck stands out from any other pickup truck. It’s fully electric, which is expected from Tesla, but its futuristic design is what truly sets it apart on the road. Whether this design appeals to you or not is ultimately a personal choice.
If you’re wondering if the Cybertruck meets your needs, here’s a summary of what you can expect in terms of its features, cost, and availability. The design of the Cybertruck has been widely discussed, and the production model aligns closely with what was initially shown in 2019. The truck is slightly smaller—about 5%—but its overall appearance remains quite similar.
The Cybertruck’s body is made from 30X cold-rolled stainless steel, designed to resist dents and rust. It features a 6.5-foot cargo area that Tesla calls a vault—which can also be referred to as a box or bed. This vault is covered by a sturdy tonneau cover, and Tesla plans to offer a variety of accessories for different user needs, such as a camper top and a pop-out kitchen. The truck also includes onboard power outlets powered by its battery, allowing you to run tools and devices off the grid. An onboard air compressor enhances its versatility.
The interior of the Cybertruck closely resembles the prototype, with a few adjustments. It includes a large storage bin between the armrests and a substantial 17-inch display for infotainment and instrument monitoring. The interior design is angular but surprisingly comfortable. The second row offers additional seating, making room for up to five people.
The Cybertruck comes in different versions, each with varying performance levels. The base model features a single motor that drives the rear wheels, reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and offering around 250 miles of range. Tesla hasn’t disclosed details about its batteries.
The midrange version includes two electric motors for all-wheel drive, can tow up to 11,000 pounds, accelerates to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and has a range of about 340 miles. The top-tier model has three motors, can also tow 11,000 pounds, hits 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, and offers a range of 320 miles. While the range may not be groundbreaking, there’s a Range Extender available that reduces the bed size but adds 130 miles of range, though Tesla hasn’t provided many details on this feature.
The Cybertruck offers up to 16 inches of ground clearance, thanks to its adaptive air suspension, which is standard across all models. It also boasts 35 and 28-degree approach and departure angles, respectively.
The Cybertruck faces stiff competition from the Ford F-150 Lightning, which is an electric version of the classic F-150, aimed at those who want a tried-and-true model but electrified. The Cybertruck starts at $60,990, similar to the F-150 Lightning’s $60,000 starting price. However, the base model of the Cybertruck won’t be available until 2025.
Another competitor is the Rivian R1T, which offers a longer range—270 to 410 miles—but starts at a higher price of $73,000.
In July 2020, Elon Musk announced that the Cybertruck would be produced at the Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, which also manufactures the Model Y and serves as Tesla’s global headquarters.
Tesla plans to produce various models of the Cybertruck, but not all are available yet. The base dual-motor model starts at $60,990 and won’t be available until 2025. The next step up is the all-wheel-drive model starting at $79,990, followed by the Cyberbeast model at $99,990. While it’s not cheap, an affordable version is expected in the future.
The earliest delivery for a Cybertruck is slated for 2024, but no specific date has been given. Additionally, the truck’s price could change over time.
The Cybertruck may qualify for the full EV tax credit, at least for models under $80,000. To be eligible, a vehicle must be priced under $80,000, manufactured in North America, and meet the EPA’s requirements for batteries and critical minerals. However, the criteria for the tax credit have changed several times, and eligibility may depend on the delivery date. Proceed with caution if you plan to buy.
For $250, you can reserve a Cybertruck on Tesla’s website. This reservation isn’t a binding purchase agreement; it’s a refundable way to express your interest. Tesla will later ask reservation holders to confirm their intent, likely when production ramps up to meet demand over the next couple of years.