Cybertruck could be delivered in mid-2023. Here is everything we know so far
/img/iea/zDOZ5eN3wk/cybertruck.jpg)
Tesla will strengthen its position as the best-selling electric vehicle maker in the world by expanding its lineup with a pickup truck, which is one of the most popular body styles in the U.S.
When Tesla unveiled Cybertruck back in 2019, we were all surprised to see the vehicle with its angular exterior made of stainless steel, which is scratch and dent resistant. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the company is planning to start delivering Cybertrucks in mid-2023.
According to the transcripts of second-quarter earnings call to investors, Musk told analysts that, «We will bring another level of simplicity and manufacturing improvements with Cybertruck and future products that we are not quite ready to talk about now, but I think will be very exciting to unveil in the future. Our team continues to focus on Cybertruck production readiness and some future platform design. We are expecting to be — still expecting to be in production with the Cybertruck in the middle of next year».
Stay ahead of your peers in technology and engineering — The Blueprint
By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Verifying.
Previously, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the Cybertruck will be ready for mass production in 2023 , at the Rodeo Party event in Tesla’s Austin, Texas Gigafactory opening, after many delays .
Delayed or not, Cybertruck will come with impressive features as both an electric vehicle and a pickup truck, with up to three electric motors.
Why is Tesla Cybertruck so special?
The electric vehicle maker claims single motor Cybertrucks will go from zero to 60 mph (100 kph) in 6.5 seconds and have a maximum speed of 110 mph (177 kph). The dual-motor Cybertruck will reportedly reach 60 mph (100 kph) in just 4.5 seconds and have a top speed of 120 mph (193 kph). And finally the three-motor model, for the ones seeking the ultimate performance seekers, has the power to zero to 60 mph (100 kph) in just 2.9 seconds, while having a top speed of 130 mph (209 kph).
All three Cybertruck models have an adjustable air suspension, which can levitate the vehicle up to 16 inches (40 cm) from the ground and can be raised or lowered immediately.
The electric pickup truck also has a 35-degree approach and 28-degree departure angles and making the vehicle a formidable off-road machine.
Cybertruck’s towing capacity is also impressive, single motor Cybertrucks have a maximum tow rating of 7,500 pounds (3,400 kg), dual-motor Cybertruck has a maximum tow rating of 10,000 pounds (4,500 kg) and the three motor Cybertrucks have a maximum tow rating of 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg).
And of course the batteries; while Tesla didn’t reveal the size of the batteries Cybertruck’s driving range varies with the number of motors. According to Tesla, the single motor model has a range of 250-plus miles, the dual-motor setup has 300-plus miles of range, and the tri-motor setup should travel more than 500 miles on a single charge.
Design changes of Cybertruck
The ones who had the chance to participate in the opening event had the opportunity to see the new design of the Cybertrucks with their own eyes.
But even the ones who laid eyes on the electric pickup truck were not happy about its looks. People claim that Cybertruck’s fit and finish looked bad, its doors being a different color from the rest of the truck, and the entire rear end looks weird on a closer inspection.
What is the Tesla Cybertruck’s release date?
Tesla has officially confirmed that deliveries of the Cybertruck will begin in November 2023. The Cybertruck is the company’s first pickup truck, and it marks a radical departure from Tesla’s existing lineup of sleek, mass-market people movers like the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover. Here’s what we know about the Cybertruck’s release date.
Cybertruck release date: November 30 ‘customer delivery’ event
Tesla said there will be a “customer delivery” event for the Cybertruck on November 30, 2023, in its most recent quarterly results (Q3 2023). This presumably means that Tesla plans to hand over keys to at least some Cybertruck customers on or by that date — but as to how many, we simply don’t know.
Tesla has also announced that a select group of Tesla shareholders will be invited via lottery to the November 30 Cybertruck delivery event. It hasn’t said how many shareholders will be invited, but presumably, an invite gets you on the list for an early production Cybertruck delivery. (Tesla hasn’t even specifically said that everyone at the “delivery event” will be getting a truck, though we’d guess that most attendees will at least be getting their orders in at the top of the list.)
The event itself hasn’t been announced in detail, all we have is a date. Likely, it will be held at or near Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas facility outside Austin, where the Cybertruck is currently being manufactured in “pilot production.” Cybertrucks have been seen accumulating outside Gigafactory Texas in the past couple of weeks.
How many Cybertrucks will Tesla deliver in 2023?
This is arguably the better question to ask than “When is the Cybertruck coming out?” While Tesla has said its Gigafactory Texas plant has end capacity for over 125,000 Cybertrucks annually, that doesn’t mean the company’s run rate (the number of vehicles actually being produced) will be anything close to that when production starts. In fact, it will likely be much, much lower.
Elon Musk has stated that we should “temper” our expectations for the Cybertruck initially, as it is a very complicated and difficult vehicle for the company to produce (possibly due to new manufacturing techniques and use of non-traditional materials like stainless steel). Musk’s remarks were directly related to the production ramp-up process — that is, reaching sustainable, repeatable volumes of vehicles coming off the manufacturing line.
All that is to say: We don’t know how many Cybertrucks Tesla will actually be able to build at first, and only Tesla has the answer to that question (and they aren’t talking). But statistically, the chance you’ll be among the buyers to receive a Cybertruck in 2023 is incredibly low — especially given there may be over 2 million reservation holders now.
Who will get their Cybertruck first?
Outside those people invited to the delivery event, there’s no way to know how Tesla will be prioritizing Cybertruck orders. Tesla historically hasn’t been rigorous about honoring the order that vehicle reservations are received when delivering new cars. Given the huge amount of hype around the Cybertruck, the first recipients could merely be customers Tesla believes are good for the brand and building up excitement. (i.e., well-known Tesla fans, employees, and other influential people.)
Tesla makes no specific promises regarding reservations for the Cybertruck being honored in any order as part of the pre-order terms — it merely says you will be contacted when a final price sheet is available to configure your truck. That gives Tesla effectively unlimited latitude in terms of who it will deliver a truck to and when. (Given the deposit is a whopping $100, that’s not at all surprising.)
Is the Cybertruck release delayed?
This depends on how you choose to frame the question. Tesla promised it would start Cybertruck production before the end of 2023, and it appears it will fulfill that promise based on the November 30 delivery event. Technically, a manufacturer only needs to deliver one production car to inaugurate the production launch of a vehicle. Such things are common in the automotive industry with brand-new vehicle designs, where moving pieces like external suppliers may not fully align for scale production when the manufacturer wants to start.
Initially, production vehicles can also have much higher defect rates coming off the line, requiring rectifications (repairs and rebuilds), and a manufacturer may greatly slow or stop production in response to such events to implement changes on the line.
The number of Cybertrucks Tesla ends up delivering will be the only way we can start to definitively answer the question of whether the vehicle has meaningfully entered production. If Tesla delivers 50 Cybertrucks before the end of 2023, that’s a lot different than delivering 2500 — but either figure arguably constitutes production. Until deliveries start, though, there’s no real way to know how many Tesla will initially be capable of producing.
How many Cybertrucks can Tesla build in 2024?
The million-dollar question. Tesla is claiming “>125,000” production capacity for the Cybertruck at Gigafactory Texas, but this is very likely a figure expressing the current maximum run rate for that facility. This is not to be confused with the actual run rate, which will start much lower. 125,000 vehicles annually would mean over 10,000 Cybertrucks per month, and you shouldn’t expect Tesla to hit that figure for some time if Elon’s expectation-tempering comments are anything to go by. It is possible Tesla is targeting that run rate before the end of 2024, though (that is, over 10,000 Cybertrucks per month by December 2024).
While Tesla now has extensive experience in scaling the production of EVs, the Cybertruck isn’t like the other cars in Tesla’s lineup. Given what we’ve seen in regard to the apparent fit and finish of Cybertruck release candidates, it’s still not clear whether Tesla has a quality “problem” with the pickup. If cars start coming off the line with massive gaps and wavy steel body panels, Tesla may have some serious work to do. But they could also be fine! And it’s equally possible that the production challenges Elon referred to have less to do with the appearance of the truck and more to do with behind-the-scenes manufacturing processes.
Above and beyond 125,000, Tesla has stated that it eventually wants to hit 375,000 Cybertrucks produced per year, but has offered no timeline for that number.
How much will the Cybertruck cost?
We do not yet have official Cybertruck pricing. Tesla removed all earlier references to pricing for the truck from its website over two years ago and has never republished them.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.
Tesla Cybertruck: Everything we know so far
Telsa Cybertruck will be released in 2021 with a starting price of $39,900. Higher-end models include a range of 500 miles on a single charge.
Tesla Cybertruck is the second major Tesla vehicle outside the mainline S, 3, X, Y lineup. The first outsider actually predated the line: the Roadster. This outsider is a very different beast, however. The Tesla Cybertruck is the automaker’s take on an electric pickup truck, and it’s an absolute unit. Here’s everything we know about the Tesla Cybertruck, its release date, features, range, specs, accessories, and more.
Table of contents
- Tesla Cybertruck design: What will it look like?
- Where will Cybertruck be built?
- Gigafactory Texas
- Other Cybertruck production locations
- Will Cybertruck come with Full-Self Driving Capabilities?
Tesla Cybertruck design: What will it look like?
During his presentation, Elon Musk warned that the design might be too polarizing due to its futuristic Blade Runner-esque look, and no one knew exactly what he meant by that, but now it’s clear that he wasn’t kidding.
Cybertruck is built with an exterior shell made for ultimate durability and passenger protection. Starting with a nearly impenetrable exoskeleton, every component is designed for superior strength and endurance, from Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel structural skin to Tesla armor glass.
We were able to get a closer look at the Cybertruck in public last year, check it out:
Famously, the Cybertruck has Tesla Armor Glass, which is intended to protect the windows from even the fiercest of heavy object enemies.
During the unveiling, the glass failed. But Elon said it was because the glass was broken before the presentation and it wasn’t the glass’ fault.
We now know where a lot of the influence for the Cybertruck came from, thanks to new design patents filed.
Where will Cybertruck be built?
Initially, Tesla CEO Elon Musk Tweeted in March of 2020 that Tesla had started scouting locations for Cybertruck production and plans to build the truck in “central USA.”
Gigafactory Texas
In May 2020, Electrek exclusively reported that Tesla’s next factory would be located in Austin, Texas. The following July, Tesla formally secured a tax break for the new Gigafactory in Austin.
At first, Tesla referred to the factory as the Cybertruck Gigafactory, but we later reported that Tesla first plans to produce the Model Y there. The automaker later renamed it “Gigafactory Texas.”
When it inevitably opens, Tesla will eventually manufacture the Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, and Tesla Semi at Gigafactory Texas.
In a recent drone flyover video, Giga Texas looks well on its way to opening its doors soon.
Other Cybertruck production locations
Wondering about a smaller Cybertruck that will be more fitting for other, non-US markets? Then you should know that Elon has also announced that it’s “highly likely” that it will make a smaller Cybertruck for Europe.
That model, for obvious reasons, would unlikely be manufactured in Texas alongside the full-sized model. If a smaller Cybertruck does surface, it would more than likely be built in Tesla’s other factory under construction, Giga Berlin.
Tesla also opened up reservations for the Cybertruck in China, and with the company’s broader push for localized production, the company could be looking to produce future Cybertruck inventory there, too. It’s yet to be seen if there will be demand, however.
To see where future versions of the Cybertruck could one day be produced, check out our list of current and rumored Tesla Gigafactories.
Price: How much will Tesla Cybertruck cost?
At the event in Los Angeles, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the new Cybertruck will start at $39,900 before incentives, but there will be two more AWD variations that will start at $49,900 and $69,900 respectively.
Furthermore, Tesla has begun introducing a v10 beta version of its Full Self-Driving capabilities. Cybertruck customers can currently add the FSD feature for an additional $10,000.
According to reports, the majority of pre-orders are choosing the dual motor and tri-motor versions. Only an estimated 17% of the pre-orders are for the single motor model, which is the one supposed to be available first.
Recently, Tesla removed all Cybertruck pricing and specs from its website, so those prices listed above could certainly change.
If you’re looking to get into a Tesla sooner than the Cybertruck release date, check out our Tesla price guide.
Would you rather lease your Tesla? We’ve got a guide for that too, outlining everything you need to know.
Release date: When will Tesla Cybertruck be available to buy?
At the original event, Cybertruck was scheduled to be released in late 2021 for the dual-motor AWD version. The single-motor version will be released in late 2022.
CEO Elon Musk originally announced Tesla had 250,000 pre-orders within a week of the unveiling.
Next, it was estimated that a half million Cybertrucks were pre-ordered:
The company hasn’t updated the number in months, but Cybertruck reservation holders at Cybertruckownersclub.com have been keeping a tally of pre-orders, and based on their estimate, Cybertruck reservations have now reached over 500,000.
As of May 2021, reservations had surpassed 1 million and continued to grow as deliveries looked less likely to begin before year’s end.
Elon Musk stated that Tesla would be unveiling an updated version of the Cybertruck in the second quarter of 2021 as the company neared production. Musk also said that the truck will be produced at Gigafactory Texas, which is still under construction as of this writing.
As is often the case, the original quoted dates for the Cybertruck did not come through. Musk had warned that Tesla needs to be ‘lucky’ for the electric pickup to not be delayed.
After much speculation and the assumption from many that the Cybertruck would in fact be delayed, we now have confirmation directly from Tesla. The Tesla Cybertruck has been delayed to 2022. While there is no direct timeline yet, all three variations of the EV are delays to next year.
At the same time, Tesla’s focus remains on delivering the dual and tri motor versions of the Cybertruck to customers first.
Tesla is currently tracking to deliver the Cybertruck by the end of 2023.
What will the range be on the Tesla Cybertruck?
Three versions of the Tesla Cybertruck are going to be available with different battery packs and drivetrain configurations:
The single motor RWD version will offer 250+ miles of range. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive version (AWD) will reach 300+ miles of range, and a tri-motor AWD version will have 500+ miles of range.
In a recent patent filing from Tesla for its Cybertruck UI system, all the sample photos show an available range of 610 miles, hinting at potentially larger range on the EV. This has not been confirmed by Tesla, but it is not unreasonable to believe it may be achievable on the tri motor option.
Other specs
In addition to “somewhat” shatterproof glass, Cybertruck is built with a stainless steel exterior exoskeleton.
Cybertruck is built with an exterior shell made for ultimate durability and passenger protection. Starting with a nearly impenetrable exoskeleton, every component is designed for superior strength and endurance, from Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel structural skin to Tesla armor glass.
Powertrain Single Motor RWD Dual Motor AWD Tri Motor AWD Est. Range 250+ miles 300+ miles 500+ miles Towing 7500+ lbs 10,000+ lbs 14,000 lbs 0-60 mph Additionally, the Cybertruck will offer seating for six people, offer additional storage under the second row seats, and will feature a 17″ touchscreen.
Outside the truck, Cybertruck will offer 100 cubic feet of lockable exterior storage, complimented by onboard power and compressed air for activities like camping. The Tesla and can raise or lower the suspension by four inches and will come with 3,500 pounds of payload capacity.
In July of 2021, we learned how the Cybertruck door handles (or lack there of) will work. When the EV was originally unveiled, Elon Musk mentioned that the exterior would see some redesign, including the removal of the door handles, although it was never clear how that would work.
We no know that the Cybertruck will detect when you are approaching and automatically open the door for you.
Musk has also mentioned an option to add solar panels to the roof that would charge up to 15 miles per day. For many commuters, that would cover a drive to work. This solar option came up again this past May, when a patent filed by Tesla revealed a retractable solar bed cover.
How to buy a Tesla Cybertruck
If you’ve read all of this and you’re still interested in buying a Cybertruck for yourself, well the current process is easy! Although it may take some time.
To (eventually) get yourself behind the wheel of this upcoming Tesla truck, you simply need to visit Tesla’s website, choose a powertrain and out $100 down to confirm your reservation.
Remember though, there are currently over 1 million people in line ahead of you. That being said, a fully-refundable $100 deposit won’t break the bank for most people.
So when their number is eventually called, one can imagine many of them will end up not dishing out the additional $40,000-$70,000 to complete their purchase.
Tesla Cybertruck with 2m+ reservations is delayed to 2023 [Update]
Introduced in November 2019, the Tesla Cybertruck has long been one of the most anticipated models among pickup trucks and EVs in the U.S. for over three years. The off-beat electric pickup truck has attracted potential customers in the millions, and after prolonged delays, is finally set to go on sale in the coming months.
Contents hide
Tesla Cybertruck design
The Cybertruck will give mainstream electric pickup trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and GMC Sierra EV tough competition. Image Source: Tesla
The Tesla Cybertruck features a polarizing design that has remained one of its most debated aspects since day one. Though Tesla has suggested revising the wedge-shaped pickup’s design for production, we doubt it plans to make significant changes. In a Ride the Lightning podcast uploaded on YouTube on January 15, 2023, Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen suggested that the general design and styling of the Cybertruck has been concluded, for the most part.
Almost everyone in the Tesla design studio found the Cybertruck’s design too weird and even hated it, von Holzhausen told Walter Isaacson for his Elon Musk biography, Insider reported on September 11, 2023. Some went even so far as to start a covert alternative design project. However, undeterred by the widespread unpopularity, Musk insisted on the unique design for the final vehicle.
Setting a new benchmark for quirky pickup design, the Cybertruck is not as unique as most think. USPTO design patent application shows similarities to several classic and early 2000s models. Tesla has cited designs of classic sports cars, a funky off-roader, and even an aerodynamic pickup bed cover look in the Cybertruck’s design patent application, as per a report from Electrek.co.
The design patent application of Tesla’s Cybertuck cites references to sports cars, an off-roader, and even a pickup bed. Image Source: Electrek.co
Build Quality
The Cybertruck needs many improvements and fixes to become ready for launch, and these revisions will take some more time. There are many imperfections in the design at this stage. A significant amount of panel gaps, some misaligned panels, damaged parts, and glued-on parts on the prototype indicated that there’s a lot the work ahead for the quality department.
Even just weeks before launch, people have the Cybertruck, presumably in its near-production prototype form, having shocking panel gaps. The company wouldn’t want another one of its products to have inconsistencies or imperfections in customer delivery units.
Image Source: Electrek.co
DIY scratch removal
In the Ride the Lightning podcast, von Holzhausen was asked about the Cybertruck’s stainless steel body. Since the material is prone to scratches, the host asked Franz if the owners could do something about it. To this, Tesla’s Chief Designer told the host that the Cybertruck’s stainless steel exterior is really tough and is coated with a ‘self-curing’ finish. If there’s a scratch, Franz pointed out that owners should be able to work on it themselves and return that section to its original finish.
Tesla’s own stainless steel grade
Tesla has developed its own stainless-steel grade for the Cybertruck’s exterior, Lars Moravy, VP – Vehicle Engineering, revealed during the company’s Q3 2021 earnings conference call on September 30, 2021. The company has begun the first casting-ins of the custom special stainless-steel, and it’ll work with suppliers and vendors to ensure that it gets enough of it, and on time.
We developed our own stainless-steel grade for the exterior of Cybertruck to meet both the durability and corrosion requirements required for an automotive world.
Lars Moravy, VP – Vehicle Engineering, Tesla (Q3 2021 results conference call on September 30, 2021)
Critics have argued about the occupant safety of the Cybertruck because of its steel frame. On September 7, 2023, Cybertruck Owners Club forum user Old Spice shared a clip of a Cybertruck that seemed to have undergone a “ditch rollover” test. It didn’t appear to have major damage that could prove fatal for occupants. While the roof had crumbled, the windows had shattered, and body panels were misaligned, everything else looked alright. The interior looked almost entirely unaffected by the impact, though only a proper crash test can verify the results.
Changes expected on the Cybertruck production model
In an interview with Tesla Owners Silicon Valley and The Kilowatts (watch on YouTube) in June 2022, Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk revealed that Tesla has finally “locked” the Cybertruck’s design. Based on the units we have seen on various occasions, below are the changes we are expecting in the final version:
New and rearranged lights
Tesla has repositioned the headlights from the top to the bottom of the front-end. Moreover, the company has used separate headlights instead of a full-width light strip. Tesla appeared to have redesigned the nose section and the bumper to comply with pedestrian safety regulations. As a result, the new face looked slightly curvy. On the latest prototypes, the front bumper has integrated mud flaps.
The Cybertruck concept features separate marker lights in the lower front fascia. On May 16, 2023, Tesla brought a pre-production unit of the Cybertruck to its annual shareholder meeting, which it conducted in Gigafactory Texas. YouTube channel Farzad Mesbahi has shared a video of this unit, showing the model’s marker lights at the corners of the front fascia:
Video Source: YouTube/Farzad Mesbahi
The latest Cybertruck prototype has two horizontal LED light bars right above the front bumper, one on each side. The marker lights have been neatly integrated into both units and have been positioned on the outer ends.
New wheels
Tesla may offer the Cybertruck with 2-3 new wheels designs. On July 31, 2023, X (formerly Twitter) user DimaZeniuk revealed a test mule with new wheel covers featuring a black finish and a cut-out in the center forming a star shape.
Wiper
The original Cybertruck Tesla unveiled in 2019 didn’t have windshield wipers, but the production Cybertruck the company revealed on July 15, 2023 (via X) did have one. You read it right, the production Cybertruck has just one windshield wiper. Tesla has deployed a large windshield wiper, with a slight angle, that rests near the left A-pillar.
Video Source: YouTube/Brad Sloan
YouTuber Brad Sloan has shared a video to show how the large windshield wiper of the Cybertruck works. At 13:42 in the video, we can see the part kicking into action, sweeping the windshield from right to left. It cleans up the entire section of the glass on the driver’s side, and on the passenger side, it can cover almost the whole area. In total, more than 80% of the windshield seems to be within reach.
Conventional mirrors
Unlike the concept, the production Cybertruck will feature regular glass-based mirrors. On August 23, 2023, Musk shared a picture of a production candidate Cybertruck with triangular side mirrors, which, although consistent with the truck’s design, had a noticeably distinct look.
No door handles
Another big change in the Tesla truck’s profile as it evolves into a production vehicle is the removal of flush door handles. Tesla has probably integrated a touch-operated door open/close button on the small rectangular section in the B-pillars and C-pillars. Plus, there should be sensors that detect the user approaching the vehicle with its key and automatically unlock the doors.
You can see some of the changes we’ve made already. There are no handles. Who needs handles? The car can tell that you’re there and it just knows that (it) needs to open. So, I think we’re gonna have an incredible Cybertruck product for you next year. It’s gonna blow your mind.
Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO, Tesla (Tesla Cyber Rodeo on April 7, 2022)
Glass roof & tonneau cover
On February 25, 2023, YouTube channel What’s Inside? posted a clip of the Cybertruck being driven around what looked like a parking area, via X. This particular unit had two features never seen before – a glass roof and tonneau cover.
Pickup trucks are getting fancier in the EV era, adopting all the comfort features that one would associate with passenger cars. The Rivian R1T and Chevrolet Silverado EV come with a glass roof, and it looks like the Cybertruck, too, will be optionally available with this feature.
Relocated charging port
The charging port on the production Cybertruck will likely be accessible through the rear left fender flare, not from behind it like on the concept. The flap securing the port should softly open on pushing it, and once it’s fully open, a Cybertruck logo located above the port should light up.
The location of the charging port doesn’t look all that convenient, especially for tall people, as they may need to work their back to plug in the charger. Being very close to the wheel, keeping it clean could be difficult, especially during off-road adventures.
On September 6, 2023, YouTube channel Tesla Uber Guy shared a clip of a test mule labeled “RC_Build Engineering Prototype,” possibly a release candidate, in Las Vegas. This example also had a charging port in the same location. The video presents a look at how the lid cut out from the wheel arch cladding looks when open for plugging the charging cable into the port, and we can see a tow hitch fitted to the pickup truck as well.
Video Source: YouTube/Tesla Uber Guy
Minor changes around the bed
The production Cybertruck’s cargo bed features an additional cut-out near the cab, which suggests that it could serve as an access point for servicing the truck’s components. While there is no indication of a mid-gate, it is possible that this particular configuration is designed without it, while other configurations may offer it as an option. Unlike the concept version, it probably features a small latch on the tailgate to open it. Lastly, the button layout on the sidewall seems slightly different.
A patent publication (via X and InsideEVs.com) World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published on June 22, 2023, suggests the Cybertruck shipped to customers will feature a remote tailgate open/close function. Customers will be able to open the tailgate conveniently using the EV’s key fob or the Tesla smartphone app.
Color options
On December 1, 2022, CNBC published an interview with von Holzhausen, revealing details about the Cybertruck’s exterior. von Holzhausen said Tesla wanted to offer toughness right from the outside, the very first layer of the vehicle. That is why it will use stainless steel instead of delicate paint. Admittedly, it is tough to form, especially when used in a thick application, so you can’t design a vehicle with curves and fluidic body lines. That’s the reason the Cybertruck has so many straight lines and looks simplistic.
Manufacturing a vehicle in one standard color, or even better, without any paint, can reduce production costs and complexity while helping the environment. Customers who still want color on their Cybertruck customers might need to apply a wrap before painting it because of the exposed stainless steel, it was thought.
New job postings (see on Tesla Careers) indicate that Tesla has altered its course and may launch the Cybertruck with color options. The company is hiring several engineers, a manager, and a supervisor related to the Cybertruck’s paintwork at its production.
Tesla may offer a scratch-protection option for the Cybertruck to help customers keep its body unblemished. The company might use tungsten carbide coating that makes the Cybertruck scratch-proof against car keys and everything else that’s not as strong as diamond, Musk said in a post on X on September 13, 2023.
Recent prototype spottings (such as the one by kjoule11 on X) show interesting camouflage wraps on the pre-production models. It had led the media to speculate that Tesla could offer a unique wrapping service for Cybertruck owners.
Interior
The Tesla Cybertruck has a minimalist interior designed on the same lines as the Teslas that are currently on sale. It is a highly digital cabin with nearly every function operated through an exceptionally big touchscreen infotainment system. There’s space for five occupants, which is usually the case in most electric pickup trucks.
Tesla may offer a black and white interior dual-tone color for customers as a free option to a standard all-black interior in the Cybertruck. The white inlays in the dashboard, center console, and door panels, and white seat covers may increase the sense of spaciousness in the vehicle.
Tesla is changing the Cybertruck’s interior a little before bringing it to the market based on customer feedback and internal research. That’s because the model it unveiled in 2019 was just a concept, plus it may have learned about many new customer preferences based on that show model’s feedback since then.
Digital instrument cluster
The prototype brought to the Tesla Megapack project launch in Moss Landing, California, on June 6, 2022, featured a sleek and sharp instrument cluster, which was lacking in the concept version. Moreover, the finished Cybertruck delivered to customers may have two additional screens on the outer ends of the dashboard for streaming the live feed from the side cameras.
The prototype flown to the Tesla Megapack project launch in Moss Landing featured a large central display, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, chunky metal petals, and a utilitarian floor console as well. KSBW8 has carried pictures of the interior on its website. The prototype at the 2023 Investor Day (via X) had electrically adjustable front seats, foldable rear seats, and cabin floor ambient lighting.
Steering options
A highlight of the Cybertruck’s interior is the yoke or, as some say, the ‘open-topped’ steering wheel. The Model S became Tesla’s first production model available with this futuristic design element in 2021. While it has drawn flak, Musk has indicated that the company will go ahead and use it in the Cybertruck as well. Even the Model X received the feature in 2021.
In the Ride the Lightning podcast, von Holzhausen stated that a yoke made for a better user experience in the Cybertruck than a traditional steering wheel. It will also adapt to the brand’s ‘Auto Pilot’ driver-assistance system better, the Chief Designer pointed out.
In an X post on September 9, 2021, Musk said the traditional steering wheel is boring and blocks the instrument cluster. He said that full self-driving in panoramic mode looks much better with a yoke than a round steering wheel. On November 30, 2021, when X user ZainS180 asked Musk to confirm the yoke for the Cybertruck, he said (via X) the “Cybertruck is intentionally an insane technology bandwagon.” Musk also promoted the yoke as technology from “a post-apocalyptic future.”
Fast-forward to March 1, 2023, Tesla showcased a Cybertruck prototype with normal steering, well, almost a normal one, at the 2023 Investor Day (via X). The squircle gets two spokes and a flattened bottom and top. Clearer pictures surfaced online recently (view on Cybertruck Owners Club forum), revealing additional details. It has capacitive touch controls for operations like switching on/off turn signals, picking up phone calls, powering on/off high-beam headlights, starting/stopping wiper—there’ll only be one, giving voice commands, etc. One of these images also indicates the EV has metal pedal caps.
On May 17, 2023, Tesla teased yet another new steering for the Cybertruck. At the 57-second mark in a video titled Tesla Bot Update on YouTube, the company showed a Cybertruck with what looked like normal, round steering. Most customers may prefer a steering wheel over a squircle or yoke.
Swiveling screen
One of the drawbacks of the tablet-style large touchscreen infotainment systems found in the new Tesla models is that they’re not tilted towards the driver like the dashboard-integrated, conventional central displays in BMWs and Audis. Tesla has finally come up with a solution to fix that. The company has started offering a swivel function on the screens of the Model S (view on X) and reportedly even the Model X. It takes just a touch inside one of the menus to tilt the panel towards the driver. The Cybertruck may also feature a central display with a swiveling function that conveniently lets the driver tilt it toward them.
Ambient lighting
On August 23, 2023, Reddit user ThrowAwayBarista69 offered a sneak peek into the interior of the Cybertruck. It seemed to have a squircle steering and a large central display, both of which have been spotted on numerous occasions. However, it was missing the digital instrument cluster.
The interesting observation during this sighting was the use of an ambient lighting system. Thin light strips placed high up on the dashboard and door panels lit orange in this Cybertruck prototype. It’s safe to assume that customers will be able to change the color from multiple options using the large touchscreen infotainment system.
New audio player
According to a report Not a Tesla App published on December 31, 2022, Tesla has rebuilt some sections of its audio player using HTML, Javascript, and CSS, indicating it may allow streaming audio from Amazon Music, Pandora, and more audio streaming services that have web apps for the same. Tesla is reportedly moving to an HTML-based player, which could pave the way for quicker updates that include new features and bug fixes. The Cybertruck could be the first all-new Tesla to get the revised audio player.
New Full Self-Driving
The Tesla Cybertruck will be the company’s first model available with Full Self Driving Hardware 4, Musk confirmed during Tesla’s Q4 and full year 2022 earnings conference call. He indicated that FSD Hardware 4 will be significantly better than FSD Hardware 3, saying if the latter can be, for example, 200% or 300% safer than a human driver, the former might be 500% or 600% better.
On August 27, 2022, X user WholeMarsBlog posted a picture of a prototype snapped while being unloaded onto a street for testing. It carried several sensors that could be for Autopilot features. Like every other Tesla sold in the U.S., the Cybertruck may use the company’s camera-based Tesla Vision instead of radar.
Specifications
Size
In a post on X on March 10, 2023, Donegan-Ryan claimed the Cybertruck with 35 in. tires is 231 in. long and 84 in. wide and has a 145 in. wheelbase. Its cargo bed is 73 in. long and 49 in. (at wheelhouse)/57 in. (at opening) wide.
On November 8, 2023, citing an insider, TFLEV claimed that (via YouTube) the Cybertruck measures 18.6 ft. (223.2 in.) in length, 79.9 in. (w/o mirrors) in width, and 70.5 in. in height (medium suspension setting). The bed of the dual-cab electric pickup truck is 72.8 in. long and 51 in. wide. Its frunk has 7.1 cu. ft. of cargo space and can be used to store things weighing up to 420 lbs. Inside, there’s 41.6 in. (front)/39 in. (rear) of headroom, 41 in. (front)/40.9 in. (rear) of legroom, 63 in. (front)/62 in. (rear) of shoulder room, and 57.2 in. of hip room (front and rear).
On March 13, 2023, Donegan-Ryan said in an X post that the Cybertruck’s hood opens up along with the front light bar and nose section, just like on the F-150 Lightning. On August 4, 2023, TikTok user randomness2646 shared an eight-second clip showing 4-5 units of the Cybertruck. At the start of this clip, we can clearly see the Cybertrunk frunk is noticeably smaller than the F-150 Lightning frunk. It seems to be about just as wide and tall, but it’s certainly not as long, meaning it doesn’t run as deep.
During the Joe Rogan Experience podcast on February 11, 2021 (via Spotify), Musk said that the company had made the production version around 3% smaller. The smaller size should make it more practical for real-world driving environments. During Tesla’s Q2 2023 earnings conference call on July 19, 2023, Musk said the Cybertruck is the first four-door truck that has a six-foot bed and can fit into a 20-foot garage. The same day, in its Q2 2023 Shareholder Deck (quarterly report), the company stated that the Cybertruck is a sub-19 ft. pickup truck.
On March 10, 2023, Donegan-Ryan, who attended Tesla’s Investor Day 2023 event, said on X that the beta version of the Cybertruck is 5% smaller than the prototype and also that the company had to exclude the front-row center seat because of that. He also said that all the variants of the Cybertruck will have a seating capacity of five people. Tesla may have removed the sixth seat owing to safety concerns. For example, the company may find fitting an airbag for the front-center passenger to be tricky.
In a follow-up post, Donegan-Ryan said that the Cybertruck will be available with 18-inch wheels (via X) wrapped in Goodyear 285/65 R18 all-terrain tires or 35 in. x 11.25 in. all-terrain tires (via X). 18-inch wheels will be available with all-season tires as well.
Tesla manufactures the Cybertruck at the Giga Texas plant in Austin (Texas), USA. X user MatthewDR has long been following developments and claims Tesla has built 100 units of the electric pickup truck. We doubt that any of these units are intended for customer deliveries, though.
Time and again, Tesla officials have indicated that starting Cybertruck production for customers and ramping it up to a normal level, which will be roughly 250,000 units a year, will be incredibly difficult. During Tesla’s Q3 2023 earnings conference call on October 18, 2023, Musk said that he expects to reach that targeted annual Cybertruck production volume in 2025. Frustrated by the complications in developing the Cybertruck and putting it into production, the brand boss let it slip that Tesla dug its own grave with this model.
In its Q3 2023 financial report, Tesla stated 125,000+ units as the current Cybertruck annual production capacity. The Giga Texas factory has an annual production capacity of 250,000+ vehicles. Tesla already makes the Model Y there, so it may need a capacity expansion upgrade to reach the targeted volume of the Cybertruck (~250,000 units).
On May 16, 2023, at Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting, Musk said there will be an S-curve of production, meaning the output will be slow initially and then ramp up. Speaking further, he said the company will probably manufacture 250,000 units annually, and maybe even 500,000 units, depending on the demand.
Towards the end of September 2023, YouTube channel Joe Tegtmeyer showed footage of what it claimed to be a “Master Candidate” or “Series 8” Cybertruck, indicating that production of the final units that will go to customers will commence soon.
In a recent video posted by Joe Tegtmeyer, who closely follows developments at the Gigafactory Texas, it has come to light that the Series 8 Cybertrucks may soon be available for viewing and testing at Tesla stores. It is believed that the following Series 9 will be the final version sold and delivered to customers who finalize their purchases.
Giga castings
Like in the Model Y, the company may use single-piece front and rear castings in the Cybertruck. Giga castings can help automakers improve the NVH levels, reduce weight, increase driving range, and improve the safety of vehicles. In addition to making the vehicle better, they can also make manufacturing simpler and space-efficient.
In June 2023, new drone footage of Gigafactory Texas, courtesy of Joe Tegtmeyer (via X), suggested Tesla has begun stockpiling rear castings of the Cybertruck to prepare for low-volume production. At least 45 casted parts were seen, and if they’re indeed meant for the Cybertruck, it’d mean the upcoming electric pickup truck’s rear body consists of a big casting for the bottom portion of the bed and four additional parts for the sides, InsideEVs.com explained.
In a Munro Live episode on July 25, 2023, expert Cory Steuben said (via YouTube) that the Cybertruck may around 6,800 lbs., which would make it lighter than the GMC Hummer EV Pickup and Rivian R1T. Tesla’s electric pickup has a giga casting in the front and two giga castings in the rear, and it doesn’t have a frame like those rivals, Steuben explained.
During Tesla’s Q1 2022 earnings conference call, Musk said that vehicle bodies with single-piece castings are lighter and cheaper and provide superior NVH levels. The company plans to introduce another improvement and simplify manufacturing with the Cybertruck and future products, he added. The brand boss expects the Cybertruck to be Tesla’s “best product ever.”
Release date
Tesla Cybertruck deliveries are scheduled to commence on November 30, 2023. During Tesla’s Q2 2023 earnings conference call, Musk said the company will begin the Cybertruck’s deliveries this year but it will start making the electric pickup truck in high volume in 2024, meaning availability will be limited initially. Tesla engineers are still driving release candidates on public roads to fine-tune them.
Price
Tesla removed the Cybertruck prices and the launch timelines from its website before the end of 2021. According to X user spotted_model, the Cybertruck’s prices at launch will start in the mid to high USD 70,000 region.
During Tesla’s Q3 2023 earnings conference call, Musk said that making the Cybertruck at an affordable price is “insanely difficult.” As we stated in the Specifications section, he revealed during the company’s 2022 annual shareholder meeting on August 4, 2022, that it won’t be able to launch the Cybertruck at the original prices (listed in the table below the quote). We think inflation and various issues have increased costs to an unanticipated level.
It was unveiled in 2019 and the reservation was USD 99. So, you know, the thing is a lot has changed since then. So, the specs and the pricing will be different. I, you know, hate to sort of give a little bit of bad news but I think there’s no way to sort of have anticipated quite the inflation that we’ve seen and the various issues.
Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO, Tesla (2022 annual shareholder meeting on August 4, 2022)
| Variant | Original Price |
| Single-motor RWD | USD 39,900 |
| Dual-motor AWD | USD 49,900 |
| Tri-motor AWD | USD 69,900 |
Official estimates as on the Tesla website. Note that Tesla has now confirmed that Cybertruck pricing would be different compared to the original.
Tesla Cybertruck reservations
The Tesla Cybertruck is available to reserve with a small deposit of USD 100, irrespective of the desired configuration. According to a crowd-sourced data tracker, Cybertruck reservations are estimated to have crossed two million units. Note that Tesla has not provided guidance on the actual numbers.
Many Cybertruck customers in the future could be Model 3 owners. Recently, Bloomberg conducted a survey of 5,000 Model owners and discovered nearly 75% of them plan to buy a new Tesla in 2024 or 2025. Digging deeper, Bloomberg learned that the Cybertruck was the top pick of the 51.8% of the respondents who said they plan to buy another Tesla in the next two years.
In an interview at the Future of the Car conference (watch on YouTube) on May 10, 2022, Musk said that Tesla “could possibly fulfill for three years after the start of production” given the current order book. While Musk indicated that the Cybertruck is sold-out from 2023 through 2025, he didn’t disclose the volume of reservations received.
TopElectricSUV says
The Cybertruck should be one of the most durable and capable pickup trucks on the market. Despite its polarizing design, it has drawn potential customers in the hundreds of thousands, which clearly shows people’s willingness to accept a radically new concept in the rather traditional vehicle category.
Tesla Cybertruck FAQs
What is the Tesla Cybertruck release date?
Tesla Cybertruck deliveries are expected to begin by the end of October 2023.