Tesla Cybertruck: The Ultimate 2021 Guide
We know you’ve seen the Cybertruck and wondered if it was even within the average consumer’s reach. Is it too good to be true?
We’ll let you decide.
Join us as we discuss everything from its inception to presales. You’ll discover what features are available as well as its payload and towing capacity. Are you ready?
Let’s dive in.
The Dream: A Little History
Between 2012 and 2013, Elon Musk dreamed of creating an electric pickup truck with load-compensating suspension and about the same size as a Ford F250.
By 2014 the dream started to become a reality as Musk predicted work would begin on his truck somewhere between 2018 and 2019.
More information became available by 2016 when Musk discussed that his new truck would be available for consumers. He planned to use the same chassis for not just a truck but also a van. However, the size had changed and would now be around the same as a Ford F150.
In 2017 a picture of the pickup truck was displayed at the unveiling of the Tesla Semi and Tesla Roadster. Musk was quoted to say his pickup truck could “carry another pickup truck.” You’re probably well aware of his confidence, but he’s not often wrong about his vehicles’ capabilities. So, by 2018 he said a prototype would be ready in 2019.
2019 was a big year for Cybertruck. A teaser image of a Blade Runner- style, cyberpunk-looking pickup truck was shared, and the crowd either went, “Wait, what?” or “Take my money!” That year, Musk filed for and was granted a trademark on the name “Cbyrtrk.”
The Cybertruck was officially unveiled on November 21, 2019, in Los Angeles – the same date and location where the movie Blade Runner was set.
A coincidence? Definitely not! This is Elon Musk we’re talking about.
Around the same time, Tesla filed a trademark request for the new, graffiti-style logo for “Cybertruck.” Elon Musk’s new truck was born.
Cybertruck’s Features
The Body
This truck has unibody construction, unlike others on the market that have a body-on-frame construction. The unibody was created to make room for the under-floor battery pack.
Termed the “exoskeleton” by Tesla, it is constructed of 3 mm thick, cold-rolled, stainless steel panels. The alloy used in the panels was created by Tesla and is exactly like what’s used on SpaceX’s Starship.
The unique design of the Cybertruck occurs because the panels can only be bent along straight lines. Just crease and fold. It’s like making an origami truck!
People have mixed feelings when it comes to this design. It’s different from anything else on the market.
There are benefits of having such a body, though. Stress is more evenly distributed, the interior has more room, and there is added strength to the vehicle. In earlier designs, titanium was used but was found to have less strength. We don’t recommend this, but you could shoot a 9mm handgun at it, and it would resist damage.
For Work Or Leisure
The towing capacity of the Cybertruck can exceed that of the Ford F150. According to Elon Musk, it has “crazy torque.” It also has self-leveling suspension, which will automatically adjust for different loads.
Use this truck for work or camping, and you won’t need a portable genny. Its onboard power inverters give you 120 and 240 volts of electricity with outlets in the bed. Even an air compressor outlet is included for using pneumatic tools on the job.
Tesla’s Autopilot is included, and you can upgrade your options to add full autonomous operation. So, sit back and enjoy the ride as you travel a 250 to 500-mile range. Sure, that seems like quite a difference, but it depends on which configuration package you choose.
Interior Features
The cab of this cyberpunk-looking vehicle has a ton of room. Two bench seats create room for six passengers. The center armrest doubles as the middle seat and folds up or down easily.
There has been some discrepancy in reports that the middle of the rear bench seat also folds down to leave room for long cargo to fit from the bed to the cab. We’ll have to wait and see if this pass-through is in the final details.
A marble-look dashboard is created using paper, wood fibers, wood pigments, and non-petroleum based resins. The result is quite beautiful.
To the right of the race-car style steering yoke, in the center of the dash, is a 17-inch display for a 360-degree view. A digital, rear-view-camera based mirror is included to give you a full view of who you’re leaving in the dust on those 4×4 trips with your friends.
The Vault
This unique truck’s bed is 6.5 feet long, has 100 cubic feet of cargo space, and is otherwise known as “the vault.” This vehicle can be locked down tight when the motorized, rolled tonneau cover lays over the bed. No one will be able to get to any of your belongings, especially if you use the under-floor storage or “frunk.”
Feeling short when trying to load your truck? These trucks can use their air suspension to lower the tail end, making it easier to organize your cargo.
Elon Musk has stated that the vault will be climate controlled as well. Imagine camping in your truck with many comforts of home built-in.
You’ll be nice and cozy with the temperature just right, and all the light you need from the LED light strips installed along the sides. You won’t need to worry about power either. The 110 volt AC outlet is enough electricity to power up the coffee maker in the morning.
Don’t worry, if you have a much larger coffee machine, there’s also a 220 volt AC outlet. By the way, we’d like to know where you get such a beast!
Specs of the Cybertruck
There are three versions of the Cybertruck that will be available to consumers.
The three versions are:
- Single Motor Rear Wheel Drive
- Dual Motor All Wheel Drive
- Tri Motor All Wheel Drive
Here are the specs for each.
Single Motor Rear Wheel Drive
With the single motor, rear-wheel drive option, you get a range at or above 250 miles (EPA estimation).
It can go from 0 to 60 in around 6.5 seconds, and its top speed is 110 miles per hour.
This truck’s payload is 3500 pounds and has a towing capacity of 7500 pounds.
Dual Motor All Wheel Drive
This option has a range at or above 300 miles (EPA estimation).
Its top speed is 120 miles per hour and goes from 0 to 60 in a swift 4.5 seconds.
The payload is at 3500 pounds, and its towing capacity is at 10,000 pounds.
Tri-Motor All Wheel Drive
The EPA estimation for range on this option is at or above 500 miles.
Its top speed is 130 miles per hour. Hold onto your hats because this truck will make it from 0 to 60 in a super speedy 2.9 seconds.
As with the other versions, a 3500-pound payload is what you’ll get, but this truck’s towing capacity can exceed a whopping 14,000 pounds.
How Much Will The Tesla Cybertruck Cost?
Elon Musk wanted his Cybertruck to be comparable in price to other pickup trucks on the market. Here’s what you’ll pay.
You can preorder any of the trucks listed above for a refundable $100 USD. If you want to add the full autonomous driving option, you’ll need to fork over $8000 USD to start.
The single motor, rear-wheel drive option will be $39,900 USD, and production is expected to begin in late 2022.
Dual motor all-wheel-drive trucks will cost $49,900 USD, with production to begin in late 2021.
Finally, the tri-motor, all-wheel-drive option will set you back $69,900 USD. The production of this truck is expected to start in late 2021.
Are You Ready?
It seems that with the range and capabilities of the Cybertruck, it would work well as a work truck or for towing your RV. The price is definitely in the range of other trucks currently on the market.
Some people may have to get more used to its overall look before they’re convinced, though. We want to know what you think.
Are you ready to take the leap to an all-electric truck?
Would you use this truck for work or recreation?
Let us know in the comments!
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