Telephone 01543 270270
The controversial new Cybertruck by Tesla has been launched this week after a troubled development.
The Cybertruck is a fully electric pickup truck built by Tesla. One of its key selling points is its ability to “haul everything you need” – it offers a 2,500kg payload and 4,990kg towing ability. You can access a 6’ x 4’ bed and have extra storage in the front trunk, roof and hidden gear locker.
The car has some pretty impressive specs:
| 4,990kg towing capacity | 0-60 in 2.6 seconds | |
| 340 mile estimated range | Top speed 130mph |
|
The highly recognisable Cybertruck has been a regular feature on the news and social media feeds since it was announced as a concept back in 2019 thanks to its polarising design and troubled development. Some highlights from this time include: • Director Fraz von Holzhausen smashing “unbreakable” windows live on stage • Prices almost doubling • Leaked reports showing SAE rated it as “poor” for braking • Release dates being delayed by years • Prototypes with large gaps in the paneling |
Musk revealed during the launch that the angular shape of the Cybertruck was largely determined by their choice to use high strength stainless steel for the body. The steel, thought to be 30x cold-rolled stainless steel, has forced Tesla to move away from the recognisable curves of the rest of their vehicles towards a flatter, more angular form.
Other Tesla vehicles, such as the model 3 and model Y, have a very consistent look and feel about them. This is a result of extensive research on aerodynamics and drag, producing a car that can cut through the air to maximise its electric range. So why have Tesla moved away from those lessons for the Cybertruck?
The answer was shown in the launch event when, during the live event, the car was shot at by a sub machine gun. Tesla have created a bullet proof truck. When asked why, Musk said “The apocalypse can come along any moment, and here at Tesla we have the best in apocalypse technology.” Interestingly, the bullet proof glass they once promised as standard is now only available as an add on due to surging cost. Continuing their apocalypse theme, they also offer a “bioweapon defence mode” consisting of a built in hospital grade HEPA filter to protect from 99.97% of airborne particles.
Unfortunately, another consequence of this material choice is that the Cybertruck will never be able to be sold in Europe (at least not in its current form). The material and shape of the truck don’t provide the levels of pedestrian safety required in the European market. This is a bit of a departure from Tesla’s previous pedestrian-focused safety technology, which they have invested in significantly in the past.
In a collision, the Cybertruck’s 3,104kg (just over 3 tonnes) of hard edged steel could annihilate a smaller vehicle, let alone a pedestrian. In the words of Musk, “If you have an argument with another car, you will win.”
In its current iteration, the Cybertruck is unlikely to be seen on the UK’s roads any time soon.
