Cybertruck: Tesla's Trailblazing Electric Pickup Gears Up for Delivery

The anticipation around Tesla's Cybertruck is reaching a crescendo as the electric automaker gears up for the vehicle's imminent delivery. The uniquely designed pickup truck has had its fair share of spotlight and scrutiny since its bold reveal. However, recent leaks and off-road tests are bolstering claims that this could be a game-changer in the electric vehicle (EV) domain and the pickup truck market.

Watch the video of the the Cybertruck driving the Baja peninsula

Recently, the Cybertruck showcased its robust off-road prowess on a gruelling 1000-mile trek through the Baja Peninsula, a terrain known for its annual Baja race. This durability test, as witnessed and reported, revealed the Cybertruck's handling the rugged trail impressively with minor hitches like two flat tires. This trail run wasn't merely a stunt; it was a display of the production version's capabilities, bringing a new narrative to the conversation around electric pickup trucks.

Matthew Donegan-Ryan, with leakers within Tesla, has been a reliable source for the buzz around the Cybertruck. Recent leaks have shone light on some of the vehicle's features and capabilities, indicating that the Cybertruck is not just nearing its launch but is also evolving to become an extraordinary vehicle.

One of the notable features that have caught attention is the Cybertruck's frunk (front trunk). With a speculated dimension of around 170 cm in width, it's certainly not small. In fact, a photograph showing a man comfortably sitting in the frunk after its Baja journey, shows off the size of the frunk, which I personally estimated to be between 300-350 liters. This, along with an impressive 2800 litres of cargo space in the back, sets a new standard in storage solutions among pickup trucks.

When it comes to performance metrics, the Cybertruck is creating a league of its own. With a payload capacity of up to 3500 pounds and towing capabilities of up to 14,000 pounds, it significantly outperforms competitors like the Ford F150 Lightning’s 2000 and 10,000 pounds. Moreover, its tri motor plaid configuration, should be able to deliver over 1000 horsepower, promises to solve the electric towing problem, offering superior power and range of more than 500 miles, so even while towing heavy loads it should be able to do about 250 miles.

Charging capabilities are another domain where the Cybertruck shines. With a speculated charging speed of at least 500 kW, significantly higher than the Lightning's 150 kW, it's setting the stage for a new era of rapid electric charging. This, coupled with Tesla’s venture into creating compatible 48V accessories, suggests a holistic approach towards enhancing the electric pickup experience, and bring in more revenue to the Cybertruck than just the truck itself.

Price is where the Cybertruck could potentially shake the market. With a speculated starting price around $70,000, it's positioning itself as a high-value proposition, especially when compared to other EVs like the Hummer EV and Silverado EV, which fall short in several performance metrics yet come with a heftier price tag.

The Cybertruck's performance metrics extend beyond the traditional pickup domain. Its 0-60 mph acceleration in 2.9 seconds, courtesy of the tri plaid motor setup, pits it against high-performance cars like the Porsche 911 and Audi’s Etron GT RS, and yet at a fraction of the cost.

Tesla's Cybertruck, with its unique design, robust features, and competitive pricing, is not just a vehicle; it's a statement. It's challenging traditional norms and setting a high bar in the electric pickup market. And as it inches closer to delivery, it's not merely the anticipation that's growing; it’s the assertion that the Cybertruck is a disruptive force in the automotive landscape, ready to, as Steve Jobs once said, “put a dent in the universe.” This is a vehicle that's not just embodying innovation but is also potentially setting the trajectory for the electric pickup market, making a compelling case for being, perhaps, the greatest vehicle of the era. 

Thanks for reading. Lars Strandridder, BestInTESLA