Driving Tesla Cybertruck: Everything You Need to Know!

04 Dec 2023 (12 months ago)
Driving Tesla Cybertruck: Everything You Need to Know!

The Numbers/Specs (0s)

  • The Tesla Cybertruck is a near final prototype that's reflective of the customer delivery model.
  • There are three Cybertruck configurations: triple motor, dual motor, and single motor rear-wheel drive.
  • The triple motor Cybertruck features:
  • The estimated pricing starts at about $100,000 for the triple motor, $75,000-$85,000 for the dual motor.
  • The expected max range is approximately 340 miles.
  • The Cybertruck is about 5% smaller in every dimension than the original prototype.
  • Towing capacity and bed capacity numbers are provided.
  • Size comparisons with the F-150 Lightning indicate the Cybertruck is slightly smaller.

Differences vs the Original Cybertruck (3m42s) & Removable Aerocap Wheel (4m30s)

  • Several aspects of the Cybertruck have changed from the original, including a 5% reduction in size.
  • Key features:
  • The Cybertruck has side view mirrors that are legally required but are designed to be removable.
  • Blind spot monitoring lights and side-mounted cameras counter the need for mirrors.
  • The premium tire comes with a removable aerodynamic cap that improves range.
  • The wheel has a 20-inch rim and the aerodynamic cap consists of two pieces designed to align with tire patterns.

Pointy Stainless Steel/Build Quality (6m12s)

  • The Cybertruck features a unique stainless steel design with no curves.
  • There are sharp corners on the truck which may be a safety concern.
  • The build quality varies, with some Cybertrucks exhibiting different levels of panel gaps and precision.
  • Although the prototype inspected appeared to have good build quality, there may be inconsistencies across the production models.
  • The use of stainless steel necessitates complex stamping processes that may impact the uniformity of the panels.

Powered truck Bed and Tonneau Cover (8m12s)

  • The Cybertruck has a dampened but manual tailgate and a powered tonneau cover that can support up to 300 pounds.
  • The tonneau cover provides no rear visibility when closed, and the bed now includes a full lining recommended by construction workers.
  • Bed length is approximately 66 inches, similar to a Ford F-150 Lightning, and a sub trunk with a drain plug is included.
  • Additional features include bed lighting, latch points for tying down cargo but no spare tire included (it is available for purchase).
  • Power ports in the trunk include two 120 volts and one 240 volt, capable of providing power to other EVs or potentially a house with the proper inverter.
  • Other details are a bottle cap opener and mounting points for cables.

Doors with no handles (13m0s)

  • Cybertruck doors open via an indented button and present frameless auto-closing windows; rear doors open at a full 90-degree angle.
  • Concerns were raised about the functionality of the button in cold or icy conditions; Tesla claims it can handle up to an inch of ice.
  • The lack of door handles could result in fingerprints on the stainless steel exterior as users attempt to open the door.

The Nose/Frunk (14m53s)

  • The front features a solid plastic bumper with two tow hitch rigs and a front camera, a first for Tesla.
  • The frunk is automatically opening, relatively shallow, and can fit about two carry-on suitcases.
  • Notably, there is an absence of Tesla logos on the truck, which is instead marked with 'Cybertruck' branding.

Interior Layout (17m34s)

  • The Tesla Cybertruck interior is noted for its straight angles and a glass canopy extending from the front to the back.
  • Despite a more normal car-like appearance, there's a large piece of glass across the front, the biggest in the automotive industry.
  • Magnetic connectors for removable sunshades and ample door storage are present.
  • The middle console includes window controls, an emergency door latch, wireless chargers, two cup holders, and a storage space with a 120-volt outlet and a USB-C port.
  • The cabin has a minimal Tesla look, substantial storage space, and ambient lighting with customizable colors.
  • Visibility over the nose of the car is challenging, and there's no camera option for the rearview mirror; instead, the camera feed is displayed on the screen.
  • The Cybertruck lacks a physical hazards button, using a touch-sensitive control instead, and gear selections are located above the driver’s head.

The Back Seat Trick (22m16s) and Vehicle Controls + Steering Wheel (23m54s)

  • The backseat doors open 90 degrees, providing good rear legroom and space for passengers' feet under the seats.
  • The backseat offers additional storage by lifting the seats and accessing underneath compartments.
  • A 9.5-inch screen for backseat passengers can control seat adjustments, and the seats are heated on the left and right but not in the middle.
  • The 18.5-inch touchscreen in the driver's area is the largest in a Tesla and the new steering wheel features haptic buttons.
  • The new software interface, designed with a Cybertruck theme, maintains the typical Tesla layout with added vehicle controls and real-time adjustments.
  • The Cybertruck offers a variety of vehicle controls like adjustable ride height featuring 12 inches of suspension travel, lights, and window controls that mirror actual actions in real time.
  • The software also includes media controls, navigation, a range indicator, heated steering wheel controls, and heated and cooled front seats.
  • Dynamics settings are adjustable, with special modes for acceleration (comfort, standard, and beast) and ride and handling.

The Insane Steering (28m56s)

  • Tesla Cybertruck features a steer-by-wire system.
  • No steering weight or feel adjustments; it maintains a constant ratio.
  • Rear axle steering allows up to 10 degrees turn in opposite direction to front wheels under 40 mph, effectively shortening the wheelbase.
  • At speeds above 40 mph, rear wheels steer a few degrees in the same direction as the front wheels, extending the wheelbase feel.
  • Steering radius is very tight, with less than a 180-degree turn needed for maximum steering input.

Driving the Cybertruck (30m57s)

  • The Cybertruck drives like a typical Tesla with instant throttle response.
  • Visibility is good, but with a notably shorter hood, its proportions differ from traditional trucks.
  • Laminated windows are noise insulating and shatterproof.
  • Steering remains unchanged in feel, requiring driver adjustment to its <180-degree turn ratio.
  • The cabin is spacious with a large six-foot bed, yet has the smallest front compared to similar trucks.
  • Vast windshield distance and inability to see the front of the car are unique aspects to get accustomed to.
  • Button blinkers are physical, and new road conditions allow for testing the truck’s power and suspension.
  • Cybertruck features a vast amount of glass and the world's largest windshield.
  • Requires muscle memory adjustment as rear visibility is through camera feed on the screen when the tonneau cover is closed.

World’s Largest Windshield Wiper (35m43s)

  • Window wiper is extremely large and may face challenges with ice or snow.
  • It covers a significant portion of the windshield but not entirely.

800V System (36m17s)

  • Compatible with Tesla superchargers and has full autopilot functionalities.
  • Built with an 800 volt architecture, allowing faster charging at V4 superchargers and reduced wire weight due to increased efficiency.
  • A 48 volt low voltage system is used, which is quadruple the typical car voltage, appearing to make the truck future proof.
  • Noticeable road noise and a slight steering feel exist despite Tesla's typically numb steering.

Range Extender (37m18s)

  • All Cybertrucks have a standard 123 kWh battery.
  • An optional add-on battery in the bed can add 120 miles of range, resulting in up to 450 mile range trucks suitable for long hauls and towing despite increased weight.

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