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