The Cybertruck’s body is constructed using a unique stainless steel alloy designed by Tesla. The material is claimed to be bulletproof against 9mm bullets and provides the pickup with greater torsional stiffness compared to a McLaren P1.
Elon Musk stated, “We needed something that you could actually manufacture, that wouldn’t corrode, and that doesn’t need paint, that you could make in volume,” as the reason behind the decision to create a completely bespoke alloy material.
Musk also highlighted the Cybertruck’s off-road capabilities, stating, “You can drive over practically anything; It has insane off-road capabilities.” This is made possible by features such as 17 inches of ground clearance, 35-inch all-terrain tires, adaptive air suspension on all four corners, and locking differentials that do not protrude below the body of the vehicle.
The Cybertruck also features steer-by-wire technology and four-wheel steering, giving it a smaller turning circle than the Model S.
Musk expressed, “Once in a while a product comes along that is rare. Something that is rare and unusual. We have a car here that experts said was impossible, said would never be made.”
Musk on Cybertruck: Tesla has “dug its own grave”
Tesla has encountered challenges with production of the Cybertruck, leading CEO Elon Musk to declare in October that the company has “dug its own grave” with the Cybertruck. Promised 2021 deliveries are behind schedule, with production beginning in July but orders still unavailable, with only reservation deposits being accepted.
In recent Tesla news, a video has been circulating testing Cybertruck’s off-roading capabilities: things didn’t go so well. During this viral video, the Tesla Cybertruck is seen struggling to make its way over terrain, unable to get over a hill nearly as fast as the other tested models. This not only spells trouble for the brand but also for how legit and rugged Cybertruck really is.
Weighing roughly 7,000 pounds and not being limber when off-road puts Elon Musk and his beloved creation on the chopping block yet again. Much of Cybertruck’s promo has been surrounding the idea that it’s a beast on and off the road, making videos like this one even more troubling. That said, Tesla hasn’t ever put this pickup to the test in extreme conditions, and we don’t expect it to with the sheer size and weight of Cybertruck.
If you can’t expect to do even moderate off-roading easily in your Cybertruck, what does that mean for people with pre-orders well underway? There’s not much chance this will be remedied (or we’ll know about it) before or even after the official 2025 mass release, so for now, you may want to keep your Cybertruck ON the road. Again, that’s not to say light or even moderate off-roading won’t perfectly suit a Cybertruck EV, but anything incredibly rugged or uneven won’t be a good idea.
Cybertruck May Not Be Suited For All Off-Roading
Recent social media videos have shown Cybertruck struggles to off-road.
Earlier in November, someone tested a Cybertruck’s ability to venture off-road, only to find the truck struggling to inch its way up a pretty moderate sand/dirt hill. This not only raises concern for us, but it should raise concern for anyone interested or already slated to get one of these puppies in the mail later in 2024 and 2025.
The Cybertruck has long been advertised as an on and off-road beast, weighing thousands of pounds, boasting a 3,500-pound payload capacity, and being made for rugged living and vacationing. This is pretty standard across the board among Cybertruck alternatives, although Cybertruck stands out visually and most.
That said, during a test between Cybertruck, Rivian, and a modest 1996 Toyota RAV4 (yes, this went way back), Cybertruck couldn’t beat any of the competition. One positive, however, was how sleek the Cybertruck looked going up and down the sandy stairs, remaining fairly quiet. With off-roading mode promised to drivers, that may not be enough to get this heavy truck off the ground.
Hollister Hills Defeated Tesla Cybertruck (But Not As Bad As You Think)
Hollister Hills, a popular off-roading spot in California, was too much for Cybertruck earlier in November. It has since become infamous for its many viral videos of a Cybertruck model being extra slow to make it up the stairs/terrain. This is damning to a point, although if you understand the specs of Cybertruck, it’s not super exciting or disappointing.
Heavy trucks can’t maneuver through rugged terrain like lighter-weight models can. Cybertruck did the best it could off-roading, and for everyday situations, that should be good enough for drivers.
Tesla Cybertruck May Just Be Too Heavy For Proper Off-Roading
The Tesla Cybertruck weighs roughly 7,000 pounds based on most configurations.
Although most EV pickups have heavy batteries, the Tesla Cybertruck’s issue could be its materials and overall weight class. At an impressive 7,000 pounds, as revealed by Musk on the Joe Rogan Show, the Cybertruck isn’t your everyday pickup model. Electric cars, trucks, and SUVs tend to host ~1,000-pound batteries, plus whatever their body and interior add to the final tally.
Therefore, Tesla being unable to quickly jump sand dunes and stairs in the California desert is likely because of its sheer size. That’s not bad, but it is something to be aware of if you plan to take your Cybertruck out for rugged adventuring.
One of the reasons the viral videos of Cybertruck struggling to move quickly through off-roading conditions is its size. Hence, it didn’t ruffle our feathers too much. You’re still going to be able to drive this pickup truck off-road with ease in most conditions. This is a truck worth waiting for.
At 228 Inches In Length, The Tesla Cybertruck Isn’t Meant To Be Nimble
People keep forgetting that the Tesla Cybertruck is nearly 19 feet long. At a whopping 228 inches in length, you can’t expect a Cybertruck to swiftly move at the same speed/agility as, let’s say, a RAV4. Cybertruck is a tank. This model is built like a warship rather than an outdoorsy speed demon ready to scale a boulder. Although that’s not news everyone wants to hear, Cybertruck is a bully on average roadways. Compare it to a Ford F-150 Lightning: It’s much heftier.
With 14,000 Pounds Towing Capacity, Does Off-Roading Prowess Matter?
One of the many positive aspects of the Cybertruck is its built-in ruggedness for everyday life and driving. Although not ideal for cliffside adventures, Cybertruck offers plenty of great specs, including a 14,000-pound towing capacity and a 3,500-pound payload capacity. Its payload capacity is much in part because the ~6.5-bed drivers have to fill with everyday items or bulkier work-related materials, making Tesla Cybertruck a great option for construction, etc. Glass half full, folks.
Maybe The All-New Cybertruck Isn’t Meant To Push The Limit
Cybertruck’s stainless steel (although heavy) is protective in every way.
You can still off-road with this pickup truck.
All critiques and jokes aside, the Tesla Cybertruck, although not as nimble as the competition in off-road environments, is nothing to snub your nose at. For countless reasons, this truck will create a new category for itself, always being a niche of its own. We’re already seeing Honda take note from Tesla, so it’s clear the Cybertruck is a trendsetter. So what, then Cybertruck mulled up an off-roading course? Sometimes, larger, heavier vehicles aren’t able to travel as quickly in undesirable terrain as other lighter or smaller ones do, and that’s perfectly fine.
You’re not likely buying a Cybertruck to have it off-road every weekend, but instead use it for work, camping, and going beyond the limits of a Model S, 3, X, Y, etc. With features like armored glass, Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel structural skin, and an exterior shell made for ultimate durability, the Cybertruck is a monster worth bowing down to.
Of course, its steel shell weighs more than a typical pickup model, but it will stay rust-free longer and keep passengers safe even during extreme situations.
The Tesla Cybertruck’s highly anticipated debut is on November 30, but a leaked poster (below) on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, reportedly from a sign at the San Diego Tesla store, provides an early look at the pickup’s towing and payload figures. The vehicle can carry 2,500 pounds in the cargo bed and tow 11,000 pounds. Let’s compare these numbers with the traditional, combustion-powered trucks from Chevrolet, Ford, and Ram.
Before delving into the comparison, it’s worth mentioning that a VIN decoder indicates two variants of the Cybertruck are on the way, likely indicating two- and three-motor powertrains. The lighter version has a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,001 to 9,000 pounds, and the heavier one’s GVWR is 9,001 to 10,000 pounds. Unfortunately, the promotional image doesn’t specify which variant of the truck these payload and towing specs belong to.
Payload
A pickup’s payload refers to the maximum weight the vehicle can carry, including cargo in the bed and passengers. The Tesla Cybertruck’s 2,500-pound capacity puts it ahead of the Silverado, Ford F-150, and Ram 1500. However, these trucks are also lighter than Tesla’s electric offering. Therefore, figures for heavy-duty trucks from Detroit are also included in the table below. These models can carry several thousand pounds more than the Cybertruck.
In a surprising twist, Tesla has hit the brakes on a controversial clause in the Cybertruck’s purchase agreement that left owners facing a hefty $50,000 penalty if they dared to sell their prized electric pickup within the initial 12 months. The clause was quietly deleted last week, giving Cybertruck enthusiasts the green light to turn a quick profit on their new wheels.
This move by Tesla aligns with an industry trend of curbing speculative resales, a tactic previously employed by luxury car manufacturers like Ferrari and Porsche. The Cybertruck, with over a million reservations and deliveries starting later this month, is poised to test the waters of demand in an electric pickup market that’s seen its fair share of hype. Tesla insiders have long been revealing details about Cybtertruck, although leaks have been silenced in recent months.
With Elon Musk signaling a slow production ramp-up, the anticipation for the Cybertruck’s arrival is electrifying. The revision in Tesla’s policy now allows owners to potentially capitalize on the high demand by selling shortly after taking delivery. As the first Cybertrucks hit the road, it remains to be seen whether opportunistic sellers will seize the chance to cash in on the electric pickup craze. With this model being a niche of its own, there’s no guessing its future.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Road and Track, Electrek, Car and Driver, and MotorTrend.
Not So Scary Anymore: Tesla Walks Back On The Cybertruck Flipping Clause
Tesla
Tesla will no longer punish Cybertruck buyers for “flipping” their vehicles.
Recently, Tesla took back its anti-flip rhetoric from the pre-order/purchasing agreement terms for the upcoming Cybertruck EV. With the original document claiming those who tried to flip their pre-order or sell their truck within 12 months of getting it would face a fine of $50,000, Tesla now seems to have walked back on that promise/threat.
One reason this happened is likely due to the fact Tesla can’t use its resources to monitor customer behavior (no company should do this), on top of fulfilling the million-plus deliveries slated to happen once this EV truck releases.
There’s Not Much Legality To Tesla’s Original Anti-Flip Clause
With this recent withdrawal, Tesla has backed off its lawsuit/court-heavy flip clause, which received much backlash from customers and those with Cybertruck pre-orders. One of the main reasons people took issue with this bogus claim from Tesla is that, as part of the rule, Cybertruck owners were prohibited from selling or transferring the title of their EV to another buyer within the first 12 months of ownership.
Typically, when someone buys a new car, it’s there to do whatever they want with it. Tesla essentially promising to become Big Brother to all Cybertruck owners didn’t sit well, and for good reason. There have been issues of people with pre-orders effectively selling or “flipping” those reserved Cybertrucks on eBay and other marketplace sites, which, in that case, punishment makes sense.
However, once someone OWNS a Cybertruck, they should (and now can) do whatever they want with it. Keep it, sell it; it’s not Tesla’s business.
Getting Sued For Selling A Cybertruck Too Early Is Poor Marketing
Tesla via YouTube
The original Cybertruck agreement mentioned a $50,000 fine for reselling your Cybertruck “too early.”
With this clause out of the way, it’s worth noting in the original documents customers signed upon giving their $100 deposit for a Cybertruck delivery, Tesla promised to pursue legal action, asking for a $50,000 fine from flippers. Considering a Cybertruck (base model) will retail for a smidge under $40,000 as per the pricing at the time of the launch. (although we expect its final MSRP to be much greater), you’d end up paying the same amount for allegedly flipping your new truck.
That in itself is where most of the damage from a PR standpoint came regarding the rule. Although nobody wants to pay aftermarket prices for a Cybertruck, reselling one after a few months should not lead to a massive fine. This quiet deletion on Tesla’s part took that into consideration, and for the sake of a smooth release, we’re glad Tesla did this.
With A $100 Deposit For Cybertruck, What Did Tesla Expect?
It’s worth noting that a huge issue with the Cybertruck reselling market has been the reservation fee (or lack thereof) customers had to pay to secure a new EV pickup. Tesla only set the Cybertruck reservation fee to $100, which is entirely refundable.
With this fee, people bought a reservation knowing they wouldn’t keep or even see the Tesla, listed the confirmed vehicle pre-order on a site like eBay, and then inflated the price tenfold. As per the last update, Tesla has over 2 million reservations. That is why this clause likely became a thing, although reselling a physical vehicle within 12 months should be fair game. We’re sure Tesla knows it messed up and will charge a higher RSVP price in the future.
Delays, Delays, And Oh Wait: More Cybertruck Delays
Tesla
Tesla plans to ramp up Cybertruck production to 250,000 per year starting in 2025.
On top of secret clauses being added, removed, and modified, Cybertruck is facing incredible production delays. With over a million pre-orders, Tesla “hopes” to ramp up production enough to make 250,000 Cybertrucks annually by 2025, which would still mean years of waiting for some anxious owners. Considering that the manufacturing process for Cybertruck has reportedly been a nightmare, the auto giant is likely still in the slow stages of producing these pre-orders.
Of course, that’s not to say Tesla *can’t* do this and make it right, although at this point, don’t expect a Cybertruck to appear at your doorstep until 2025, 2026, or even later, if you do the math.
Deliveries *Should* Start As Early As December 2023
Now that the Cybertruck is expected to come to dealers in very small batches ending in 2023 and entering 2024, it’s even more important drivers understand what they agree to upon signing and purchasing a Tesla Cybertruck.
The Tesla Cybertruck Release Continues To Cause Controversy
Since 2019, Tesla Cybertruck has sparked outrage and interest online.
Since the news of Cybertruck broke in 2019, the world has never forgotten this uber-modern EV pickup. For good and not so good reasons, the Tesla Cybertruck will make noise upon its large-scale release in 2024/2025, although it’s best Tesla keeps things smooth sailing as we enter this final chapter of pre-production and clause adjusting.
After all, when you buy a car, it shouldn’t feel like signing your life away. Luckily, the company removed its aggressive language and legal structure from the Cybertruck order agreement, but it’s worth keeping a close watch on said document. The original release should have been in 2021/2022, and we’re now almost to 2024, with the first batch of these being finished. SpaceX has started to use Cybertrucks, and from what we know, it’s been going well.
In a surprising twist, Tesla has hit the brakes on a controversial clause in the Cybertruck’s purchase agreement that left owners facing a hefty $50,000 penalty if they dared to sell their prized electric pickup within the initial 12 months. The clause was quietly deleted last week, giving Cybertruck enthusiasts the green light to turn a quick profit on their new wheels.
This move by Tesla aligns with an industry trend of curbing speculative resales, a tactic previously employed by luxury car manufacturers like Ferrari and Porsche. The Cybertruck, with over a million reservations and deliveries starting later this month, is poised to test the waters of demand in an electric pickup market that’s seen its fair share of hype. Tesla insiders have long been revealing details about Cybtertruck, although leaks have been silenced in recent months.
With Elon Musk signaling a slow production ramp-up, the anticipation for the Cybertruck’s arrival is electrifying. The revision in Tesla’s policy now allows owners to potentially capitalize on the high demand by selling shortly after taking delivery. As the first Cybertrucks hit the road, it remains to be seen whether opportunistic sellers will seize the chance to cash in on the electric pickup craze. With this model being a niche of its own, there’s no guessing its future.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Road and Track, Electrek, Car and Driver, and MotorTrend.
Not So Scary Anymore: Tesla Walks Back On The Cybertruck Flipping Clause
Tesla
Tesla will no longer punish Cybertruck buyers for “flipping” their vehicles.
Recently, Tesla took back its anti-flip rhetoric from the pre-order/purchasing agreement terms for the upcoming Cybertruck EV. With the original document claiming those who tried to flip their pre-order or sell their truck within 12 months of getting it would face a fine of $50,000, Tesla now seems to have walked back on that promise/threat.
One reason this happened is likely due to the fact Tesla can’t use its resources to monitor customer behavior (no company should do this), on top of fulfilling the million-plus deliveries slated to happen once this EV truck releases.
There’s Not Much Legality To Tesla’s Original Anti-Flip Clause
With this recent withdrawal, Tesla has backed off its lawsuit/court-heavy flip clause, which received much backlash from customers and those with Cybertruck pre-orders. One of the main reasons people took issue with this bogus claim from Tesla is that, as part of the rule, Cybertruck owners were prohibited from selling or transferring the title of their EV to another buyer within the first 12 months of ownership.
Typically, when someone buys a new car, it’s there to do whatever they want with it. Tesla essentially promising to become Big Brother to all Cybertruck owners didn’t sit well, and for good reason. There have been issues of people with pre-orders effectively selling or “flipping” those reserved Cybertrucks on eBay and other marketplace sites, which, in that case, punishment makes sense.
However, once someone OWNS a Cybertruck, they should (and now can) do whatever they want with it. Keep it, sell it; it’s not Tesla’s business.
Getting Sued For Selling A Cybertruck Too Early Is Poor Marketing
Tesla via YouTube
The original Cybertruck agreement mentioned a $50,000 fine for reselling your Cybertruck “too early.”
With this clause out of the way, it’s worth noting in the original documents customers signed upon giving their $100 deposit for a Cybertruck delivery, Tesla promised to pursue legal action, asking for a $50,000 fine from flippers. Considering a Cybertruck (base model) will retail for a smidge under $40,000 as per the pricing at the time of the launch. (although we expect its final MSRP to be much greater), you’d end up paying the same amount for allegedly flipping your new truck.
That in itself is where most of the damage from a PR standpoint came regarding the rule. Although nobody wants to pay aftermarket prices for a Cybertruck, reselling one after a few months should not lead to a massive fine. This quiet deletion on Tesla’s part took that into consideration, and for the sake of a smooth release, we’re glad Tesla did this.
With A $100 Deposit For Cybertruck, What Did Tesla Expect?
It’s worth noting that a huge issue with the Cybertruck reselling market has been the reservation fee (or lack thereof) customers had to pay to secure a new EV pickup. Tesla only set the Cybertruck reservation fee to $100, which is entirely refundable.
With this fee, people bought a reservation knowing they wouldn’t keep or even see the Tesla, listed the confirmed vehicle pre-order on a site like eBay, and then inflated the price tenfold. As per the last update, Tesla has over 2 million reservations. That is why this clause likely became a thing, although reselling a physical vehicle within 12 months should be fair game. We’re sure Tesla knows it messed up and will charge a higher RSVP price in the future.
Delays, Delays, And Oh Wait: More Cybertruck Delays
Tesla
Tesla plans to ramp up Cybertruck production to 250,000 per year starting in 2025.
On top of secret clauses being added, removed, and modified, Cybertruck is facing incredible production delays. With over a million pre-orders, Tesla “hopes” to ramp up production enough to make 250,000 Cybertrucks annually by 2025, which would still mean years of waiting for some anxious owners. Considering that the manufacturing process for Cybertruck has reportedly been a nightmare, the auto giant is likely still in the slow stages of producing these pre-orders.
Of course, that’s not to say Tesla *can’t* do this and make it right, although at this point, don’t expect a Cybertruck to appear at your doorstep until 2025, 2026, or even later, if you do the math.
Deliveries *Should* Start As Early As December 2023
Now that the Cybertruck is expected to come to dealers in very small batches ending in 2023 and entering 2024, it’s even more important drivers understand what they agree to upon signing and purchasing a Tesla Cybertruck.
The Tesla Cybertruck Release Continues To Cause Controversy
Since 2019, Tesla Cybertruck has sparked outrage and interest online.
Since the news of Cybertruck broke in 2019, the world has never forgotten this uber-modern EV pickup. For good and not so good reasons, the Tesla Cybertruck will make noise upon its large-scale release in 2024/2025, although it’s best Tesla keeps things smooth sailing as we enter this final chapter of pre-production and clause adjusting.
After all, when you buy a car, it shouldn’t feel like signing your life away. Luckily, the company removed its aggressive language and legal structure from the Cybertruck order agreement, but it’s worth keeping a close watch on said document. The original release should have been in 2021/2022, and we’re now almost to 2024, with the first batch of these being finished. SpaceX has started to use Cybertrucks, and from what we know, it’s been going well.
