Later tonight at around 8pm PST (11pm EST), at a location near the Space-X rocket factory, Elon Musk will unveil what may be the most anticipated vehicle announcement in Tesla’s history, if not automotive history. Here’s what to expect tonight based on teaser images, comments from Musk, and other information that has surfaced since Musk first teased it 6 years ago.
Design
The design of the Cybertruck is likely to be the most polarizing aspect of the truck. Musk has said numerous times the design will be “heart-stopping,” and that it will be “a really futuristic-like cyberpunk, Blade Runner pickup truck.” Musk also appears to have quite the affinity for the Cybertruck, calling it his “personal favourite” out of all the projects Tesla is currently working on. Below is the only official teaser image released by Tesla, which was snuck in during the Model Y unveiling.
Musk has also hinted that the design may be so “out there”, that it may not appeal to all buyers. Tesla has to be really careful with the design and strike a balance between making it cutting edge enough to really stand out, but not so far that it turns off a large segment of potential buyers. Here is one of the better fan renderings we’ve seen emerge over the last few months.
We’ve also seen what might be the logo for the truck, which was revealed in a trademark filing last week. The design of the logo with sharp lines may give a hint to the design of the Cybertruck.
Specs
As we have gotten closer to the reveal date, Musk has said the base model version will have a dual-motor AWD setup as standard, and be equipped with dynamic suspension that can adjust based on how much weight the truck is carrying.
For range, Musk has said it will be able to get between 400-500 miles (640-805km) of range. With recent acquisitions in battery technology, this may be the product Tesla introduces a whole new battery design that allows it to squeeze out even more range than we’ve seen from Tesla up to this point.
When it comes to towing, one of the biggest factors truck purchasers consider, the Cybertruck will have a 300,000lb towing capacity according to Musk. If Tesla is able to achieve a number anything close to that, it would be up to 10x more powerful than the current title holder of truck with the largest towing capacity at 31,210lbs, the 2016 RAM 3500 HD.
Musk has also revealed on Twitter that the truck will have 240V outlets for using “high power tools in field all day” with no generator needed. It will be important to see how this feature would affect range. Also revealed on Twitter is that the truck will “for sure” have lockers, and a built-in air compressor piggybacked on the pneumatics system.
Traditional Tesla features like Autopilot and all the features of the latest V10 software will no doubt be included in the Cybertruck.
Price
Another critical key to the success of Tesla’s Cybertruck will be the price. Musk has mentioned that the truck will have to be competitive with a Ford F-150, and that “It just can’t be unaffordable. It’s got to be something that’s affordable”. Earlier this year, Musk said the price would ideally have to be under $50,000USD, with a “$49,000 starting price max”. That price would make it more expensive than a base Model 3, but less than a Model S.
There will of course be different options available for the truck that will make the Cybertruck more expensive than that. Likely options include Long Range and Performance battery options and a regular cab or extended cab option.
Release Date
One thing we know nothing about is the release date of the Cybertruck. Based on previous reveals and eventual delivery dates, don’t expect the Cybertruck to be available until late 2020 at the earliest. A more realistic release date would be mid-to-late 2021.
Whatever the final product ends up looking like, it will no doubt be the truck that kills the internet on Thursday night.
What are your predictions for the Cybertruck reveal tonight? Will there be a “one more thing”? Will there be updates or announcements on anything new from Tesla?
