The Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most ambitious vehicle projects the company has ever undertaken, introducing numerous groundbreaking innovations in design, manufacturing, and technology. While the truck itself is unlike anything on the road today, Tesla has confirmed that several of its key features will be integrated into future vehicles.
Based on information shared in the Q4 2024 shareholder deck, Tesla plans to carry over ten technologies from the Cybertruck to its upcoming models. Here’s a look at what’s staying—and what’s not.
1. Giga-Castings
Tesla has been revolutionizing vehicle manufacturing with its giant aluminum giga-castings, which replace multiple smaller parts with a single large casting. The Cybertruck features Tesla’s largest castings yet, combining a custom alloy with a 9,000-ton Gigapress. This reduces the number of parts, manufacturing complexity, and weight, while also making the structure fully recyclable. Future Tesla vehicles will continue to leverage giga-castings for better efficiency and performance.
2. Integrated Audio with Body Structure
Tesla is using the Cybertruck’s body structure to enhance its audio system, utilizing the vehicle’s frame as a reactive volume for dual subwoofers. This allows for powerful, immersive sound in a space-efficient design. Expect to see this innovation in future Teslas, improving in-car audio without adding bulk.
3. 48-Volt Electrical Architecture
The Cybertruck’s move to a 48-volt electrical system is a major leap forward. Compared to traditional 12-volt systems, it reduces current by a factor of four and heat generation by a factor of sixteen. This means less wiring, lower weight, and increased energy efficiency. Tesla is expected to implement this across its entire lineup in the future.
4. 800-Volt Battery System
Tesla’s high-voltage powertrain, first seen in the Semi and now in the Cybertruck, is coming to more vehicles. The 800-volt system allows for higher power efficiency, smaller and lighter cables, and 500 kW charging capabilities.
5. Etherloop Communication Architecture
Etherloop is Tesla’s new gigabit-speed in-car communication system, replacing traditional vehicle networking with a much faster and more efficient setup. It eliminates up to 70% of cross-vehicle wiring and enables a more modular and redundant electronic architecture. Expect this to become a core feature in future Tesla vehicles.
6. Bidirectional Charging (Powershare)
Cybertruck introduced Tesla’s first bidirectional charging system, allowing the vehicle to function as a mobile power station. With up to 11.5 kW of onboard power output, it can power homes, job sites, and even other EVs. Tesla is set to bring this capability to its future lineup, finally embracing Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality.
7. Custom Laminated Glass
Tesla has developed a new type of laminated glass for the Cybertruck that enhances strength, sound isolation, and UV protection while maintaining panoramic visibility. This innovative glass will be carried over to future models for improved comfort and cabin durability.
8. Adaptive Air Suspension
Cybertruck’s adaptive air suspension is designed to handle any terrain, offering up to 16 inches of ground clearance. It dynamically adjusts ride height and damping for better stability and comfort. Tesla has confirmed that this technology will make its way into future models, improving ride quality across different driving conditions.
9. Steer-by-Wire
Steer-by-wire technology in the Cybertruck replaces the traditional mechanical steering shaft with electronic controls, allowing for an adjustable steering ratio. This makes low-speed maneuvers easier while providing more stability at high speeds. Future Teslas will benefit from this system, likely making it a key feature in upcoming Performance and autonomous-oriented vehicles.
10. Rear-Wheel Steering
Cybertruck’s rear-wheel steering, combined with steer-by-wire, enables up to ten degrees of turning on the rear wheels. This reduces the turning radius at low speeds while improving high-speed stability. Tesla is bringing this feature to more vehicles, improving handling and maneuverability.
What’s Not Making It?
Stainless Steel Exoskeleton
One of Cybertruck’s most talked-about features is its cold-rolled stainless steel exoskeleton. However, it appears Tesla has no plans to bring this material to other vehicles. The unique manufacturing requirements and added weight make it impractical for mass adoption beyond the Cybertruck.
Air Bending Manufacturing Process
Tesla developed a first-of-its-kind air-bending manufacturing process to shape those stainless steel panels without touching them, preventing scratches and maintaining a pristine finish. Since this technique is specific to Cybertruck’s exoskeleton, it won’t be carried over to Tesla’s other models.
Which Future Vehicles Will Get What Features?
That is the million dollar question. Tesla just launched the new Model Y with deliveries expected to begin in March around the world, but as far as we know none of these 10 features made it into the refresh version of the electric SUV.
Tesla does have plans to launch at least two new vehicles by June 2025, but these will be Tesla’s more affordable models, based on both the Model 3/Y platform, and the next-gen platform that will underpin the Cybercab. It’s possible some of these features could make it into the more affordable models, but likely not all of them.
