Introduction to the Tesla Cybertruck
After several years of anticipation, the Tesla Cybertruck has finally been released. As an enthusiast, the first test I conduct on any new EV is the InsideEVs 70 MPH Highway Range Test. This week, I had the opportunity to perform this test on an all-wheel-drive Foundation Series Cybertruck rented from Turo.
Conducting the Range Test
The Cybertruck I tested had just over 2,000 miles on the odometer and was completely stock. InsideEVs conducts all range tests consistently to ensure accurate vehicle-to-vehicle comparisons. Although the Cybertruck has not yet received its official EPA range certification, Tesla estimates that the all-wheel-drive model with 35″ all-terrain tires will have a combined EPA rating of 318 miles. A future model with less aggressive all-season tires is expected to achieve a range of 340 miles.
Our highway range tests differ from EPA tests, aiming to provide consumers with realistic expectations based on actual driving conditions. The Cybertruck’s estimated EPA ratings serve as a reference point, but our focus is on real-world performance.
Test Results and Analysis
| Test Segment | Miles Driven | Total Miles | Wh/Mi | Mi/kWh | kWh Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% to 75% | 77 | 77 | 399 | 2.51 | 31 |
| 75% to 50% | 74 | 151 | 403 | 2.48 | 30 |
| 50% to 25% | 72 | 223 | 406 | 2.46 | 29 |
| 25% to 0% | 69 | 302 | 398 | 2.51 | 30 |
Historically, Tesla vehicles tend to underperform their combined EPA range ratings by 10% to 12%, while other brands often exceed their published range figures. During this test, favorable weather conditions—starting at 60°F and rising to 68°F with minimal wind—contributed to the Cybertruck’s impressive performance.
The test concluded with the Cybertruck covering 302 miles and a consumption rate of 2.51 miles per kilowatt-hour. The vehicle displayed zero miles remaining at 299 miles, and the final three miles utilized the lower-end battery buffer. The battery, with a total capacity of 123 kWh, indicated 120 kWh used during the test, suggesting a bit more reserve.
Based on this data, it’s reasonable to assume the Cybertruck could potentially reach 310 miles before completely depleting its battery. My friend, Kyle Conner, from the Out Of Spec YouTube channel, managed to drive his tri-motor Cyberbeast for 304 miles, using the full 123 kWh.
Future Comparisons and Considerations
Keep an eye out for our upcoming Tesla Cybertruck vs. Ford F-150 Lightning comparison. Our 70-mph highway range tests, while not perfect, provide valuable insights. We account for variables like wind, traffic, topography, and weather, ensuring consistent testing standards for all vehicles.
These tests offer potential customers another data point to consider when evaluating the driving range of a specific EV. Understanding the real-world performance of EVs like the Tesla Cybertruck helps consumers make informed decisions about their next vehicle purchase.