Tesla grabbed headlines by showcasing its Cybertruck in a drag race outpacing a Porsche 911, all while towing another 911. This spectacle, circulated in a promotional video last year, positioned the Cybertruck not just as a capable electric vehicle but as a powerful contender against one of the world’s most iconic sports cars. The demonstration aimed to highlight the impressive towing capacity and acceleration of the electric truck.
Reality Check by MotorTrend
MotorTrend, curious about Tesla’s bold assertion, set out to replicate the race to see if the results held up under controlled testing. Despite Tesla’s claim, MotorTrend’s experiments painted a different picture. Their findings revealed that the Cybertruck, even when performing impressively, could not surpass the Porsche 911 in a quarter-mile race, the traditional measure for drag racing.
Analyzing the Performance
Further investigation by MotorTrend and insights from Engineering Explained’s Jason Fenske, who analyzed the race’s parameters, confirmed suspicions. It turned out Tesla had conducted the original race over a 1/8-mile distance—a detail not initially disclosed—likely because the Cybertruck’s performance might not measure up in a standard quarter-mile contest. While the Cybertruck showcases remarkable acceleration, hitting 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, its real-world performance in traditional drag racing formats may not live up to the hype Tesla has built. This event has sparked discussions about transparency and performance expectations in automotive marketing.
Tesla’s Cybertruck, despite a late entry into the market in late 2023, has quickly overtaken Rivian’s R1T in terms of U.S. vehicle registrations as of March, as reported by S&P Global Mobility. The Rivian R1T, which marked its debut as the first all-electric pickup in the U.S. back in late 2021, has been surpassed in numbers by Tesla’s offering within a considerably short span. However, the Ford F-150 Lightning continues to dominate this segment, maintaining its position as the top-selling electric pickup.
Detailed March Registration Insights
In March alone, the Ford F-150 Lightning saw 2,893 new registrations, a substantial year-over-year increase. In comparison, the Tesla Cybertruck registered 1,158 units, showing significant market acceptance, while the Rivian R1T saw a decline, registering only 548 units—a 65% drop from the previous year. This performance highlights shifting consumer preferences and the competitive dynamics within the electric pickup truck market.
Broader Market Impact and Consumer Reception
The first quarter of the year reflected a robust performance for the electric pickup segment, with the Ford F-150 Lightning registering 8,589 units. Tesla’s Cybertruck followed with 1,791 registrations, closely trailed by the Rivian R1T with 1,786, indicating a tight race for market share behind Ford. The market’s response to the Cybertruck has been notably strong, considering its unique design and the challenges associated with its production. Tesla’s strategy of collecting a $100 deposit for reservations appears to have secured a substantial initial interest, netting the company an impressive $100 million in reservation fees alone.
In late 2019, Tesla shattered the mold with the Cybertruck, a revolutionary electric vehicle. The Cybertruck is designed for the forward-thinker who demands both power and sustainability. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, an eco-warrior, or need a truck that handles anything you throw at it, you will find the Cybertruck to be unlike anything on the road, and here, we reveal 15 of its most iconic features.
No Tesla Logo Anywhere on the Truck
Brandon Woyshnis/Getty
For those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic, the Cybertruck offers a unique distinction—there’s no Tesla logo on the exterior, although there’s a Cybertruck logo on the steering wheel. The clean, uncluttered design lets the truck’s bold lines and futuristic silhouette do the talking.
Comes in Three Trim Levels
Votpuske/Wikipedia
The Tesla Cybertruck offers three different trim levels to cater to varying preferences and needs. The base trim offers a compelling entry point into the Cybertruck experience, while the Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive trim unlocks a significant boost in power and capability. The top-of-the-line Tri-Motor Cyberbeast accelerates from 0 to 60 miles in only 2.6 seconds.
Stainless Steel Exoskeleton
u/Kruzat,/Wikipedia
Constructed from ultra-strong, cold-rolled stainless steel, the Cybertruck’s exoskeleton is its most noticeable feature. It’s designed for superior durability and resistance to dents, scratches, and even bullet penetration. However, repairing any issues will be more problematic than a regular truck.
Squircle Steering Wheel
Brandon Woyshnis/Getty
One of the most striking interior elements is the squircle steering wheel. This unconventional design provides a clear view of the digital instrument cluster and may offer improved ergonomics for some drivers. However, adapting to this design might take some time for those accustomed to traditional round steering wheels.
World’s Largest Shatterproof Windshield
TaurusEmerald/Wikipedia
This iconic truck features the world’s largest shatterproof windshield, offering panoramic views and unmatched visibility. This innovative design, inspired by bulletproof glass used in armored vehicles, is claimed to be incredibly strong. Tesla claims that you can throw a baseball bat at it, and it won’t get harmed.
18.5-inch Command Center
u/mrlewaynee/Wikipedia
Dominating the center console is a massive 18.5-inch touchscreen that is the primary interface for controlling everything from climate control to navigation and the entertainment system. Tesla claims this screen boasts real-time reaction times, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
Exclusive Air Ride Suspension
Phillip Pessar/Wikipedia
Featuring the next-generation adaptive air suspension system, the Cybertruck has more ground clearance than most trucks. This technology allows for exceptional ride height adjustability, and drivers can engage the Extract Mode, which raises the ground clearance to a whopping 16 inches, putting the Cybertruck on par with dedicated off-road vehicles.
A Button Reveals the Cargo Haven
Brandon Woyshnis/Getty
Gone are the days of fumbling with latches and levers. The Cybertruck’s innovative cargo bed utilizes a hidden compartment that seamlessly integrates with the truck’s body. The bed cover retracts with a simple button press, revealing a spacious and versatile cargo area.
Composite Bedliner
Brandon Woyshnis/Getty
This truck ditches the traditional steel bedliner for a composite material with several advantages. It’s lighter weight, reducing overall vehicle weight and potentially improving efficiency. Additionally, it’s resistant to scratches, dents, and corrosion, ensuring your truck bed stays looking sharp for years to come.
Digital Rearview Camera and Glovebox Activated from the Screen
Brandon Woyshnis/Getty
The Cybertruck ditches traditional rearview mirrors in favor of a digital rearview camera system. The touchscreen displays the camera feed with a wider field of view than a conventional mirror. Similarly, the glove box can be opened electronically via the touchscreen or using a voice command. While innovative, these features may require some adaptation for those used to physical controls.
Adjustable Track System
Brandon Woyshnis/Getty
Forget the frustration of loose cargo bouncing around in the bed. The Cybertruck features an innovative adjustable track system that easily secures various items. These tracks can be configured in multiple ways, from bikes and camping gear to lumber and building materials.
Power Outlet Systems
Brandon Woyshnis/Getty
With its powerful onboard battery pack, the Cybertruck can be equipped with optional power outlet systems that can provide enough juice to run essential appliances in your home during a power outage. This feature is a compelling proposition for those who value preparedness and self-reliance.
Towing Capacity of 11,000 Pounds
Lars Plougmann/Wikipedia
Don’t let the futuristic design fool you—the Cybertruck is a serious workhorse. It boasts a towing capacity of a staggering 11,000 pounds, rivaling even the most capable heavy-duty trucks. Whether you need to haul a hefty trailer, boat, or construction equipment, the Cybertruck has the muscle to do the job.
Elevated Front Seats for Superior Visibility
u/mrlewaynee/Wikipedia
The Cybertruck’s design prioritizes driver comfort and visibility. The front seats are higher than in a traditional truck, offering a commanding view of the road ahead. This design is particularly advantageous for off-roading or navigating busy city streets.
Heated and Ventilated Seats for All-Season Comfort
Brandon Woyshnis/Getty
No matter the weather, the Cybertruck’s heated and ventilated seats ensure a comfortable ride for drivers and passengers. This feature is a must-have for those who experience extreme temperatures throughout the year.
9.4-inch Touchscreen for Rear Passengers
Brandon Woyshnis/Getty
While the driver gets the 18.5-inch command center, rear passengers aren’t left out. They have access to a 9.4-inch touchscreen for controlling features like climate and entertainment. This helps keep everyone in the car entertained and comfortable on long journeys.
As Tesla Cybertruck problems continue to grow, Elon Musk still makes wild claims. It’s time to come back to reality.
It’s perfectly fine for owners to be proud of their trucks. The Tesla Cybertruck problems have provided tons of headaches while still relieving support. Despite using cheap materials and falling short of promises, Elon Musk still makes wild claims about the Tesla Cybertruck.
Is Elon Musk ignoring Telsa Cybertruck problems?
Elon Musk loves his Twitter or X app and recently tweeted that the Tesla Cybertruck is an armored personal vehicle from the future in response to a short video of the Cybertruck driving through water.
He also tweeted that the Cybertruck eats pickup trucks for breakfast with a side of bacon. But what about all of the Tesla Cybertruck problems?
There are accounts of the Cybertruck dying after car washes, failing to get out of small amounts of snow, struggling on sandy beaches, and dying after traversing through shallow puddles.
Also, it’s not exactly an armored personal vehicle. It is made of stainless steel with bulletproof windows, but the truck only stands up to lower caliber bullets, like shots fired from a 9mm handgun.
It didn’t withstand gunfire from higher-powered fires such as the AR-15 or a .50 caliber rifle. People will probably be using their stronger weapons in the apocalypse. Also, good luck waiting around at a charging station if everything hits the fan.
It is an armored personnel carrier from the future
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 1, 2024
I don’t doubt that Elon Musk poured his heart and soul into this truck, but calling it a technology discontinuity is a stretch. Discontinuity is a fancy word for unique, which the Cybertruck is.
However, it also means a distinct break in physical continuity or time, which is ridiculous. The Cybertruck isn’t from the future, it’s a current truck. Arguably it’s from the past because it was supposed to arrive in 2019.
If the truck was from the future, then Telsa Cybertruck problems wouldn’t include things like the faulty accelerator pedal and wheel covers that destroy tires. A truck from the future would catch these problems before deliveries were made.
The Cybertruck is new and exciting for some and used as a status symbol for the rich. It hasn’t proved it’s off-roading capabilities yet and finally received a locking differential.
Plus, it was supposed to have up to 500 miles of range with the ability to tow up to 14,000 lbs. But it has a range of up to 340 miles and can only tow 11,000 lbs. It’s on par with rivals instead of outperforming them.
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.
The Tesla Cybertruck is one of the first passenger vehicles with no mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels.
Even though Infiniti was the first manufacturer to bring steer-by-wire to a production car almost 10 years ago, that system was optional, and you could still opt for a conventional setup with a mechanical link between the helm and the wheels. It’s also offered as an option in the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ450e.
The first true steer-by-wire production vehicle is the Tesla Cybertruck, and driving one takes a bit of getting used to since you have to apply a lot less lock than in a traditional setup, and it also has a variable ratio. This means it’s not very sensitive off-center, but the more you turn the wheel, the lock you apply increases progressively. This ratio also varies depending on the driving speed.
The Tesla Cybertruck is steer-by-wire only
Unlike other manufacturers that have offered steer-by-wire as an option in their vehicles, for the Tesla Cybertruck it’s the only available setup and it makes for an unusual driving experience that takes a bit of getting used to.
One of the most unusual characteristics of the Cybertruck with its steer-by-wire system is that you can turn the steering wheel when the vehicle is powered off, and none of the wheels will turn. Do the same after powering on the Cybertruck, and you will see both its front- and rear-wheel steering racks working.
Steer-by-wire is definitely still a novelty in cars, although several manufacturers have announced plans to introduce it in production cars in the next few years—Mercedes is rumored to give its next S-Class steer-by-wire. If you’ve ever wondered how a system like this works, this video by Sandy Munro of Munro Live—the latest part of his Tesla Cybertruck teardown series—should shed some light. Sandy and his team first demonstrated how it works, then they extracted the front and rear subframes from the truck to get a better look at how they work.
They also show the steering column, which looks very different from any steering column you may have seen before. It stops where you would expect it to continue with a shaft that links to the steering rack, and it just has electronics, servos and wires that enable it to have a variable ratio. The steering rack (which interestingly appears to be supplied by ZF) has two motors for redundancy, so if one malfunctions, the backup motor can take over and keep the steering system alive.
Costs vary wildly and owners have to go through Tesla-approved installers, which may make it harder for some to get the work done.
The Cybertruck is Tesla’s first consumer EV that supports bidirectional charging. The EV maker calls the feature Powershare and it basically means that the truck’s roughly 123-kilowatt-hour battery pack can be used to power tools and appliances, charge other EVs and even provide backup power to an entire house if the grid goes down.
To act as a mobile generator, though, Tesla requires Cybertruck owners to install a so-called Powershare Gateway–a hardware panel that takes power from the pickup’s battery and routes it to the house’s electrical installation. It can also route power from the grid to the car’s battery to keep it topped up. Those who ordered the top-spec Cyberbeast Foundation Series get a $4,000 installation credit included in the vehicle’s purchase, but as one owner recently found out, that amount might be extremely low.
One Tesla Cybertruck owner was quoted over $30,000 to install the necessary hardware that transforms the angular EV into a battery generator capable of powering an entire house. However, as several commenters pointed out, that estimate might have been inflated, with other owners saying they were quoted less than $5,000.
Joe Tegtmeyer, who’s best known in the EV community for his drone videos of Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas, bought an all-wheel drive Foundation Series Cybertruck, so he didn’t get the $4,000 installation credit. The purchase did, however, include a $595 Powershare home charger, a $230 Powershare mobile connector and the aforementioned $1,800 Powershare Gateway.
As he explained in detail in the X post embedded below, Tegtmeyer wanted to take advantage of his truck’s power-exporting capabilities and contacted Tesla about it. The company sent a certified installer to his house to survey the electrical system which included an existing 36.6 kW roof-mounted solar system and an upgraded 250-amp main panel.
After everything was said and done, the Tesla-approved installer–Treehouse in this case–came up with an eye-watering estimate of $33,837.5. According to the company’s estimate, the biggest piece was represented by a utility upgrade to 320A amounting to $24,150. With two Tesla Powerwalls–that’s a stationary battery that also acts as a generator–the estimate went up to $64,275.
Tegtmeyer was told that the utility upgrade was necessary to make all the components work together flawlessly and that it wasn’t an option that could be deleted, but some commenters pointed out that might not necessarily be the case.
People also revealed in the comments section that Tegtmeyer’s situation might be an outlier and that the cost of installing Tesla’s Powershare gateway varies wildly from home to home. One person in Southern California said he got quoted $3,500 for the installation. Others got estimates of $4,400, $2,150, $2,870 and $5,000.
As a reminder, the all-wheel drive Tesla Cybertruck starts at $79,990, so a $33,000 installation cost for the extra hardware amounts to almost half the price of the car, which is unreasonable, to say the least.
The journey from online rumors to an official recall began with a series of social media posts about Tesla Cybertrucks accelerating uncontrollably. A critical video from TikToker Jose Martinez exposing a faulty accelerator pedal prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate an investigation, halting further deliveries of the Cybertruck. Tesla has now initiated a voluntary recall to address and rectify this hazardous issue.
Uncovering the Malfunction
The danger became evident when TikTok footage showed the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal disassembling during use. The pedal’s surface, meant to secure the driver’s foot, detached and jammed under the vehicle’s trim, causing it to remain fully engaged. Given the Cybertruck’s impressive acceleration capabilities—reaching 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds—and its substantial weight of 6,800 pounds, this mechanical fault posed a significant threat to safety.
Regulatory Response and Tesla’s Action
The NHTSA’s findings revealed improper assembly practices at Tesla’s manufacturing facilities, including the use of soap as a lubricant to ease pedal assembly, which unfortunately made it prone to disassembly. Despite previous confrontations between Tesla and the NHTSA over recall procedures and safety transparency, Tesla promptly responded this time by recalling all 3,878 units manufactured between November 13, 2024, and April 4, 2024. Tesla owners are urged to visit showrooms with service departments for immediate repairs to prevent potential accidents.
This recall highlights the critical nature of automotive safety and Tesla’s proactive steps to ensure the well-being of its customers by addressing this severe malfunction swiftly.
YouTuber Everyday Chris has owned his Tesla Cybertruck for a few months now and has been sharing his experiences on his channel. He has been a long-time fan of Tesla, and says that the Cybertruck allows him to do things none of his other Teslas can do—including towing his new “house on wheels.”
The mobile home in question is the sleek Pebble Flow RV, and it’s a fitting rig here given that it was created by former Tesla and Apple employees. Besides the streamlined looks, the trailer weighs about 6,200 lbs and is quite roomy on the inside.
The camper costs between $109,000 and $125,000 and is powered by a 45 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery that can be charged up using the solar panels on the roof. When fully depleted, you can also top it off using CCS DC fact charging. It also has a bi-directional Nema 14-50 plug that can be used to charge your EV while parked or power your home in an outage.
One of the best features for EV drivers is the camper’s dual motors which improve the efficiency while towing. While he was not permitted to share numbers yet, Chris describes the range as “amazing.”
But the Pebble is not only an RV—it is also an RC car. The dual motors allow the pebble to rotate and drive itself short distances by using an app on your tablet. This significantly improves the hitching process for those who do not travel regularly. The trailer even has its own guidance system to seek out your vehicle’s hitch and align the ball and coupler automatically. This certainly seems more user-friendly than having your spouse stand behind your vehicle waving you in like an aircraft marshal.
The Pebble Flow RV can be driven like an RC car to move it from your storage location to your vehicle.
The Pebble Flow’s Magic Hitch can “sight, align and hitch all by itself.”
As the company representatives explain, their mission is to make the process easier for those who are intimidated by RV driving. Chris and his family had avoided RV ownership for what they perceived as being too much of a hassle or too dangerous on the road. “When I’m driving it, I don’t feel like I’m towing anything,” Chris explains. “What was I so scared for?”
Once you arrive at your camp area, you can unhitch your camper using the app, back it up into your campsite, and put it into the “Instacamp” setting which will automatically lower the stabilizer jacks and staircase. The camper will even level itself when you have parked on uneven terrain.
The interior is very clean and functional. The max ceiling height on the interior is 6 feet 6 inches. There is ample storage and a very well-appointed kitchen. The bathroom is an interesting design since it is covered entirely with smart tint glass that can be clear or frosted when you want privacy. As is typical for a camper this size, the lounge area can be transformed into a full-size bed. But there is also a large queen-sized bed on the other end of the camper.
The Pebble Flow has a clean, high tech interior and most functions can be controlled with a tablet or phone app.
During the tow test, Chris found that the Cybertruck still had plenty of power and good visibility thanks to the extensive number of cameras. They even did a launch test on a small side street while no other cars were around. The acceleration was noticeably slower compared to standard operation, but impressive for the size of the load.
The biggest downside is the fact that as of right now, the most useful features of this RV require an app. Hopefully, Pebble will remain in business for years to come, but if they do not, then it’s only a matter of time before your smartphone and tablet app become incompatible with your device. It’s one thing to purchase new smart light bulbs if your preferred smart home company goes under. It’s another thing to lose that functionality in something as large and expensive as an RV. We have to assume that the base RV features would still be usable even if this happens.
Navigating Stormy Waters: The Dilemma of Driving Through Floods
On April 10th, a severe thunderstorm struck New Orleans, unleashing winds of up to 70 miles per hour and deluging the city with over 8 inches of rain. This extreme weather overwhelmed the city’s drainage capabilities, rendering many roads impassable, particularly for smaller vehicles. In these treacherous conditions, the Tesla Cybertruck was notably seen navigating the flooded streets, spotlighted by AccuWeather’s social media amidst other robust trucks and SUVs braving the storm.
Tesla Cybertruck’s “Wade Mode” Under the Microscope
Amidst the chaos of the storm, the resilience of Tesla’s Cybertruck caught the public’s eye, thanks to its innovative ‘Wade Mode’. This feature, which Tesla claims can transform the truck into a makeshift boat, allows the vehicle to traverse through water bodies—potentially a lifeline during sudden floods. However, Elon Musk’s bold assertions that the Cybertruck could cross lakes and calm seas have been met with skepticism, as no current model supports this capability fully. Tesla advises caution, stressing the driver’s responsibility to judge water depths before venturing forth, as any damage from such endeavors falls outside the warranty coverage.
Safety First: The Risks of Floodwater Driving
Driving through floodwaters poses significant risks, regardless of the vehicle. The Cybertruck, while equipped to handle high waters for limited periods, still requires careful handling to avoid costly damage or personal harm. Tesla’s specifications list a maximum wade depth of 32 inches, with stringent guidelines for use. Recently, instances of the ‘Wade Mode’ leading to vehicle damage have surfaced, underscoring the perils of underestimating flood conditions. AccuWeather’s focus on the Cybertruck serves as a reminder of the hazards of driving in such extreme scenarios—better to seek shelter than to test the limits of technology in potentially life-threatening situations.
