Tesla, Inc. has long been a catalyst of progress in the automotive industry. Due to their innovative designs, the company is widely considered to be one of the leading experts on Electric Vehicles, or EV’s. Recently, Tesla has garnered more buzz with their latest project: the Tesla Cybertruck. Boasting a sharp-edged stainless-steel body that’s said to be bulletproof, the Cybertruck is reminiscent of a small tank or something close to what one would expect to be crawling along the surface of Mars.
More about Tesla’s Cybertruck
Tesla will offer two versions of the model. The original Cybertruck will offer a 600-hp dual motor and will reportedly have a zero to 60 mph time of 3.9 seconds. The Cyberbeast will offer an 845-hp tri motor and can reach 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. To put it in simpler terms, that’s very fast- especially for such a large vehicle.
To properly display just how quick their new creation is, Tesla orchestrated a little stunt. A drag race was organized between two vehicles: the new Tesla Cyberbeast and a Porsche 911 Carrera. Porsche, a renowned German automobile manufacturer known for their high-performance sports cars, solidified their status in the sports car hall of fame with their 911. One wouldn’t expect a truck, of all vehicles, to be able to beat the 911 easily. And yet, the Cyberbeast easily mops the floor and crosses the finish line well ahead of the Porsche. The kicker? The Cybertruck was towing a 911 identical to the one it beat.
Taken at face value, the drag race was an effective publicity stunt which served to bolster the buzz around Tesla’s latest project. When one takes a closer look at the two vehicle’s specs, however, the result of the race starts to make sense. The Cybertruck is an electric utility vehicle, while the 911 is an internal combustion sports car. If Tesla’s electric motors were incapable of producing enough torque to outrun a 911 Carrera, that would be nonsensical.
A race beyond gimmicks
Disregarding the somewhat predictable race results, the true value of this stunt lies within the discussion surrounding EV’s. Clean energy is more popular than ever before, and the automotive industry is no stranger to this shift in consumer demand. With increased performance capabilities, a greener environmental footprint, and the negation of gas expenses, experts predict that EV’s will continue to revolutionize the automotive industry. By demonstrating the capabilities of their new Cybertruck alongside a famous gas-powered vehicle, Tesla has further demonstrated the true value of electric motors.
An intriguing optional feature is the Range Extender, a battery “booster” which provides an additional 130 miles of range. This Range Extender offers opportunities for other energy sources and could potentially make a significant impact in the EV world. According to Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, the Range Extender is meant for very long trips or towing heavy things up mountains. The ability to purchase additional battery power is a new concept for electric vehicles and could very well revolutionize the way that EV’s are sold and designed. Tesla may even offer different battery sizes in the future, with different corresponding mileage. Consumers can customize their vehicles to better suit their individual needs, and dealers can offer various packages to customers.
Although the Cybertruck is not yet available for purchase, it has been appearing in Tesla showrooms since late 2023. Consumers eager to purchase a Cybertruck can put down a $100 deposit to pre-order a model. However, it’s unlikely that Cybertrucks will hit dealerships any time soon, with most projections slating their arrival in late 2024 or early 2025.
Even so, all of us in auto finance should keep an eye on any developments surrounding the Cybertruck. If the hype it has received is indicative of future sales, chances are that Cybertrucks will be a popular choice.
Sources
https://electrek.co/2023/12/04/cybertruck-range-extender-option-is-just-the-beginning/
https://www.dezeen.com/2023/12/08/tesla-cybertruck-unveiled-showrooms/#
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