Cybertruck Falls Short

Electric Oddity

Over the years, electric trucks have been teased, promised, and predicted to bring a whole new frontier to the automotive world. Tesla’s Cybertruck promised to revolutionize this segment with its bold design and groundbreaking features. Yet, as of late 2023, it’s clear that some initial promises won’t be met, particularly regarding range expectations. Tesla originally marketed a range extender that aimed to boost the Cybertruck’s mileage but ultimately decided to cancel its release.

Disappointing Range

The Cybertruck was initially hyped to deliver up to 500 miles on a single charge. In reality, the standard reach falls short of that. The Dual Motor AWD configuration can only stretch to 325 miles, while the Cyberbeast variant reaches around 320 miles. Not even the Long Range (RWD) version hits the mark, though it nudges closer at 350 miles. Comparing these to competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, which offers up to 492 miles, it feels like Tesla stumbled at the finish line when it comes to range.

The canceled range extender was intended to boost the AWD model from 325 to over 445 miles and the Cyberbeast from 320 to more than 440 miles—substantial upgrades that now will never materialize. Tesla has opted instead to send refunds for deposits made on this accessory, avoiding what would likely have been operational headaches tied to the second battery, which could only be installed or removed by Tesla technicians.

Autosteer and FSD

In a mixed bag of news, Tesla offers a consolation of sorts through a year’s free trial of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) package, which includes the Autosteer feature. This offer is exclusive to Cybertruck owners who haven’t purchased the complete FSD package. Meanwhile, Autosteer, a standard feature on other Tesla models, remains conspicuously absent unless under the FSD tier. Drivers have the option to buy FSD outright for $8,000 or subscribe monthly for $99, giving them access to all the advanced features of Tesla’s self-driving vision.

Reflections

From the start, the Cybertruck was billed as a groundbreaking vehicle. It’s eye-catching and futuristic, but for many, the features and performance fall short — and the price tag doesn’t help either. The base RWD starts at $69,990, AWD at $79,990, and the Cyberbeast rockets to $99,990. These figures make the lack of promised features, like the full range and Autosteer, a tough pill to swallow. Tesla’s innovative spirit is undeniable, but this often comes with speed bumps along the way. However, the company’s proven adaptability and loyal fan base could help smooth these wrinkles as they continue to refine their electric vehicle landscape.