Tesla Drops Range Boost

Tesla’s Cybertruck Range Extender: What’s Going On?

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been a rollercoaster ride of announcements and retractions, the latest twist being the unexpected disappearance of the $16,000 Range Extender option from its configurator. Many customers had put down non-refundable deposits of $2,000 for this upgrade, banking on the promise of extended ranges for both dual and tri-motor models.

What Was Promised?

The Range Extender was marketed as a significant enhancement to the Cybertruck’s already impressive capabilities. It was set to extend the dual motor’s range from 340 miles to over 445 miles and the tri-motor’s range from 320 miles to 440 miles. This supplementary battery pack, however, was rumored to occupy nearly half of the truck’s bed space, potentially compromising its utility.

The Cancellation

Fast forward to today, and Tesla has quietly pulled this option from its configurator, and many potential buyers are left in the dark. Tesla has confirmed to those who pre-ordered that the company is no longer planning to sell the range booster, with refunds for their $2,000 deposits in the works. This follows a history of Tesla tweaking its offerings without prior notice.

The Weight Factor

To achieve the promised range, estimates suggested the Range Extender would need around a 47 kWh capacity, placing it in league with some small EVs like the Nissan Leaf. It would have been no lightweight, potentially tipping the scales at 600 lbs, which would require a professional installation by a Tesla service center.

Driving Impact

For those who invested in the idea of a Range Extender, the driving experience promised to expand beyond what the stock options offered. Without it, the Cybertruck’s range remains competitive but lags behind what many anticipated it to be. Comparatively speaking, it would likely have pushed the Cybertruck closer to the Rivian R1T or even the Hummer EV in terms of long-distance capability.

Future Outlook

Tesla’s move has left potential buyers wondering what the future holds, with some uncertainty around whether this kind of range enhancement will ever make a comeback. For those who were banking on this feature, one can only hope for innovative alternatives from Tesla down the line, as the EV landscape continues to grow and evolve.

The Cybertruck, with or without the Range Extender, remains a bold statement in electric vehicle design and capability. With the launch date approaching fast, it will be interesting to see how Tesla continues to refine and deliver on its promises, keeping fans and customers on their toes with each new development.