Vanished Range Booster

Cybertruck News

The Tesla Cybertruck, once again, proves to be an intriguing story in the automotive world. But not always for good reasons. The recently disappeared Range Extender from Tesla’s configurator is stirring up quite the ruckus. This was a $16,000 add-on for the Cybertruck, designed to extend driving ranges significantly for those considering the dual or tri-motor options. Customers were asked to plonk down a $2,000 non-refundable deposit to reserve this gizmo. Now, the feature has seemingly vanished without a trace or an explanation from Tesla.

Price and Range

Let’s break down what the Range Extender was supposed to offer. In terms of performance, it was aimed at boosting the dual motor Cybertruck’s range from a decent 340 miles to over 445 miles. Meanwhile, the tri-motor variant would see an increase from 320 miles to around 440 miles. However, Tesla kept mum on the specifics of the battery size or details, leaving potential buyers largely in the dark. It’s worth noting that even with the deposit scheme in place, which required $2,000 to secure one’s spot, Tesla didn’t shy away from quietly removing this supposed game-changer from their listings.

Why the Fuss?

The Range Extender was set to house a rather chunky auxiliary battery pack. While estimates say it might have needed a 47 kWh pack, this would have consumed almost half the truck bed and tipped the scales at a hefty 600 pounds. It’s like trying to add the battery of a small EV into the back of the truck. You can imagine the logistics and practicality concerns, not to mention the need for professional installation. This wasn’t going to be a quick DIY swap job in your garage.

The Driving Feel

When it comes to driving, the Cybertruck is already known for its robust, albeit unconventional aesthetic. It’s heavy, sure, but that weight contributes to a sort of solid, grounded feel on the road. Comparatively speaking, it’s like driving a tank that promises a futuristic vibe rather than a traditional pickup. Adding that extra battery would have likely made it feel even more tank-like in terms of handling. The extra range would have been a welcome relief for long-haulers and adventurers, akin to moving from a Chevy Colorado to a Silverado in terms of expanded reach without worrying about a recharge detour.

Current Status

Tesla’s plans had set the launch date for the battery add-on initially in early 2025, only to push it to mid-2025. With time ticking away and no new information, those who paid deposits are left wondering if they’ll ever see their investment realized. Tesla’s history of dropping features without notice seems to follow them like a shadow, and this situation doesn’t appear to be any different. For the Tesla faithful, patience might wear thin, but one thing’s for sure—Tesla always manages to keep everyone guessing. Whether that’s a good thing or not is still up for debate.