Tesla's much-anticipated Cybertruck is set to commence at $60,990 pre-rebates, with potential buyers bracing for a possible $100,000-plus price tag at MSRP.
In an event held at the Tesla Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, CEO Elon Musk, after grappling with years of production delays, graced a dimly lit stage to personally deliver the inaugural fleet of Cybertruck EVs to their rightful owners. Alongside this long-awaited delivery, the company divulged the pricing details for its opulent electric truck. Prospective purchasers should prepare to allocate between $60,990 and $100,000 MSRP (with a potential reduction of $11,000 post-rebates and tax credits). For those inclined to make a purchase, an online configurator tool has been rolled out to streamline the ordering process.
During the event, Tesla also officially unveiled the performance specifications and model choices for the Cybertruck. The base model, starting at $60,990, boasts a single-motor rear-wheel drive, offering an estimated 250-mile range and a leisurely 6.5-second zero-to-60 acceleration. The intriguing revelation here is the unexpected weightiness of the steel sheeting, delaying its release until the 2025 model year.
Stepping up the hierarchy, the mid-range variant comes in at $79,990, featuring all-wheel drive with electric motors on each axle. With a weight of just over 6,600 pounds, it significantly undercuts competitors like the Rivian R1S and the Hummer EV, weighing 1,900 and nearly 2,500 pounds less, respectively. As Musk proudly declared, "If you find yourself in a vehicular dispute, victory shall be yours." This all-wheel-drive option promises a more respectable 340-mile range, a 4.1-second zero-to-60 acceleration, and a robust 600 HP with 7435 lb-ft of torque. Its towing capacity of 11,000 pounds slightly edges out the Ford Lighting XLT's maximum of 10,000 pounds but falls short of Musk's 2019 claim of 14,000 pounds.
For the pinnacle Cybertruck experience, one can acquire the Cyberbeast at a price of $99,990—an epithet to be used publicly. The Cyberbeast is equipped with a trio of electric motors, providing all-wheel-drive capabilities, a 320-mile range, a rapid 2.6-second zero-to-60 acceleration, a top speed of 130 MPH, 845 horses under the hood, and a formidable 10,296 lb-ft of torque. Despite these impressive specifications, both the Cyberbeast and the all-wheel-drive version share the same 11,000-pound towing limit as the base model.
Both iterations, the Cyberbeast and the all-wheel-drive version, boast a capacious cargo space of 121 cubic feet and can comfortably accommodate five adult passengers. Compatibility with Tesla's supercharger network is a notable feature, allowing for a maximum charging capacity of 250kW, translating to an addition of 128 miles of range for every 15 minutes of charging time. Both models are currently available for order on Tesla's website, with a mandatory fully-refundable $250 deposit upon placing an order.
The announced prices on Thursday diverged significantly from Musk's long-standing assertion of a $50,000 price range for the Cybertruck. By way of comparison, the Ford F-150 Lightning initiates at $52,000, while Rivian's R1S aligns more closely with the Cybertruck, retailing for $79,500 following a price increase from $67,500 the previous year.
This event, occurring after four years of developmental efforts marked by both intense scrutiny and promotion, revisited some iconic moments from the 2019 reveal. Musk recreated the window-smashing test, this time using seemingly less-damaging softballs, and revisited the classic drag race with a Porsche 911, this time with the Cybertruck towing a second Porsche. A towing competition between the Cybertruck and various light and medium-duty EV and ICE pickups reaffirmed Tesla's dominance in each test.
Beyond the vehicular prowess, the Cybertruck has been a focal point of Tesla's marketing endeavors, with promises of an electric ATV and consideration of an electric dirt bike left unrealized. The RC Cybertruck, a collaboration with Hot Wheels, made its way to the market at a price of $400, followed by a more budget-friendly $100 RV Cyberquad from Hot Wheels. Despite these ventures, a kid-sized Cyberquad faced a swift recall due to its lack of basic safety features.