Tesla has revealed new measurements for its long-awaited Cybertruck, showcasing its unique design and technological advancements. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the truck will be less than 19 feet long, with a bed longer than six feet. This puts it at a shorter length than Ford’s best-selling F-150 Lightning, which is 19.25 feet long with a 5.5-foot bed.
During an earnings call, Musk stated that the Cybertruck is the first four-door pickup truck to offer this bed and length combination. He also highlighted the presence of “a lot of new technology” within the vehicle, suggesting that it will break technological and architectural boundaries.
What sets the Cybertruck apart is its unconventional design. Musk aimed to create a truck that looked like it came straight out of a sci-fi post-apocalyptic film, rather than a practical work truck. This unique vision pushed Tesla’s engineers to create a vehicle that deviates from the traditional appearance of a pickup truck.
Musk emphasized that good design is characterized by the feeling of spaciousness on the inside, despite how compact it may seem from the outside. As an example, he mentioned that you can easily fit a Cybertruck into a 20-foot garage—a notable advantage for homeowners with limited garage space, especially as pickup trucks continue to increase in size.
Over the years, pickup trucks have evolved to cater to consumer demand for lifestyle vehicles that offer larger cabs and more luxury features. Ford’s F-150, for instance, has experienced a shift from a 36 percent cab and 64 percent bed ratio in its first generation to a 63 percent cab and 37 percent bed ratio in its latest models in 2021. With the Cybertruck, Tesla aims to create a stark contrast to Ford’s popular vehicle.
Tesla is currently conducting tests for “final certification and validation” of the Cybertruck worldwide. Just recently, the first production Cybertruck rolled off the assembly line at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas, marking a significant milestone for the company.
Musk confirmed that production of the Cybertruck will officially begin this year, with large-scale production set to commence in 2024. This timeline represents a delay from Musk’s previous expectations, as he originally aimed to begin deliveries around this time. However, Tesla now plans to start deliveries later this year, aligning with the announcement of a delivery event scheduled for the third quarter.
Earlier this year, a report shed light on the challenges Tesla faced in bringing the Cybertruck to production. Internal documents from early 2022 highlighted continuous issues that existed since the alpha prototype, including problems with braking, body sealing, and suspension. The stainless steel body of the Cybertruck is also reported to be expensive to produce on a large scale.
The truck’s current size is slightly smaller than the original prototype, and there have been indications that a smaller version may be developed specifically for the European market. Additionally, the latest steering design integrates the yoke and circular wheels, offering a unique blend of ergonomics and aesthetics. However, some pre-order holders may be disappointed to learn that the large windshield wiper design is unlikely to change.
Overall, Tesla’s Cybertruck continues to generate excitement as it pushes the boundaries of design and technology in the pickup truck market. While delays and challenges have been encountered along the way, Tesla remains committed to delivering a groundbreaking vehicle that stands out from its competitors.
