The delivery event, streamed live from Tesla’s Austin, Texas giga factory, featured CEO Elon Musk driving the Cybertruck onto a darkened stage, emphasizing its unique design and futuristic appeal.
Describing the Cybertruck as “the most unique thing on the road,” Musk expressed his enthusiasm for the vehicle, positioning it to compete in the lucrative US car market dominated by Ford, General Motors, and Ram’s Stellantis. Originally priced at $39,990 in 2019, Tesla announced a starting price of $60,990 for the Cybertruck during the event.
The Cybertruck, designed for off-road capabilities with 43cm of ground clearance, six-passenger seating, and a touchscreen navigation centre, boasts impressive performance, accelerating from 0kph to almost 100kph in just 2.6 seconds. Musk highlighted its four-wheel steering, emphasizing adaptability based on vehicle speed, and its towing capacity exceeding 5,000kg.
However, during a conference call, Musk sought to “temper expectations” regarding the vehicle’s production timeline. Tesla anticipates reaching a production volume of 250,000 Cybertrucks “sometime in 2025.” Musk acknowledged the challenges faced during development, including engineering hurdles and supply chain disruptions.
The Cybertruck’s distinctive angular design, characterized by a “nearly impenetrable exoskeleton” made from a stainless steel alloy, sets it apart from Tesla’s current sleek models. Musk explained that the unconventional design is necessary due to the material constraints, emphasizing the benefits of stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and paint-free manufacturing.
Despite reservations about the design, Musk mentioned possibly building a “normal-looking truck” if customer preferences lean in that direction. He also cautioned that it would take 12 to 18 months for the Cybertruck to contribute to positive cash flow significantly.
In light of past delays, including an infamous window-shattering incident during the 2019 debut, Musk underscored the challenges of transitioning from prototypes to production. The company’s optimism remains high, with the Cybertruck poised to carve its niche in the competitive electric vehicle market.
