Tesla’s Cybertruck has faced setbacks since its launch, with the company initially claiming that one version of the electric pickup would offer 500 miles of range. However, upon delivery, it became clear that the 500-mile claim came with an asterisk: it required a range extender that was not yet available. Now, Tesla has revealed the pricing and specifications for the range extender, and it still falls short of the promised 500-mile range.
The range extender option can be found on the Tesla Cybertruck online configurator. Priced at an additional $16,000, it requires professional installation at a Tesla service center. However, even with the range extender, the Cybertruck’s maximum range only reaches 470 miles in the base pickup, below the original estimate. Tesla has not provided details about the range extender’s capacity, leaving potential customers with unanswered questions.
One drawback of the range extender is that it takes up a significant amount of space in the truck bed. As it is essentially a large battery pack, it occupies about a third of the available bed space, reducing it to four feet. Tesla has not disclosed the weight of the extra battery pack, but it is expected to be substantial.
Customers will have to wait until “early 2025” to have range extenders installed on their trucks, assuming there are no delays. However, those who order a new Cybertruck can reserve a range extender for $500, ensuring priority installation.
It is important to note that this news comes shortly after Tesla removed the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive model priced at $60,990 from its website. As a result, the cheapest Cybertruck now available is the all-wheel-drive version, starting at $102,235. If customers choose to add the optional range extender, the price increases to $118,235, which is just a few thousand dollars shy of the high-performance “Cyberbeast” model priced at $122,235.
While the range extender may make sense for owners who frequently tow heavy loads, sacrificing two feet of usable space seems contradictory to the purpose of owning a pickup truck. Furthermore, the actual gains in range still fall short of the initial promises made by Tesla.
In conclusion, Tesla’s range extender for the Cybertruck offers some potential benefits for certain owners but falls short of the expected range and raises concerns about reduced bed space. Customers will have to wait until 2025 for installation, and the additional cost brings the Cybertruck’s price closer to the high-performance variant. With these factors in mind, potential buyers should carefully consider whether the range extender is a worthwhile investment for their needs.