The Evolution of the Tesla Cybertruck: What Promised Features Didn’t Make the Cut?
Elon Musk’s revolutionary Cybertruck has certainly come a long way since its initial unveiling in 2019. However, not all of the features promised by Musk have made it into the final version of the vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features that didn’t make the cut.
1. A $39,900 price tag:
One of the most enticing promises made by Elon Musk was the affordable starting price of $39,900 for the Cybertruck. This would have made it accessible to a wider range of customers. Unfortunately, the reality didn’t live up to the expectation. The current cheapest model of the Cybertruck is priced at nearly $100,000, disappointing many Tesla fans and transforming the vehicle into a status symbol.
2. 500-mile range:
Another ambitious promise from Musk was the Cybertruck’s impressive 500-mile range. This would have made it one of the longest-range electric vehicles on the market. However, Tesla couldn’t deliver on this claim. The highest-end model of the Cybertruck currently has an estimated range of 318 miles, while the more expensive “Cyberbeast” model has a range of 301 miles. To address this shortfall, Tesla plans to offer a “range extender” that will increase the vehicle’s range to over 470 miles, but at an additional cost of $16,000.
3. Cyberquad:
The Cybertruck unveiling event ended with the surprise introduction of the Tesla quad bike, known as the “Cyberquad.” Musk stated that it would be a two-seater ATV released alongside the truck. While a kids’ version of the Cyberquad was released, the full-size quad bike has yet to materialize, leaving fans still waiting for its arrival.
4. Cybertruck as a boat:
One of the most intriguing promises made by Musk was the Cybertruck’s ability to float and serve as a boat. Musk claimed that the vehicle would be waterproof enough to cross rivers, lakes, and even seas under certain conditions. While the Cybertruck does have a “wade mode” that allows it to drive through 30 inches of water for a limited time, it is not suitable for extended water travel. Musk has teased the possibility of an upgrade that would enable the Cybertruck to traverse at least 100 meters of water, but no further details have been provided.
5. Crab walking:
Musk initially announced that the Cybertruck would feature four motors, allowing it to turn 360 degrees like a tank and move diagonally like a crab. However, this unique crab walking feature was ultimately shelved. Tesla’s lead engineer, Wes Morrill, explained that despite experimentation, they couldn’t find a practical use for it. The feature was deemed clunky and awkward, lacking a real-world application.
While the Cybertruck has certainly undergone significant changes since its unveiling, not all of the promised features have made it into the final product. Tesla has faced challenges in scaling up production and has had to adjust pricing, resulting in a higher price tag than initially anticipated. Despite these setbacks, the Cybertruck remains an impressive addition to Tesla’s lineup, pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle design and performance. With ongoing innovation and advancements, we can expect more exciting features and updates from Tesla in the future.
