2024 Tesla Cybertruck

Tesla is certainly an innovative company. It shook up the world of electric cars, and now it’s doing the same for pickups with the new Cybertruck. Let’s forget the hype and the controversy for a moment and focus on the nuts and bolts. One reason why the Cybertruck looks the way it does is because the body is made from thick (for a vehicle), cold-rolled stainless steel. It’s a hard material to make things with, and panels have to be bent instead of stamped. Apparently, the Space X program uses the same stuff.

In either of the two forms available at launch, the Cybertruck is powerful and fast — the advantages of electric motors. But whereas other Tesla vehicles usually have the edge on their rivals in terms of range — the distance covered with a full battery — other all-electric pickups are becoming more competitive. The Cybertruck’s theoretical maximum of 470 miles is almost matched by the Chevy Silverado EV’s 450 miles. The Chevy might even take the win in real-world conditions. But it sure won’t look like the Cybertruck.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this collection of fully electric trucks, including the Tesla Cybertruck.

The Cybertruck has finally made the transition from much-touted concept to production reality. Looking a little further ahead, a single-motor/rear-wheel-drive version costing $60,990 is promised for 2025.

The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck starts at $79,990. That’s for the All-Wheel Drive model with two electric motors and a range of 340 miles.

These are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) and do not include the $1,390 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).

For comparison, the Ford F-150 Lightning starts at $50K (a recent drop in price). The new-for-2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV should begin at around $52K, with the closely related GMC Sierra EV a few thousand more because it launches in the top Denali trim. The GMC Hummer EV Pickup is more like $110K. The Rivian R1T starts in the $73K region.

Before buying a new Cybertruck electric pickup, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Other Tesla vehicles tend to have strong resale values, so since this machine is built to withstand a lot of punishment, we expect the Cybertruck to do the same.

Does the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck qualify for the federal tax credit?

Tesla Cybertruck buyers may be eligible to receive a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, since it’s built in Austin, Texas. There are price caps, income requirements, and other stipulations, though. See if you may qualify.

The most affordable new Cybertruck right now is the All-Wheel Drive model, with two electric motors making a total of 600 horsepower. It accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in a sports-car-like 4.5 seconds. The pricier Cyberbeast variant adds a third motor, enabling a breathtaking 2.6-second run to 60 mph, thanks to a massive 845 horsepower. In Beast mode, of course, and with an initial rollout subtracted. Still fast, though.

An adaptive air suspension is available, providing a range of settings from sporty to soft. It also allows 12 inches of suspension travel and 17 inches of ground clearance, so it can definitely go off-road. For greater maneuverability, the Cybertruck also offers rear-wheel steering.

Payload and Towing

The Cybertruck’s maximum payload is 2,500 pounds. In tandem with its 11,000-pound towing ability, this pickup is extremely capable — even though these specs are below the company’s original projections. The Ford F-150 Lightning manages 2,000 pounds and can tow up to 7,700 pounds. We’re looking at 1,487/8,500 pounds for the GMC Hummer EV Pickup. The Rivian R1T is rated at 1,760/11,000 pounds. And the Chevy Silverado EV can handle 1,300 pounds of payload and tow 10,000 pounds.

Wide enough to accommodate six occupants, three per seating row, the Cybertruck could be described as a crew cab, since there are full-size side doors for the front and back. That crazy triangular profile might affect headroom for rear passengers, though.

The dashboard doesn’t do much except provide a place for the 17-inch touchscreen to live. The cabin is exceptionally sparse. There is an additional 9.4-inch touchscreen for rear passengers, though. Under the rear seats is extra stowage space. Another storage area is beneath its hood.

Tesla employs a unibody construction for the Cybertruck, as opposed to the traditional body-on-frame arrangement. It’s going to take a lot to dent a Cybertruck (like being trodden on by Godzilla) and the stainless steel is rust-resistant. The glass is likewise ultra-strong and armored with polymer-layered composite.

According to Tesla, the 6.5-foot bed (or vault) supplies 100 cubic feet of lockable storage. It can also take 4×8 plywood sheets. The roller-shutter tonneau cover is strong enough for someone to stand on and below the bed is where an integrated ramp is stowed. Perfect for an ATV, which can be loaded via an optional ramp. The bed houses 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, and an air compressor is available. Tesla says the bed is made from a composite and doesn’t need a protective liner.

The Cybertruck looks bigger than it actually is. At 223.7 inches long, it’s 8 inches shorter than a typical Ford F-150. From what we’ve seen of the Cybertruck so far, it does suffer from that typical Tesla malady of large panel gaps. Perhaps when production practices are honed, these may get smaller.

Tesla is building new batteries at its Gigafactory in Texas which are supposed to hold more energy than those in the “Model” vehicles. These are supposed to go into the Cybertruck, but whether that means every variant that comes off the line, even the initial examples, we’re not so sure about. The truck is also expected to get an 800-volt setup for fast charging.

The All-Wheel Drive version of the new Cybertruck has a range of 340 miles, although an optional battery is rated by Tesla to bring that total distance up to 470 miles. The 3-motor Cyberbeast can run for 320 miles or 440 miles with the bigger battery.

Looking at the maximum ranges of rival electric trucks, the Ford F-150 Lightning can run for 320 miles with its Extended package. The Chevy Silverado EV is apparently capable of 450 miles, the Rivian R1T can manage 328 miles, and the GMC Hummer EV 3X Pickup has had its range boosted to 381 miles for 2024.

Using the network of Tesla Superchargers is the fastest way of recharging the Cybertruck, with about 130 miles of range added in 15 minutes. That’s quick. Once back at the ranch, it’s best to use a 240-volt charger (Tesla sells these things), but count on a full replenishment taking about 10 hours.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Tesla’s new-vehicle limited warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. These terms are typical among luxury manufacturers. The battery is covered for eight years or 150,000 miles, which is a little better than most.

Safety

No third-party agency has safety rated the Tesla Cybertruck.