The highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck is set to make its production debut later this year, and the excitement surrounding this all-electric pickup truck is nothing short of electrifying. Even automotive veterans and teardown experts can't resist delving into speculations about the truck's key details.
Among the top mysteries is the Cybertruck's weight, a well-guarded secret by Tesla. Since its initial unveiling in late 2019, the Cybertruck has undergone various changes, including a slightly smaller size compared to its first prototype.
With Tesla's track record of innovations such as structural battery packs and the use of megacasts, there is speculation that the Cybertruck might be lighter than some of its competitors. This idea was discussed in an episode of Munro Live, featuring automotive veteran Sandy Munro and teardown expert Cory Steuben, both of whom possess extensive knowledge of Tesla's inner workings from past teardowns of vehicles like the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover.
Join the Tesery family. Let's electrify the future together.
While examining leaked photos of the Cybertruck, Munro and Steuben shared their speculations about the vehicle's weight. Despite being a large truck made of steel, the experts believe it could be lighter than rivals like the Rivian R1T and the GMC Hummer EV.
Steuben estimated, "I'm thinking it'll land right around 6,800 pounds because the Rivian (R1T) is over 7,000 (pounds), the Hummer is like 9,000 (pounds), but those are both body-on-frame vehicles. So you not only have a body then you have a frame, then you have the suspension, and the Rivian even has cradles."
The Cybertruck's efficiency is attributed to its giga castings in the front and sides of the rear, eliminating the need for a traditional frame and numerous mating interfaces. Additionally, the vehicle boasts an efficient structural battery pack, contributing to its potential weight advantage.
However, one potential limiting factor for the Cybertruck's production could be Tesla's ability to supply it with the highly anticipated 4680 battery cells. Elon Musk acknowledged this challenge last October and suggested that the Cybertruck could be released using the tried and tested 2170 cells, currently used in the Model 3 and Model Y.
As the Cybertruck's launch date approaches, the automotive world eagerly awaits to witness Tesla's revolutionary advancements in action. The truck's speculated weight and cutting-edge features promise a thrilling new chapter in electric vehicle innovation. Watch the Munro Live episode on the Cybertruck for more insights into this groundbreaking creation.
