Tesla Cybertruck with 1m+ reservations is delayed to 2023 [Update]

Update: ‘Size compared to the Model X & Model S’ section added.

The ongoing chip shortage is seemingly the biggest hurdle for the Tesla Cybertruck’s mass production. The scarcity of chips has affected Tesla, co-founder and CEO Elon Musk acknowledged during the Q2 2021 earnings conference call, saying that the company is figuring out how to address the issue.

So in order for Cybertruck and Semi to scale to volume that’s meaningful for customer deliveries, we’ve got to solve the chip shortage working with our suppliers. And someone would say, why don’t you just build a chip fab? Well, OK, that would take us, even moving like lightning, 12 to 18 months.

Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO, Tesla (Q2 2021 results conference call)

Musk said that the Tesla Cybertruck and Tesla Semi are heavy users of cell capacity, and the company needs to ensure the steady availability of the crucial component. The company can start producing vehicles now, but it would lose an exorbitant amount of money on each truck.

They would literally cost $1 million apiece or more. There’s a reason why you do things in volume production, which is to get the economies to scale and get the cost down.

Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO, Tesla (Q2 2021 results conference call)

The Cybertruck, to be made in Texas, will give electric pickups from legacy automakers tough competition. We’re referring to the F-150 Lightning and the Silverado EV. Image Source: Tesla

Latest 2023 production date & quad motor variant update

VariantOriginal PriceSingle-motor RWDUSD 39,900Dual-motor AWDUSD 49,900Tri-motor AWDUSD 69,900

Official estimates as on the Tesla website. Note that Tesla has now removed the Cybertruck pricing section of the site.

Last year, Tesla was expecting to start producing the dual-motor AWD and tri-motor AWD variants of the Cybertruck in late 2021 and its single-motor RWD variant in late 2022. Later in the year, it changed the SOP date (Start of Production date) for all three variants of the Cybertruck on its website to 2022.

During the Q4 2021 and full year 2021 earnings conference call, Musk explained why Tesla didn’t begin Cybertruck production in 2021. He said that there was no point in launching the Cybertruck in 2021 if the company wasn’t going to be able to deliver it in sufficient volumes.

If we had introduced, say, a new car last year, we would — our total vehicle output would have been the same because of the constraints — the chips constraints, particularly. So, if we’d actually introduced an additional product, that would then require a bunch of attention and resources on that increased complexity of the additional product, resulting in fewer vehicles actually being delivered.

Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO, Tesla (Q4 2021 and full year 2021 earnings conference call on January 26, 2022)

Musk said that the situation is the same this year, and so, Tesla may not begin Cybertruck production before 2023. The company removed the estimates (2022) from the website before the end of 2021 because of a new production delay.

And the same is true of this year. So, we will not be introducing new vehicle models this year. It would not make any sense because we’ll still be parts constrained. We will, however, do a lot of engineering and tooling and whatnot to create those vehicles, Cybertruck, Semi, Roadster, Optimus, and be ready to bring those to production hopefully next year. That is most likely. But like I said, it is dependent on, are we able to produce more cars or fewer cars?

Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO, Tesla (Q4 2021 and full year 2021 earnings conference call on January 26, 2022)

According to a Reuters source familiar with the developments, Tesla aims to start Cybertruck production by the end of Q1 2023 (January-March 2023). Due to the rising competition in the electric pickup segment, the source informed Reuters that Tesla is changing the Cybertruck’s features and functions. That could be the reason why the company no longer shows the originally announced configurations of the Cybertruck on its website.

Quad-motor Cybertruck

Whole Mars Catalog said in a post on Twitter in December 2021 that a new quad-motor variant will join the range, while the single-motor variant is under consideration for cancellation. Musk said in response to the speculation on Twitter that Tesla will produce a quad-motor Cybertruck first, confirming the new top-end variant.

Musk said that the Tesla Cybertruck quad-motor will feature independent motors that provide “ultra-fast response” and allow controlling the torque that goes to each wheel. It could be quicker than the tri-motor Cybertruck, which Tesla claimed will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.9 seconds. The towing capacity could also be better than the tri-motor variant’s 14,000+ lbs.

Production-oriented Cybertruck to be revealed in August?

On February 15, 2022, Tesla Silicon Valley Club said in a post on Twitter that tickets for the Tesla Owners California Takeover (Tesla Takeover) event are now available and tagged Musk in that Tweet. February 20, 2022, Musk gave a response (via Twitter) indicating that Tesla will showcase the Cybertruck at the event. With the event scheduled on August 6, 2022, it’s possible that we’d see the Cybertruck in its final design there. We’ll continue keeping track of updates regarding the production Cybertruck reveal and further showcases until launch.

Range

Tesla had announced the Cybertruck originally in single-motor RWD, dual-motor AWD, and tri-motor AWD variants. The company had said that these variants will deliver a range of 250+ miles, 300+ miles, and 500+ miles, respectively. However, there are indications that the company is planning to change the variant line-up or the specifications, or both. However, the Cybertruck may still deliver a range of more than 500 miles in one of the variants.

4680 Cell

The key to achieving a range of more than 500 miles will be batteries made of a new cell type. Called 4680 based on its dimensions – 80 mm length and ~46 mm diameter – this cell can deliver 5X energy, 6X power, and 16% more range. Andrew Baglino, Senior Vice President, Powertrain and Energy Engineering, Tesla, revealed these improvements at the Tesla Battery Day event in September 2020.

Panasonic Corporation is developing and will manufacture the 4680 cells Tesla plans to use in its EVs. Kazuo Tadanobu, the CEO of the Japanese conglomerate’s Energy Company, told Bloomberg in a recent interview that the development of 4680 cells has “taken an immense amount of stamina.” Giving a whole new shape to the cells took “considerable nerve,” Tadanobu stated. Production of the batteries consisting of the 4680 cells will commence in FY2024 (April 2023 – March 2024).

Tadanobu indicated that the production could take place at Panasonic Corporation’s Wakayama plant in Japan. However, a recent NHK report had said that the company is considering setting up a U.S. battery plant for Tesla EVs in Kansas or Oklahoma.

Tesla Cybertruck design

The design patent application of Tesla’s Cybertuck cites references to sports cars, an off-roader, and even a pickup bed. Image Source: electrek.co

The Tesla Cybertruck features a polarizing design that has remained one of its most debated aspects since day one. Though Tesla has suggested revising the wedge-shaped pickup’s design for production, we doubt it plans to make significant changes. Setting a new benchmark for quirky pickup design, the Cybertruck is not that unique as most think. USPTO design patent application shows similarities to several classic and early 2000s models. Tesla has cited designs of classic sports cars, a funky off-roader, and even an aerodynamic pickup bed cover look in the Cybertruck’s design patent application, as per a report from electrek.co.

Size

The Tesla Cybertruck’s concept version is huge, and for many markets, it’s just too big. Tesla is working on making it smaller and thus more practical for real-world driving environments. During the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Musk said that the company had made the production version around 3% smaller. The design is likely to be more or less the same, though.

Image Source: electrek.co

On the large wiper, rear axle steering & prototypes

YouTube channel Chile Al100 later shared a video that reveals the design changes on the production Cybertruck. Tesla has repositioned the headlights from the top to the bottom of the front-end. Moreover, the company has used separate headlights instead of a full-width light strip. Another noteworthy change is the large wiper resting against the driver-side A-pillar and almost leading to the upper edge of the windshield glass.

Lars Moravy, VP – Vehicle Engineering, Tesla, shared a few Cybertruck updates during the Q2 2021 earnings conference call. He said that the company has completed developing the architecture of electric pickup. The Cybertruck is currently in the alpha stages, and Tesla has finished basic engineering of the vehicle’s architecture. “With the Cybertruck, we’re redefining how a vehicle is being made,” he said.

Moravy also talked about the Cybertruck’s production during Tesla’s Q3 2021 earnings conference call. After the Austin, Texas-made Model Y, Tesla’s next product launch will be the Cybertruck, Moravy said. The company had built a number of alpha prototypes and was testing them “to further mature the design.” The Cybertruck is gaining rear-axle steering as part of these revisions, Moravy suggested.

Changes expected on the Cybertruck production model

New photos and a video of the production Cybertruck surfaced online in January 2022, revealing a few distinct design details on the exterior. At the front, Tesla has added a large windshield wiper, with a slight angle, that rests near the left A-pillar. The company appears to have redesigned the nose section and the bumper to comply with pedestrian safety regulations. As a result, the new face is slightly curvy.

Marker lights

The Cybertruck concept features separate marker lights in the lower front fascia, neatly integrated into the outer ends of the bumper. Further below, nearly at the bottom of the bumper, it has two horizontal LED light bars that serve as its fog lamps. Recent footage of the production version suggests that the front fog lamps are set higher, at the same height as the concept version’s marker lights, albeit relatively more inwards. Tesla probably made the change to improve the visibility of the road in unfavorable weather conditions.

The production Tesla Cybertruck will have a slightly redesigned front fascia, as seen in the spy shot. Image Source: YouTube/The Kilowatts

Conventional mirrors

Unlike the prototype, the production version features conventional mirrors, which, according to Musk, are “easy to remove.” It also features digital mirrors enabled by side cameras integrated into the front fender flares for when the regulations allow replacing conventional side mirrors. Tesla is probably using slightly narrower front fenders on the production truck, but we’ll wait for a clearer look to draw any conclusions.

No door handles

Another big change on the Tesla truck’s profile as it evolves into a production vehicle is the removal of flush door handles. Tesla has probably integrated a touch-operated door open/close button on the small rectangular section at the bottom of the B-pillars and C-pillars. Plus, there should be sensors that detect the user approaching the vehicle with its key and automatically unlock the doors.

Same wheels

The alloy wheel design pattern looks a bit different from the one we have seen in the past. The aero wheel covers were hiding the 7-spoke alloy wheel pattern on the Cybertruck prototype, which somewhat resembles the standard wheels on the Model 3. It is possible that the Cybertruck will feature the removable wheel covers when it hits showrooms eventually. The charging port opening is likely on the left-side rear fender flare, not behind it like on the concept.

Minor changes around the bed

The cargo bed of the new Cybertruck has an additional cut-out in it, closer to the cab, and that could be an opening to service the components. While there’s no indication of a mid-gate, maybe this is a configuration built without that feature and there would be others available with it. Unlike the concept version, it probably features a small latch on the tailgate to open it. Lastly, the button layout on the sidewall seems slightly different.

Digital instrument cluster

Inside, the production Cybertruck features a digital instrument cluster, which was lacking in the concept version. Moreover, the customer delivery units may have two additional screens on the outer ends of the dashboard for streaming the live feed from the side cameras.

Tesla’s own stainless steel grade

Tesla has developed its own stainless-steel grade for the Cybertruck’s exterior, Moravy revealed during the company’s Q3 2021 earnings conference call on September 30, 2021. The company has begun the first casting-ins of the custom special stainless-steel, and it’ll work with suppliers and vendors to ensure that it gets enough of it, and on time.

We developed our own stainless-steel grade for the exterior of Cybertruck to meet both the durability and corrosion requirements required for an automotive world.

Lars Moravy, VP – Vehicle Engineering, Tesla (Q3 2021 results conference call on September 30, 2021)

Body wrap

Citing Musk, a report from electrek.co suggests that the production Cybertruck won’t come in multiple paint options like a regular pickup. Because of the exposed stainless steel, customers might need to apply a wrap before painting it, and Tesla may not offer wrap and painting services. This will reduce production cost and complexity while helping the environment.

Size compared to the Model X & Model S

The Tesla Cybertruck is estimated to have garnered over a million reservations. Image: Youtube/Met God in Wilderness

An aerial spy shot of the Tesla Cybertruck was taken in Fremont, California, by drone operator Met God in Wilderness. The EV was parked alongside two Model X units (black and blue) on the left and a white Model S on the right. It appears noticeably larger compared to its siblings in the footage. The Model S measures 195.9 inches (4978 mm) in length, making it long in its own right.

In the clip, the Cybertruck makes the Model S look short, while the Model X appeared dwarfed next to the Cybertruck, which measures 231.7 inches long (5,885 mm). In another instance, the drone flew dangerously close to another test mule of the Cybertruck. The EV’s retractable bed cover was off, and the front and the rear sections appeared covered in black tape.

Yoke going into production

A highlight of the Cybertruck’s interior is the yoke or, as some say, the ‘open-topped’ steering wheel. The Model S became the Tesla’s first production model available with this futuristic design element in 2021. While it has drawn flak, Musk has indicated that the company will go ahead and use it in the Cybertruck as well. Even the Model X had received the feature in 2021.

The production Tesla Cybertruck will also feature a yoke that is available in the Model S and Model X. Image Source: Tesla

In a Twitter post on September 9, 2021, Musk said the traditional steering wheel is boring and blocks the instrument cluster. He said that full self-driving in panoramic mode looks much better with a yoke than a round steering wheel. On November 30, 2021, when Twitter user ZainS180 asked Musk on Twitter to confirm the yoke for the Cybertruck, he said (via Twitter) the “Cybertruck is intentionally an insane technology bandwagon.” Musk also promoted the yoke as technology from “a post-apocalyptic future.”

Tesla Cybertruck reservations

The Tesla Cybertruck is available to reserve with a small deposit of USD 100, irrespective of the desired configuration. Citing an unofficial reservation tracker, Teslarati reported in August 2021 that Tesla had received 1.2 million pre-orders (estimated 1,268,768 units) for the Cybertruck already. Dual-motor is the most popular configuration among early birds, accounting for 47.9% of the pre-orders. Tri-motor is the second-most popular configuration, with a 44.8% share. Only 7.3% of the pre-orders are for the single-motor configuration. Note that Tesla has not provided guidance on the actual numbers, and usually, only a percentage of the reservations converts to firm orders.

Tesla Cybertruck FAQs

What is the Tesla Cybertruck release date?

Tesla Cybertruck deliveries are now expected to begin in 2023.

Which models will be Tesla Cybertruck alternatives?

The Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Silverado EV, RAM 1500 EV, and an upcoming GMC Sierra electric pickup will be the challengers.

What is the Tesla Cybertruck range?

Tesla expects the Cybertruck to deliver an EPA est. range of more than 500 miles.

Featured Image Source: Tesla

Keyword: Tesla Cybertruck with 1m+ reservations is delayed to 2023 [Update]