Tesla has finally begun series production of the Cybertruck at its Texas Gigafactory, according to a picture posted on social media. Tesla seems to be on track to achieve its revised production target, although production is beginning two years later than the carmaker had claimed at the pickup’s unveil back in 2019.
- Tesla Cybertruck gets three powertrain options
- Cybertrack Plaid gets over 800km range
- Tesla says body can withstand attack from 9mm bullets
Tesla Cybertruck: what do we know so far?
The production-spec Cybertruck, as per the image released by the brand, looks similar to the prototype's futuristic and radical design. Its body is said to be made from “ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel” and is claimed to be able to withstand attacks from 9mm bullets.
Tesla is said to offer three powertrain options, with one, two or three electric motors. The single motor, rear-wheel-drive version will do 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds, has a claimed range of 402km and can tow up to 3,400kg. Payload capacity, however, is 1,360kg that's standard across the range.
The mid-range dual motor does 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds, and has the same 402km range. However, towing ability is now up by 1,100kg to 4,500kg. The top variant will use Tesla’s latest tri-motor Plaid EV powertrain, same as the Tesla Model S Plaid, and has a range of 804km, with a towing capacity of 6,350kg.
The Cybertruck gets adaptive air suspension with adjustable ride height. Tesla CEO Elon Musk claims that the maximum ride height will be 16 inches, and the pickup has the ability to increase/decrease the ride height by up to 4 inches. The load bay is 6.5ft long and features a raisable cover, with Tesla claiming over 2,800 litres of lockable storage space, including the covered load bay as well as space in the 'frunk' and sail pillars. The Cybertruck can seat up to six adults inside, and its minimalist interior features a dashboard dominated by a 17-inch tablet-style touchscreen.
Tesla Cybertruck pricing and Tesla in India
The Cybertruck can be booked in the US for a fully refundable deposit of $100 (over Rs 8,000), with no guarantee that these reservations will be converted to sales. The base variant costs $39,900 (Rs 32.72 lakh), the mid-variant, which costs $49,900 (Rs 40.92 lakh) and the top-spec variant costs $69,900 (Rs 57.32 lakh).
Tesla has tried entering the Indian market previously in 2021-22, but after months of requesting the government to reduce import duties, the American manufacturer put its India plans on hold. The brand has started to look for places for research and development, and space to set up showrooms. India had proposed that Tesla manufacture locally, but Tesla didn't agree outright, and just hinted that it could do so in the future.
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