Expert: Cybertruck for Fans, Not Trucks.
Algorithms have probably inundated you with Tesla Cybertruck news over the past day on social media. As the ostentatious debut is now finished and the ruckus made by the web calmed, we may now focus on a number of still-lingering questions. How does the Cybertruck compare to other typical trucks? Will it get the eye of mainstream truck shoppers? Is it possible to accumulate a lot of sales in foreign countries? InsideEVs converse with two knowledgeable professionals on the subject for responses.
Tesla emphasized the practicality of the Cybertruck at the unveiling, however, there may be constraints in that area, reasoning Ed Kim, president and main analyst of automotive research and product-consulting group Auto Pacific. “Trucks, even the ones bought for pleasure and not used for hauling loads, are primarily about being useful.” Kim regards the Cybertruck’s workability falling second to its looks and hype surrounding it. “The attraction of a pickup is in its utility. The Cybertruck is an aesthetic and image statement principally,” he commented.
As estimated by CEO Elon Musk, Tesla would manufacture between 250,000-500,000 Cybertrucks per year after the assembly line runs at its maximum capacity. Unfortunately, it does not appear such an event will take place soon. “Its distinct design and pricey tag suggest that today, this product is not a widely demanded one” stated Jessica Caldwell, head of insights at Edmunds. It may only appeal to a limited demographic of consumers who truly appreciate it and have the monetary means to purchase it. “Trucks tend to cost in the region of $60,000; although, the aforementioned edition won’t be obtainable until 2025. The model they showcased appears to be closer to GMC Hummer EV than something accessible” Caldwell furthered.
Kim experienced the same sentiment; still, notwithstanding the speculated two million plus bookings, the Cybertruck may have a restricted group of consumers. As soon as the obsessed and “just-for-show” people receive it, its ubiquity may drift away. That could be the opposite of the Model 3 and Model Y which are flying off the lots across the world. Consequently, these might become the leading car sales from all classes in 2023 – potentially being the inaugural EV to reap that honour – but that is only a prediction until we observe the actual numbers. Examining his impression, Kim said: “Once this viewers gets done with their own Cybertrucks, can a more ordinary demographic tail it? My intuition says no since its layout concerns aren’t tailored to how truck owners use theirs.”
In 2019, Tesla reported that the Cybertruck’s base cost would start at $39,000, while reaching near $70,000 for the top option; however, a slew of variables have since come into play that put a strain on the entire world economy. A pandemic, disruption from international struggles, and inflation fueled this shift, ultimately leading to the new-found prices in 2025. The rear-wheel-drive model will cost $60,990, the all-wheel-drive version will be priced at $79,990, and the Cyberbeast edition begins around $100,000 sans options. Despite these increases, industry expert Kim argued that the initial pricing was already concerning, given the likely high price tag needed to create the stainless steel body.
Nevertheless, you don’t need to invest in the very latest and greatest hype-inducing machine. There are a plethora of pure electric, hybrid or conventional petrol options at the same cost that do not have such a long waiting list of five years, and that can be driven even before your hair goes grey. While they won’t turn heads as much and might not beat out a Porsche 911 in terms of speed, they’ll probably serve the purpose just fine.
