Tesla over the weekend stated its first a lot anticipated Cybertruck got here off the electrical automobile maker’s manufacturing line in Texas. The debut of the long-delayed, futuristic-looking pickup truck comes within the lead as much as Tesla’s second quarter 2023 earnings name.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk first launched the Cybertruck in 2019, however automobile manufacturing has repeatedly been delayed. The truck was initially scheduled for manufacturing and supply in 2021, however Tesla has pushed again the timing since then, citing shortages in sourcing elements.
In July 2022, Musk set a brand new manufacturing schedule for summer season 2023. Throughout Tesla’s first quarter 2023 earnings name, the manager additionally promised to host a supply occasion for the Cybertruck in direction of the top of Q3.
Musk stated at Tesla’s 2023 annual shareholder’s assembly in Could that the automaker may ship between 250,000 to 500,000 models per 12 months as soon as manufacturing begins. Mass manufacturing is scheduled for the top of this 12 months.
Analysts might be looking out Wednesday throughout the automaker’s Q2 earnings name for firmer particulars on manufacturing, supply and specs.
Whereas Tesla has attributed Cybertruck delays to straightforward provide chain points, leaked paperwork have revealed different basic flaws within the automobile’s primary design and engineering. In January 2022, a whistleblower leaked 100 GB of information to German outlet Handelsblatt that confirmed preproduction prototypes had critical braking, powertrain, suspension, sealing and structural points. The report, which detailed unfulfilled guarantees from Tesla, reminded lots of the first Cybertruck reveal occasion, when the automobile’s designer cracked the supposedly unbreakable armor glass home windows.
As of November 2022, the Cybertruck had over 1.5 million reservations, based on a report from Electrek. Tesla clients have been in a position to put down a $100 refundable deposit to pre-order since 2019.
Tesla initially estimated the truck would begin at $39,900 for the one motor and rear-wheel drive mannequin, which might have a towing capability of seven,500 kilos and greater than 250 miles of vary. That mannequin is now anticipated to begin at about $50,000, based on Kelley Blue E book. The twin-motor, all-wheel drive model may begin at round $60,000, and it ought to have a towing capability of greater than 10,000 kilos and over 300 miles of vary. The priciest model, beginning at round $70,000, could have three electrical motors and all-wheel drive, a towing capability of 14,000 kilos and battery vary of over 500 motors.
Tesla normally adjustments costs in the midst of a mannequin 12 months, so these costs might shift once more earlier than the top of 2023. Cybertruck consumers could also be eligible for the U.S.’s $7,500 federal EV tax incentives.
Tesla’s pickup truck launch will carry the automaker into one other worthwhile EV phase within the U.S. The Cybertruck must compete with electrical pickups like Ford’s F-150 Lightning, which is obtainable now with a beginning worth of round $60,000. Different upcoming pickups embody the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the Rivian R1T. The Silverado EV Work Truck begins at $77,905 and might go 450 miles on a cost. Supply is anticipated within the fall of 2023. The Rivian begins at $74,000, with deliveries for sure trims beginning this summer season.