Tesla’s Cybertruck, known for its futuristic look, is currently making news due to recalls. Despite starting deliveries just under a year ago, the Cybertruck has already been recalled six times, the most recent being for a probable failure in a drive inverter component. This might be a major problem, and in the worst-case scenario, it could cause an abrupt loss of propulsion, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
The recall applies to 2,431 Cybertrucks manufactured between November 6, 2023 and July 30, 2024. The affected automobiles have inverters with a specific MOSFET part number that may be problematic. Tesla will replace inverters for free at its service locations.
Tesla claims to have received only five warranty claims on this issue and is unaware of any incidents, fatalities, or injuries. However, the recall raises worries about the Cybertruck’s reliability, given this is not the first time it has had such problems. Previous recalls addressed issues such as an improperly fitted trunk bed trim, a malfunctioning windshield wiper motor, unintended acceleration, and software errors.
The Cybertruck has been pitched as a premium electric vehicle, with a starting price of more than $80,000. These recurrent recalls may degrade its reputation and destroy consumer trust. Let’s hope that Tesla can resolve these issues fast and successfully. Otherwise, Cybertruck’s long-term success is less guaranteed.
Despite its initial success and original design, Cybertruck’s journey has not been without challenges. Can Tesla overcome the difficulties and keep its promises? Who knows. For the time being, potential purchasers may want to wait and see how Tesla addresses these persistent quality concerns.
Tesla Cybertruck Specs
The Tesla Cybertruck, available in Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD), and Cyberbeast models, was announced in 2021 and released in December 2023 with starting prices of $61,000 for the RWD, $80,000 for the AWD, and $100,000 for the Cyberbeast.
In terms of performance, the AWD model produces 600 hp (441 kW) with a torque of 10,080 Nm (7,435 lb-ft) and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, while the Cyberbeast delivers 845 hp (621 kW), 13,959 Nm (10,296 lb-ft) of torque, and can go from 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. The RWD achieves 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, with all models sharing a maximum speed of 112 mph, except the Cyberbeast, which reaches 130 mph.
The Cybertruck’s battery has a capacity of 123 kWh with an 800V liquid-cooled Li-NMC setup, giving the RWD a range of 250 miles (EPA), the AWD 340 miles, and the Cyberbeast 320 miles. Charging options include CCS DC fast charging up to 250 kW, and the truck supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) with integrated 120V/240V outlets (up to 9.6 kW) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability (up to 11.5 kW) on a 48-volt electrical architecture.
Built as a 4-door, 5-seat pickup truck, the Cybertruck measures 223.7 x 86.6 x 70.5 inches, with adjustable ground clearance from 127 to 443 mm (5.0 to 17.4 inches) and adaptive air suspension. The AWD model has a curb weight of 2,995 kg and a GVWR of 4,159 kg, while the Cyberbeast weighs 3,104 kg curbside. The standard trunk provides 1,897 liters of space, expanding to a maximum of 2,832 liters for the RWD and 3,424 liters for the AWD and Cyberbeast. Towing capacity reaches 3,402 kg for the RWD and 4,990 kg for the AWD and Cyberbeast.
The Cybertruck’s interior includes an 18.5-inch center touchscreen and a 9.4-inch touchscreen for rear passengers, while omitting a driver’s display or head-up display. Comfort features include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, fold-up rear seats, an all-glass roof, and parking aids.
For safety, the Cybertruck includes Autopilot with full self-driving capability, an optional battery range extender (providing an estimated range of over 470 miles), and a set of cameras (3 front, 2 side, and 3 rear) with object detection up to 250 meters. Additional features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Dynamic Brake Lights, Lane Assist, Collision Avoidance, Lane Departure Avoidance, and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. The Cybertruck’s body is made of bulletproof stainless steel, has shatter-resistant armor glass windows, and comes with a hospital-grade HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of airborne particles.
