A recent Cybertruck leak has provided us with some new insights into Tesla’s highly anticipated electric pickup truck. The leaked video showcased the Cybertruck’s unique door opening mechanism, its “Cyber user interface,” and revealed the vehicle’s range.
According to the onboard trip planner shown in the video, the Cybertruck used a 6% charge to travel 16 miles. Basic math tells us that with a full charge, the Cybertruck can go approximately 267 miles. While this range may seem disappointing to some Tesla fans, it’s important to consider a few factors.
Firstly, the video showed the Cybertruck without any towing and on relatively flat terrain. This means that the range could increase if the vehicle had to tackle hilly or mountainous roads or if it were towing a load. Secondly, Tesla’s trip planner tends to be conservative and vehicles often have a few extra miles of range even after the planner shows zero miles left.
However, it’s worth noting that Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously stated that a range of around 250 miles is sufficient for most drivers. According to Musk, this range allows for a long enough drive before taking a break to recharge, grab a bite to eat, or use the restroom. Based on this reasoning, a Cybertruck with a 267-mile range is not outside the realm of Tesla’s plans.
When comparing the Cybertruck’s range to its competitors, a range of 300 miles is relatively standard in the electric pickup truck market. Rivian’s R1T offers a range between 289 miles and 410 miles, while the Ford F-150 Lightning ranges between 230 miles and 320 miles with an optional extended-range battery.
However, it’s important to consider that towing or carrying heavy loads will significantly impact the Cybertruck’s range. When towing, the range can be cut in half to around 150 miles. This could be a limiting factor for those planning trips or needing to tow heavy equipment, especially since public charging infrastructure for electric trucks is not as widespread as it is for passenger vehicles.
In a fun-spirited image that circulated online, someone was captured attempting to pump gas into the Cybertruck’s charging port. While this is clearly a joke, it raises an interesting question: would an extended-range Cybertruck with an onboard gas generator be a solution to address range anxiety?
In conclusion, the recently leaked information confirms that the Cybertruck’s range is around 267 miles. While this may not be as impressive as some had hoped, it aligns with Elon Musk’s previous statements about range requirements for electric vehicles. Whether or not the Cybertruck’s range is sufficient for your needs ultimately depends on your individual driving habits and expectations.