Tesla Cybertruck Range Extender delayed again and now with less range

22 October 2024

Tesla Cybertruck, the electric pickup truck that has been the subject of never-ending controversy, has hit yet another snag. The optional range extender, which was supposed to significantly increase the truck's driving distance, has been delayed and will now offer less range than originally promised.

When Tesla first unveiled the Cybertruck in 2019, it touted a tri-motor version with a range of over 500 miles. Unfortunately, when the company finally announced the official specs, the tri-motor Cybertruck had a starting price of $100,000 and a range of just 320 miles. To address the range concerns, Tesla announced a range extender that adds an additional battery pack to the truck's bed.

Initially, Tesla claimed this range extender would increase the dual-motor Cybertruck's range from 340 miles to over 470 miles and the tri-motor Cybertruck's range from 320 miles to over 440 miles. That's also changed now, and the company has downgraded these figures.

The range extender will now provide an estimated 440 miles of range for the dual-motor Cybertruck, a reduction of 25 miles from the original estimate. The tri-motor version's range with the extender remains unchanged at 440 miles with standard tires, but it drops to 415 miles with all-terrain tires.

Adding to the disappointment, Tesla has also pushed back the release date of the range extender from early 2025 to mid-2025. And it won't be cheap. The range extender is expected to cost $16,000 and must be installed (and subsequently removed) at a Tesla service center.

While the Cybertruck is still an impressive vehicle with its futuristic design and powerful electric motors, but the reduced range and delayed release of the range extender certainly dampened some of the enthusiasm surrounding it.

Via