Tesla confirms Cybertruck range extender is an expensive and permanent fixture

29 July 2024

Electric vehicle enthusiasts who waited for years for the Tesla Cybertruck have been met with a series of disappointments, from pricing to bulletproofing. Tesla has fallen short again when it comes to the Cybertruck's range .

To rectify the Cybertruck's underwhelming range, Tesla proposed a "range extender," an additional battery pack that takes up a third of the truck's bed. This add-on promises to boost the dual-motor Cybertruck's range from 340 miles to over 470 miles and the Cyberbeast should be able to bump its range from 320 miles to over 440 miles.

However, there's a mighty catch. This range extender will set buyers back a hefty $16,000, as revealed in leaked configurator code on Tesla's website. This steep price tag, coupled with the loss of valuable bed space, has left potential buyers dismayed.

Adding to the frustration, Tesla recently confirmed that the range extender won't be a simple plug-and-play solution. Cybertruck's lead engineer, Wes Morrill, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the range extender will be "structurally mounted" for safety in case of a crash. This means Tesla service centers will be installing and removing the battery pack, eliminating the possibility of users doing it themselves.

This revelation crushes the hopes of those who envisioned using the range extender only for long trips or towing, thus avoiding the extra weight and bulk when not needed. The idea of a removable battery pack for a large electric truck was always a long shot, given the immense weight and complex mounting requirements.

While Tesla's decision to prioritize safety is understandable, it raises concerns about the practicality and convenience of the range extender. Will Cybertruck owners need to schedule service appointments every time they want to add or remove the battery pack? How will this affect the truck's overall weight and handling? When not in use - will the battery pack be stored by Tesla?

The company has yet to confirm the availability of the Cybertruck's range extender, leaving potential buyers with more questions than answers. While the idea of a range extender is appealing, its high cost, permanent installation, and potential impact on the truck's functionality raise serious doubts about its value proposition.