Tesla Cybertruck real-world range test
A recent independent test has reveled the Tesla Cybertruck's highway range. The electric pickup truck, supposedly a beacon of modern technology and sustainability, clocked in at 254 miles of highway range, falling short of the 320 miles promised according to the Environmental Protection Agency standards.
Tesla pitched the Cybertruck as a game-changer, but the cold, hard numbers from the range test present a somewhat different narrative. The discrepancy between the EPA's range and the test's outcome is a stark reminder that real-world conditions often rewrite the script written in the confines of a laboratory.
The Cybertruck, with its bold design and promise of efficiency, has been a talking point since its 2019 unveiling. Back then, the promised range was a significant selling point. Fast forward to today, and the realization that achieving this range necessitates an additional "range extender" battery system, priced at a hefty $16,000 and eating into the loading space, adds a layer of complexity. This system is also not immediately available, further muddling the waters for potential buyers.
The test, conducted at a moderate 46°F, saw the Cybertruck's 123 kWh battery pack fully depleted after just 254 miles. This result is concerning, especially when considering more extreme conditions like sub-freezing temperatures or the additional strain of towing. The question then arises: Can the Cybertruck truly serve as a versatile work truck without its extended range pack, which compromises the utility of the bed space?
This skepticism is not rooted in disdain but a genuine concern for the viability and practicality of some EVs in real-world scenarios. As the automotive industry shifts towards sustainability, transparency in performance under various conditions becomes paramount. Consumers, especially those relying on their vehicles for work, need to trust the capabilities and limitations of their tools.
In addition to its range, the Cybertruck's price point, aesthetic, and the brand's ambitious promises have made it a topic of intense discussion and scrutiny. The truck's performance in this independent test is a reminder that while the future of transportation may be electric, the road to it is paved with real-world challenges.
Reader comments
- Anonymous
But most work trucks are under produced and overpriced in the US currently. Manufacturers want those sweet, sweet profit margins from their expensive trucks
- 12 Jan 2024
- q3R
- Anonymous
It's just a toy for Elon the man-child. Silly looks, silly name, claims to be bulletproof (but isn't), everything about it says "designed by a 6 year old" rather than "a vehicle you want in the real world".
- 10 Jan 2024
- nGR
- Sea
Any EV will miss its EPA rating on the highway at 70mph (since the EPA number is a mix of city and highway.) This result isn't a surprise, and is in line with how Tesla rates range on their vehicles.
- 08 Jan 2024
- kjL