Elon Musk had unveiled the Cybertruck prototype in 2019, sparking excitement and anticipation among Tesla fans. However, as the vehicle made its way to production, several promised features failed to materialize, leaving many disappointed. Let’s delve into five unfulfilled promises Elon Musk made about the Cybertruck.
### The Evolution of the Cybertruck
Since its initial unveiling, the Cybertruck has undergone significant changes. Tesla’s first pickup faced challenges during its rollout, including recalls and production scaling issues. Despite its rocky start, the Cybertruck finally hit the market in November, revealing a different reality from Musk’s initial promises.
### The Rising Price Tag
One of the most noticeable changes in the Cybertruck’s journey from concept to production is its price. Musk had originally stated that the cheapest version of the Cybertruck would start at $39,900, with more advanced models priced at $49,900 and $69,900. However, the actual pricing turned out to be quite different.
Initially expected to debut at $39,900, the cheapest model’s price was adjusted to $60,990, with an arrival date pushed to 2025. This significant price hike disappointed many Tesla enthusiasts, turning the Cybertruck into more of a luxury status symbol. In August, Tesla further increased the price of the all-wheel-drive version to nearly $100,000, eliminating the option to pre-order the rear-wheel-drive model priced at $61,000, leaving its future uncertain.
### Unfulfilled Range Expectations
Another unfulfilled promise was the Cybertruck’s range capabilities. Musk had touted the most advanced tri-motor version of the Cybertruck to have a range of 500 miles, setting high expectations for the vehicle. However, Tesla fell short of delivering on this promise.
The current all-wheel-drive Cybertruck is advertised with an estimated 318 miles of range, while the top-tier “Cyberbeast” model clocks in at 301 miles. To address the range discrepancy, Tesla announced plans for a “range extender” device to increase the vehicle’s range to over 470 miles. The production of this range extender is set to commence in early 2025, with an additional cost of $16,000.
### The Missing Cyberquad
At the end of the 2019 Cybertruck event, Musk surprised attendees with the unveiling of the “Cyberquad,” a Tesla quad bike. He described the Cyberquad as a two-seater ATV that would be released alongside the truck. However, the full-size Cyberquad failed to materialize as promised.
While Tesla did release a kids’ version of the Cyberquad for $1,900, now priced at $1,650, the adult-sized quad bike remains absent. Despite facing a recall in the past, the Cyberquad’s delay has left enthusiasts waiting for its eventual arrival.
### Cybertruck’s Aquatic Abilities
One of the most ambitious promises Elon Musk made about the Cybertruck was its ability to float and serve as a boat for short periods. Musk had stated that the Cybertruck would be waterproof enough to cross rivers, lakes, and even seas, albeit under calm conditions. However, the reality fell short of this vision.
Although the Cybertruck features a “wade mode” allowing drivers to navigate through 30 inches of water temporarily, it lacks the capability to function as a full-fledged boat. Musk hasn’t abandoned this feature entirely, as he hinted at an upcoming upgrade that would enable the Cybertruck to traverse at least 100 meters of water as a boat.
### The Abandoned Crab Walking Feature
In 2021, Musk had announced that the initial production run of Cybertrucks would feature four motors, one for each wheel, enabling the vehicle to turn 360 degrees like a tank and move diagonally like a crab. This innovative feature promised enhanced maneuverability but ultimately didn’t make it past the drawing board.
Cybertruck lead engineer Wes Morrill disclosed that Tesla had experimented with the crab walking feature during development but couldn’t find a practical application for it. He described the experience as clunky and awkward, lacking a real-world use case. Despite initial excitement surrounding this unique feature, Tesla had to abandon it due to its impracticality.
As the Cybertruck journey continues, Tesla faces the challenge of meeting consumer expectations while navigating the complexities of production and innovation. Elon Musk’s promises, though ambitious, have encountered obstacles along the way, prompting adjustments and compromises in the final product. The Cybertruck saga serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of technology and the unpredictability of bringing futuristic concepts to life.