Teslas Cybertruck has caught many drivers’ attention with its polarizing design that promises a durable build and unique features. The electric pickup, however, enters a fiercely competitive truck market. Many automakers are trying to one-up rivals with utility and features, so the Cybertruck will have its work cut out for it when it arrives in 2025. Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the vehicle during an event at the Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, live-streamed on X (formerly Twitter).
Musk’s presentation was brief, but it did include a few highlights. He had Chief Designer Franz Von Holzhausen re-do the company’s failed window strength demonstration from four years ago, in which Musk smashed the supposed armor-plated glass with a steel ball bearing. This time, the glass withstood a softball and stood up to most other projectiles, which was probably a good idea considering that it’s supposed to protect the driver in the case of an accident.
The Cybertruck will come in three configurations, starting with a rear-wheel drive model priced from $39,000. A dual-motor variant with all-wheel drive will be available next, and a triple-motor range-topper is expected to debut in 2025. Tesla also published a few specifications that should give prospective buyers an idea of the vehicle’s performance capabilities. The cheapest rear-wheel drive model will hit 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, tow 7,500 pounds, and have a claimed battery range of 250 miles.
All versions of the Cybertruck will use an 800-volt architecture, which should reduce wiring and power demands. They’ll all have a 6-foot-long by 4-foot-wide bed, an optional ramp to help load materials in the bed, and a 70.5-inch diagonally-stretched hexagonal steering wheel resembling an aircraft yoke.
Those who want the most out of their Cybertruck can opt for a dual-motor version that will tow 14,000 pounds and accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. According to the company, the top-of-the-line triple-motor variant can teleport the truck to 60 mph from a standing start.
The Cybertruck is also expected to have a premium cabin with leather seats, a 17-inch touchscreen that runs the new version of Tesla’s infotainment system, and an instrument cluster that takes its inspiration from airplane cockpits. A minimalistic dashboard adorns the cockpit’s center, and a small screen occupies where the speedometer usually resides. A rear bench can seat up to six people, and the cabin also features storage bins under the rear seats. Drivers will be able to control the vehicle using voice commands, and it’ll also have an automated self-driving feature. The vehicle will go on sale in July 2025, and Tesla is accepting orders now. Pricing and availability will be announced closer to the launch date. The company has a long list of other products on the way, including an SUV called the Semi, which will arrive in 2021.