What about the Aussie order holders? When will 630kW Tesla Cybertruck arrive Down Under?
Four years after it was unwrapped and two since it should have landed on sale the Tesla
Cybertruck has finally been launched in the USA – but there is still no concrete word on when, or if, the big truck will arrive in Australia.
The Australian Tesla website still has the Cybertruck listed, but only with a “Learn More” button. Dig further into the pages and it notes the RWD truck is expected in 2025, but it appears the note references the USA launch, not ours.
Revealed for the first time at a special event where the first 12 Tesla Cybertrucks were
handed over to customers, Tesla boss Elon Musk claimed that his brand’s first battery-
electric pick-up was its “best product”.
Looking like nothing else on sale, the production Tesla Cybertruck arrives with the same
triple-motor powertrain from the firm’s fastest Model S Plaid that produces either 447kW or
up to 630kW in its special Beast model.
There’s also an all-wheel drive dual-motor variant that will power the base model, plus a
third rear-wheel drive single-motor version that will launch later on in 2025.
Originally, Tesla said the entry price for the rear-drive Cybertruck would be $US39,900
($A60,000) but the price of the cheapest truck now costs $US60,990 ($A91,000) – a
substantial $31,000 more.
In the US, the Cybertruck is also around $11,000 more than the entry Ford F-150 Lightning
Pro ($US49,990).
If you need all-wheel drive the dual-motor Cybertruck costs $US68,890 ($A103,000) while
the flagship triple-motor Tesla pick-up that’s been dubbed the Cyberbeast will set US buyers
back a substantial $US99,990 ($A149,500).
Tesla hasn’t revealed battery sizes yet but says the single rear-motor truck can cover up to
402km, the dual-motor all-wheel drive around 547km, while the Cyberbeast can travel up to
515km – not bad considering even the lightest version tips the scales at more than 3000kg,
although it’s a huge way off the 805km of range originally claimed.
An interesting option for both the dual-motor Cybertruck and fastest Cyberbeast is a range
extender that, instead of using a small combustion engine, bolts in a second battery that
adds an additional 200km.
Off the line, whatever version you choose performance is very respectable. Even the
cheapest rear-drive version can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds and top out at
180km/h.
The dual-motor all-wheel drive version offers sportscar-levels of performance with a 0-
100km/h sprint of just 4.3 second, although top speed remains 180km/h.
Finally, the Cyberbeast, that’s weighs as much as 3.1 tonnes can haul itself from 0-100km/h
in just 3.1 seconds, topping out at a maximum 209km/h.
The performance and range figures are all the more remarkable when you consider just how
big the Cybertruck is measuring in at 5682mm long, 2413mm wide and 1791mm tall – those
figures are incidentally 5 per cent smaller than the original concept.
Boosting its ability off the beaten track the Cybertruck is claimed to have up to 443mm
ground clearance.
Another highlight is its payload, with the Tesla pick-up capable of carrying around 1134kg –
more than the 1014kg the F-150 Lightning can manage.
Towing capacity, meanwhile, ranges from 3402kg to 4990kg depending on version.
Standard equipment for all Cybertrucks is the shatter-proof windows (that previously
shattered at the concept’s reveal), a powered roller cover for the rear bed, 120V and 240V
power outlets, more than one wireless phone chargers, an air filtration climate control and
an 18.6-inch infotainment system plus a 9.4-inch rear screen.
With US deliveries kicking off this month, the rear-wheel drive model will enter production
in 2024 ahead of expected deliveries in early 2025.
There’s still no word on right-hand drive production or availability in Australia with the Tesla
Cybertruck expected to fall foul of ADR regulations.
In its current form the Tesla pick-up would also be unable to meet multiple EU rules,
including meeting mandatory EuroNCAP pedestrian impact legislation.
