CyberTruck by Tesla

The Tesla Cybertruck looks like it was dropped off by an alien race, but it has the capabilities to challenge all of the top-selling pickup trucks. With a sharp-edged exterior that is made of scratch- and dent-resistant stainless steel, Tesla's all-electric truck is seriously tough. Along with available all-wheel drive, the Cybertruck can tow up to 14,000 pounds and has an estimated driving range of 500-plus miles. While that applies only to the most expensive model, the cheapest one starts at $39,900. Of course, there's still a lot we don't know about the Cybertruck, including when it will officially go on sale. Tesla has delayed the truck's production timeline several times already, but on April 7, 2022, CEO Elon Musk again promised that the truck is coming and will be out in 2023.

What's New for 2023?

Tesla is expanding its lineup to include one of the most popular body styles in America—the pickup truck. With seriously impressive stats for both an EV and a pickup, the Cybertruck gives the company a potentially strong seller given how well trucks sell in this country. However, it'll have to compete with the Ford F-150 Lightning, the GMC Hummer EV, the Rivian R1T right out of the gate. Chevy is also planning an electric Silverado in the next couple of years, and Ram says it'll have an EV with a truck bed by 2024.

The Cybertruck will be available in three different configurations, which are all based on the number of electric motors each has. While all-wheel drive is standard on all but the single-motor version, each additional motor means quicker acceleration, longer driving range, and greater towing capacity.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The Cybertruck is available with not just one, not just two, but three electric motors. While the single-motor truck has rear-wheel drive, the two- and three-motor models have all-wheel drive. Tesla claims it'll go from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and top out at 110 mph. The dual-motor Cybertruck will reportedly reach 60 mph in just 4.5 ticks and have a top speed of 120 mph. Those looking for the ultimate performance will appreciate the three-motor model, which Tesla says will essentially teleport from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds (!) with a top speed of 130 mph. All Cybertrucks have an adjustable air suspension that can be raised or lowered on the fly and provides up to 16 inches of ground clearance. Add that to its 35-degree approach and 28-degree departure angles and the Tesla pickup could prove to be a formidable off-road machine.

Towing and Payload Capacity

If the Cybertruck can really tow as much as Tesla claims, it will have a higher maximum rating than popular alternatives such as the Ram 1500. While the single- and dual-motor Teslas have a maximum tow rating of 7500 and 10,000 pounds, respectively, models with a third motor will be able to pull a whopping 14,000 pounds. Every Cybertruck can also haul 3500 pounds in its 6.5-foot cargo bed.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Tesla didn't reveal the size of the batteries that will power its electrified pickup. However, every model will have a 250-kW charging cable. Of course, it will also have access to Tesla's vast network of Superchargers. Its driving range varies with the number of motors, but Tesla claims the single motor has a range of 250-plus miles, the dual motors boast 300-plus miles of range, and the top-tier tri-motor setup should provide more than 500 miles on a single charge.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

Since there aren't any official ratings for the Cybertruck, we can only go off Tesla's preliminary estimates. Likewise, we'll also have to wait until we get our hands on a real production model to test its ambitious maximum driving range in the real world. For more information about the Cybertruck's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Those who thought the Tesla Model 3 interior was minimalistic will relive that reaction when they see the Cybertruck's spartan cabin. While many standard features and options haven't been disclosed, the first images show a slab-like dashboard that is solely dominated by one large touchscreen. Its squared-off steering wheel looks to have some sort of illuminated display, but nothing has been confirmed. The Cybertruck will also be able to seat up to six people, and its 6.4-foot cargo bed offers 100 cubic feet of volume. It also has a nifty slide-out tailgate that doubles as a ramp to load four-wheelers and motorcycles.