Tesla Cybertruck Range Extender Requires Professional Installation, Adds Over 100 Miles but Limits Bed Space
Tesla’s eagerly anticipated Cybertruck has once again captured the spotlight, albeit amid mixed feedback from the automotive community. Following its launch last year, the truck, celebrated for its revolutionary design, faced scrutiny over its range capabilities and pricing structure. Critics and consumers expressed concern that the truck’s real-world range fell short of Tesla’s initial promises.
In response to these concerns, Tesla introduced a new “range extender” option for the Cybertruck. This accessory is essentially an additional battery pack designed to significantly boost the vehicle’s range. For the dual motor version of the Cybertruck, this means an increase from 340 miles to over 470 miles, and for the so-called Cyberbeast, an increase from 320 miles to over 440 miles.
However, the adaptation isn’t without its drawbacks. The range extender will take up about 33% of the truck’s bed space, a significant concession for users needing that space for cargo. Furthermore, the cost for the extender was momentarily displayed as $16,000 on Tesla’s configurator, a price point Tesla has yet to confirm officially. This additional cost, coupled with the reduced utility from lost bed space, has stirred dissatisfaction among some customers.
Initially, there was hope among prospective buyers that the range extender would be a removable feature that owners could install and uninstall. This flexibility would ideally cater to those who need extra distance for long trips or heavy towing and prefer not to carry the additional weight daily. However, practical and safety considerations have curtailed such expectations. Tesla’s Cybertruck lead engineer, Wes Morrill, stated on the social media platform X, “Any range extender offered by Tesla will be structurally mounted so it’s safe in a crash.” This position underlines safety as the primary concern, with the installation needing to be handled by Tesla to ensure structural integrity in the event of an incident.
This development has not gone without criticism. A prominent social media comment reflected a broader sentiment, noting that the need for professional handling of the battery installation was anticipated and pointed to questions around the original design and readiness of the truck before its release. Electrek, a blog focusing on electric vehicles, echoed this sentiment, describing the situation as disappointing yet unsurprising. They highlighted the logistical challenges of expecting owners to manage the installation and removal of such a hefty component. According to Electrek, a practical setup at home would require a lift and a robust mounting system, far beyond a typical DIY project.
As it stands, Tesla has not finalized the availability dates or the official pricing for the Cybertruck’s range extender. The ongoing adjustments and feedback loop between Tesla and its customers emphasize the complex balance of innovation, practicality, and consumer expectations in the evolving automotive landscape. The introduction of the range extender addresses some concerns but also introduces new complexities in the broader conversation about the future of electric vehicles and their functional integration into varied lifestyles and usage demands. As Tesla continues to refine its offerings, the auto industry and consumers alike watch closely, eager to see how these challenges are navigated in producing a vehicle that aligns with futuristic visions and everyday needs.
