Tesla Cybertruck production is go

TESLA has commenced limited initial production of its keenly anticipated Cybertruck a full two years later than initially planned – and almost four years from the futuristic ute’s initial unveiling.

Rolling off the production line in Austin, Texas, the arrival of Cybertruck number-one was announced on Twitter, coming with tempered expectations from Tesla CEO, Elon Musk.

Mr Musk told shareholders that challenges in producing the model’s radically designed stainless steel exoskeleton means capacity will be limited relative to the production of other Tesla models.

“It is going to be hard to make the Cybertruck cost affordable because it is a new car (with a) new manufacturing method,” he said.

“In the grand scheme of things, relative to the production rate of all the other cars we make, it (production) will be small.”

GoAuto understands that full mass production of the Cybertruck will commence next year, by which time Tesla will hopefully have rectified the poor performance of its windscreen wiper as shown in prototype testing images included with the company’s quarterly results presentation.

Initially, Mr Musk said the Cybertruck would sell in three configurations with a starting price of $US39,900 ($A58,600). But in October 2021, the company removed pricing and specifications from its Cybertruck order page without explanation.

Tesla has yet to commit to Australian delivery of the Cybertruck, the angular dual-cab likely to be beaten to the punch here by other American BEV pick-ups, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, Ram 1500 REV and Rivian R1T.

Claimed to blend the utility of a pick-up and the performance of a sportscar, the Cybertruck is said to be “durable, versatile and capable” with “exceptional performance both on- and off-road”. It will be offered in single motor rear-wheel drive, dual motor all-wheel drive, and tri motor all-wheel drive formats, delivering with its some pretty impressive specifications.

At its unveiling, the Tesla Cybertruck was said to offer more than 500 miles (804km) of range, a 0-60mph (96km/h) acceleration time of less than 2.9 seconds, a payload of up to 3500lbs (1587kg), and a braked towing capacity of 14,000lbs (6350kg).

Combined power output from the tri motor variant is listed at up to 600kW.

It will also offer up to 100 cubic feet (2.83 cubic metres) of lockable exterior storage, a 6.5-foot (1981mm) long tray, four inches (101mm) of suspension travel, and a body constructed of ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel.

The Cybertruck measures 5885mm in length, 2027mm in width, 1905mm in height and rides on a 3807mm wheelbase with self-levelling suspension at each corner.

Its four-door cabin can accommodate up to six adults and features a 17.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, yoke style steering wheel, digital rear-view cameras, marble-look dashboard, and paper- and wood-based upholstery materials.