If you remember, the Tesla Cybertruck debuted back in 2019, leading to a years-long frenzy of coverage, content and click-bait. However, despite the zealotry from the Teslarati, industry experts knew exactly what the Cybertruck was at the time: a concept vehicle. A show vehicle. Nothing at all close to complete. And they were right.
What Tesla actually did was reveal a product years ahead of its start of production. That worked as a wildly successful marketing exercise, with an estimated 1.5 million customers all putting down a refundable $100 deposit. As such, Tesla made 150 million dollars out of thin air, and the rest of the industry followed suit with electric vehicle reveals. For example, Ford opened a reservation process for the F-150 Lightning, and GM did the same for the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and GMC Sierra EV.
But behind the spectacle, Tesla Cybertruck development was a debacle.
According to a whistleblower report, Tesla engineers identified at least 21 potential noise leak areas in the Cybertruck’s body, which has been a challenge to fix due to the truck’s angular design and stainless steel alloy construction. Other issues that have delayed the release include braking, suspension, and handling problems. Despite all this, Tesla still aims to begin production later this year, with some customers receiving their vehicles as early as late August.
These issues don’t instill confidence in the potential build quality of the Tesla Cybertruck, even though Tesla products are already not positively known for their craftsmanship.
Tesla Cybertruck Production Goals
Suppose Tesla does start production on the Cybertruck this year. In that case, a recent report added to the CyberTruckOwnersClub forum has stated that Tesla has plans to produce a whopping 375,000 Cybertrucks per year. The company has asked suppliers to plan to meet that base production volume, and though that seems a bit aggressive, it makes sense considering how many orders the company has for the truck across the globe. Whether or not Tesla manages to reach that production goal remains to be seen as manufacturers continue to fight supply shortages, not to mention the increase in the prices of raw materials.
On that note, Tesla first opened pre-orders with plans to sell the base model with a starting price of under $40,000. Considering inflation, manufacturing challenges, and Musk’s admission to shareholders last year, prospective customers should expect specifications and pricing to start far higher than the original figure. Even if the price increases, the company will still sell plenty of trucks if they can produce a high volume and get the truck past safety regulators in the U.S. and Europe.
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