As we approach what could be the launch of the Tesla Cybertruck, prospective customers are undoubtedly excited to finally get their hands on the vehicle. Though, as we continue to get a closer look at what Tesla has coming to the market, it’s becoming increasingly clear that things aren’t as exciting as they seem. There are some severe drawbacks, from noticeable gaps in the body panels to being potentially impossible to repair after a rollover. Most recently, a closer look at the roadworthy examples shows that the bed may not be as practical as a buyer expected. However, there’s a redeeming quality: a functional midgate, a la Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado EV.
Photos have posted of a pre-production model truck parked on the street, which shows off the bed of the truck. Of course, some things may differ for the production model, including the bed, which we hope will be significantly more usable than what’s depicted here. One of the first things we noticed with the picture was the sloped bed sides, which are narrow at the bottom, quite different from what was seen with the concept vehicle and its vertical sides. Certainly, slabs of plywood were not considered in the design, among other things. Also pointed out was that over-width loads can stress the bed walls, which could cause structural damage.
That said, the sloped sides may be storage compartments, which could hide the 120 and 240-volt outlets and anticipated air compressor. Maybe. On another note, it’s clear that the sides and back of the bed aren’t coated in anything, which means they’re subject to scratches and damage when loading it up, but that’s not to say a spray-in bedliner won’t happen. Regarding loading the bed, loading the Cybertruck could be difficult due to the vehicle’s height, unless there’s a ramp, or the truck’s suspension tilts as seen in the 2019 reveal event. Yes, it’s been that long.
As for the actual size of the truck bed, the Cybertruck is expected to have a longer bed than any electric pickup on the market today at 6.5 feet. For reference, the Ford F-150 Lightning is 5.5 feet long. However, the payload capacity is not yet clear for the Tesla Cybertruck, so that’s also something we’ll want to keep in mind in the future. Overall, we’re hoping that the back of the Cybertruck doesn’t have these slanted side walls for the production vehicle. Sure it’s a Tesla, but customers will still want to use the bed. Right? Ford CEO Jim Farley thinks otherwise.
