Tesla has confirmed that the upcoming range extender for its highly anticipated Cybertruck will need to be mounted and removed by Tesla’s service team. This announcement comes after much speculation and reveals critical details about the Cybertruck’s performance capabilities and user experience.
When Tesla unveiled the production version of the Cybertruck last year, it faced significant backlash due to its range and pricing. Historically, Tesla has struggled to meet its pricing promises but has generally delivered on specifications. This time, however, the significant shortfall in range compared to initial announcements left many disappointed.
In response to the range concerns, Tesla introduced a solution: a “range extender” – an additional battery pack designed to enhance the Cybertruck’s driving distance. This extender occupies about 33% of the truck’s bed and promises to boost the range of the dual motor Cybertruck from 340 miles to over 470 miles, and the Cyberbeast from 320 miles to over 440 miles.
Tesla has not officially launched the range extender or confirmed its price, but it is expected that it has a $16,000 price tag. This revelation has not sat well with many potential buyers, as they are required to pay more and sacrifice bed space to achieve the originally promised range.
The only potential benefit was the possibility of self-installation, allowing owners to use the extender only when necessary for long trips or heavy towing, thus avoiding the extra weight during regular use. However, the practicality of this idea was always in question due to the weight and complexity of the battery pack.
Now, Wes Morrill, Tesla’s lead engineer for the Cybertruck, has confirmed that the range extender must be installed and removed by Tesla’s service team for safety reasons. He explained on X (formerly Twitter), “Any range extender offered by Tesla will be structurally mounted so it’s safe in a crash.” This statement underscores the importance of safety in the design and installation process.
The news has generated mixed reactions within the Tesla community. One top comment encapsulated the sentiment: “Well there goes the fifth wheel option. /s. Not surprised that the battery box needs Tesla service to install/remove. I’m somewhat surprised it’s a real accessory. Moreover, it points at the lack of design and engineering the cyberthing underwent prior to production.”
As of now, Tesla has not confirmed when the Cybertruck’s range extender will be available. The announcement leaves potential Cybertruck owners waiting for further details on pricing, availability, and the full impact on the vehicle’s usability.
