Tesla has yet to reveal its Cybertruck or reveal an exact time when it will reveal specs and pricing. The electric car maker announced that it built a July 15 on Twitter, of course, where Tesla CEO Elon Musk assumes the role of executive chairman of the social media platform.
On Wednesday, in a quarterly update for investors, the company and leadership team revealed some more tech tidbits about this much-anticipated electric truck.
One of them is that Cybertruck will have a newer, more energy-efficient version Tesla Cell 4680 that went in Model Y.
“In Texas, we are preparing to launch the Cybertruck cell, which has 10 percent more energy density than current production,” said Drew Baglino, senior vice president of powertrain and energy engineering. “That was made possible through process optimization and mechanical design.”
Compare 4680 with 2170 – Panasonic
The original 4680 cells have the same power density as the 2170 cells used by Tesla, so the optimization is remarkable. Tesla has also been reported to be ready for a high-nickel version of these cells.
Tesla continues to execute on the vision revealed at Battery Day 2020—a vision that could potentially enable it half battery cost in the long run, in part by advocating a new cell format. Baglino said Tesla’s battery production grew 80% in Q2 from Q1 at its battery plant in Austin, Texas, and that the team surpassed 10 million production batteries made there.
Cross section of future Tesla cell
Future Tesla cells will generate energy, increase power
Tesla, on the other hand, says that it’s currently testing the Cybertruck around the world for final certification and validation—and to demonstrate new ideas.
“This is possibly the most unique vehicle product in decades; along with testing and testing new technologies,” according to Tesla’s quarterly report. “Both in terms of technology and architecture, this vehicle will push boundaries—very much in line with the way we think about vehicle engineering and manufacturing.”
“I really want to emphasize that the Cybertruck has a lot of new tech in it — like a lot,” Musk reiterated, without revealing any examples but instead seeming to downplay expectations of a steep production run.
Musk explained that there will be something in the order of 10,000 unique parts and processes in the Cybertruck, and that the ramp will depend on “the worst-executed elements of the 10,000”.
Final test of Tesla Cybertruck
Cybertruck mass production in 2024, delivery in 2023
Although the speed of the ramp is yet to be determined, Musk stressed that deliveries are imminent.
“We will mass produce them next year and we will deliver the cars this year,” he said.
Tesla claims that as far as they know, the Cybertruck will be the first truck under 19 feet long with four doors and a bed over 6 feet long.
2019 Tesla Cybertruck Prototype (Petersen Automobile Museum)
Most American garages in newly built homes tend to be at least 20 feet long from the interior walls, which is just 6 inches in front of and behind the truck when the garage door is closed. However, many garages are 22 feet deep, allowing for about a foot and a half to the front and rear.
Pricing is still unknown, though Musk did comment on the pricing of electric truck competition. In a tweet regarding almost $10,000 discount on F-150 Lightning “Ford Lightning is a good vehicle, just a little expensive, especially given today’s high interest rates on any kind of loan,” Musk said.
Tesla e-car
Cybertruck will start at $39,900?
Tesla reveal Cybertruck in November 2019, with three models: a Single Engine with over 250 miles of range and starting at $39,900, AWD Dual Engine with over 300 miles of range for $49,900 and Tri Motor AWD with over 500 miles of range for $69,900. Tesla removed those prices and specifications in October 2021, fueling speculation that it would significantly increase prices and specifications and reconfigure the truck.
Can increased power density mean more range? While the company hasn’t revealed what it means, it could help increase the value of the vehicle whether or not it increases.
At least one of the analysts on Tesla’s Wednesday call asked if Tesla needs to cut prices again later this year depending on economic conditions, but the Tesla CEO seemed to say that certainly won’t matter for the Cybertruck.
“The demand is so far away, you can’t even see the hook, so that’s really not a problem,” Musk boasted.
