Tesla’s Cybertruck- a futuristic fantasy or nauseous nightmare? 

Since the jaw-dropping debut of the Cybertruck concept in 2019, Elon Musk's promises of production commencing in 2021 with a $40k starting price have turned into a rollercoaster of heavily publicised challenges. Remember Franz von Holzhausen, the Design Director, dramatically smashing the 'unbreakable' windows with a metal ball on stage? Well, that was just the beginning.

From multiple delays to leaked engineering reports revealing soundproofing and brake concerns, the Cybertruck journey has been far from smooth. And, let's not forget Elon's candid admission that they "dug their own grave with the Cybertruck," projecting fully ramped-up production at Giga Texas won't happen until 2025. It's been quite the ride for the Cybertruck saga. 

With Tesla finally delivering the long-awaited Cybertruck to 10 buyers in a livestream on Elon Musk’s X platform, there has been a real dissension of opinions on whether or not the Cybertruck is a vehicle of dreams or that of nightmares. Whilst I am in agreement with many that the truck itself is monstrously unattractive, the real question is whether or not it actually improves on EVS or pickups in any significant way. Is this almost 3000 kg mass of “stainless super steel” simply the end product of one man's ludicrous fantasy, or the very embodiment of innovative creation when it comes to the design of EV trucks? 

First off, it is very much directed towards the wealthy consumer (definitely not for your average Joe), having priced out pretty much anyone who doesn’t earn at least a 6 or 7 figure salary. The whole "bulletproof" thing that's been a big deal since the Cybertruck's grand entrance in 2019? Turns out, according to Musk himself, there's no real reason for it. When asked, "Why did you make it bulletproof?" Musk responded with a cheeky, "Why not?" accompanied by a grin that practically said, "Just for kicks!" And then, in a move that can only be described as Musk being, well, Musk, he metaphorically flaunted his confidence to the cheering crowd, throwing in promises of metaphorically larger... you know, for anyone diving into the Cybertruck experience. "How tough is your truck?" Musk teased. 

Design boss Franz von Holzhausen stated: “We started unpacking existing pick-up trucks and realised that the market hasn't changed at all.” Whilst some may say he has a point, I would argue that the market design hasn’t changed for a reason. If it ain’t broke..

In relation to the design, Franz von Holzhausen has said, “Like Gandini, we wanted to do something dramatic that changed everything. I had this simple idea right in the beginning, this exoskeleton idea, a low-resolution looking type of truck. And out of that side project we made a full-size clay model to show Elon. And he's like, ‘that's what we're doing.’” 

Alright, let's talk steel – not just any steel, though. The kind they use for the Cybertruck is a special grade because, surprise, stainless isn't entirely stain-proof. Over time, it tends to corrode. So, they jazzed it up with various elements in the mix to resist that corrosion, get that full hardness, and still have just enough bendability. The cool part? It gives the Cybertruck a supercar-like torsional stiffness of 45kNm/deg. 

Now, here's the scoop on the edges – no traditional "hemming" here, where you "wrap the outer around the inner." Nope, all the edges are out in the open. Franz von Holzhausen, explains that they're chamfered to avoid any finger-dicing situations, but it takes a bit of getting used to. Let's put it bluntly – slipping in your garage and meeting those corners on the way down? Not ideal. The only piece looking out for you is the bottom edge of the frunk, with a strip of rubber because, well, it's right at head height when open.

Now, the look – the bare metal and flat surfaces are a spectacle in soft light, but here's the catch: they attract fingerprints like moths to a flame. And in harsh, direct light, you might notice a rippling effect on the big flat surfaces. Don't fret, though; they've tightened up the tolerances and alignment for production. But let's be real, there are some quirks in how the panels meet, look, and feel (the bottom of the A-pillar butting up against the front quarter panel is a bit of a challenge). It's a different build that’s for sure. 

It’s no secret that SUVs and trucks have become much larger and heavier in the past decade. Electric vehicles (EVs) are naturally heavier due to their batteries, and car manufacturers have also been increasing the size and height of car fronts. This combination makes these vehicles more hazardous for pedestrians and other drivers. What’s more worrying is that it’s well acknowledged that the speed of a car drastically impacts the survivability of a pedestrian, which isn’t great when an extremely heavy car can do 0-60 in less than three seconds. 

Regardless of whether you're left in befuddled bemusement, mild annoyance, or gleeful delight, there's an undeniable fascination to the Cybertruck that surpasses the control of the human brain. Whilst to some the promise from Musk that, “If Al Capone showed up with a Tommy gun and emptied the entire magazine into the car door, you’d still be alive,” may excite and invigorate.. I for one don’t want to live in a world where being pelted by lethal artillery is something I need or want to consider when I’m buying a car.