NEWS 10/18/23: Tesla announced today during its 2023 third-quarter earnings call that the first Cybertrucks will be delivered to customers on November 30 at its Gigafactory in Austin, Texas. The news follows multiple delays in the production of the electric pickup vehicle. Although the first 2024 Cybertruck reportedly sold at auction for $400,000, we are still awaiting official specifications.
It’s been four years of memes, internet arguments, broken promises, and a lot of waiting, but mounting evidence suggests that production of the Tesla Cybertruck may be nearing completion. Think back to the time before the Cybertruck (complete with unblemished windows) rolled onto the stage for the first time. Since it’s been so long, you’ve likely experienced significant life events such as getting married, going through a divorce, having children, or, like the rest of us, surviving a global pandemic. Regardless of major life events, the Cybertruck appears to be rounding the final corners before commencing mass production.
Originally, Cybertruck production was scheduled to begin in late 2021. Later, it was delayed until sometime in 2022, and then Musk moved it back even further to 2023. According to The Verge, Musk verified in January that the Cybertruck won’t enter full-scale production until 2024, but that initial manufacturing efforts are scheduled to commence this summer.
First Truck Built on 15 July
The manufacturer announced on the recently renamed X.com that the first Cybertruck was constructed on July 15 at the company’s Giga Texas facility.
Increased sightings of Cybertrucks on delivery vehicles provide additional evidence for the slow production ramp-up. Internet sleuths and Tesla enthusiasts have published photos of delivery vehicles carrying multiple Cybertucks. Additionally, more test vehicles have been spotted traveling on the road. Given the CEO’s track record, it is not remarkable that one of the test vehicles has been spotted with Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra-inspired wraps. Why? Sincerely, we have no idea.
Pricing Variations
Tesla announced at the beginning of the Cybertruck saga that the base single-motor RWD version of the vehicle would be priced at $39.900. The dual-motor AWD truck was anticipated to cost $49,000, while the tri-motor AWD was anticipated to have a range of 500 miles and a starting price of $69,900.
Unfortunately, a large number of consumers currently find these figures to be unattainable. The initial price of the Ford F-150 Lightning, which was approximately $40,000, increased by more than $10,000 before settling at approximately $52,000. Even more expensive is the Rivian R1T, which begins at $74,800, and the GMC Hummer EV, which costs nearly $87,000.
Musk virtually verified that the initial price estimate will be exceeded by a price increase. According to a report by Forbes, the CEO stated, “It will be difficult to make [it] affordable because it is a new car and a new manufacturing method.” We won’t know for certain until Tesla itself certifies the initial selling price, but if the previous year’s price fluctuations are any indication, anything short of a receipt could be incorrect.
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