Models
Tesla’s Electric Semi Could Run up to 621 Miles Between Charges
People have major range anxiety when it comes to passenger EVs; so you can imagine how commercial truck operators must feel about electric cargo haulers. Back in 2017, Musk had said that the upcoming commercial Semi would achieve as much as 500 miles of range on a single charge. It seemed almost impossible back then, but battery technology has taken huge strides. Three years later, Tesla is now talking about a 600+ miles range. Does it still seem unbelievable? I don’t think so.
Quick Comparison: GMC Hummer EV vs Tesla Cybertruck
Discontinued in 2010 after 18 years of the market, the Hummer nameplate returned in 2020. But this time around, it’s not a standalone brand, but a model sold under a GMC badge. The even bigger news is that it’s fully electric. Set to go into production in 2021, the truck version will go against the spectacular Tesla Cybertruck. But does it have what it takes to compete with Elon Musk’s oddly-shaped hauler? Is it powerful enough, does it have enough range, and is it actually a proper successor to the original Hummer design-wise? Let’s find out in the comparison below.
Elon Musk Is Promising a $25,000 Tesla in Three Years
A few years ago when it only sold the Model S, Tesla promised a new electric car that would be better and more affordable than the Nissan Leaf. That project became the Model 3, but even though it is better than the Leaf, it’s not more affordable. Originally targeted to start from around $30,000, the Model 3 was priced from $35,000, and it currently retails from almost $38,000. Come 2020 and Elon Musk promises that Tesla will make a $25,000 car in three years.
Tesla’s In-House Batteries Will Land In the New Roadster and Cybertruck First
As always, Musk made some interesting tweets just before Tesla Battery Day. One of them indicated that the upcoming Roadster, Cybertruck, and the SEMI will be powered by Tesla’s in-house batteries. However, before people start pointing fingers at Tesla, Musk also made it clear that they shouldn’t expect anything until 2022. Well, at least we got some information on before the Battery Day officially commenced.
Tesla Could Have a Model 3 Hatchback In the Incubator
The initial plan was for Tesla to be an affordable EV company. Now, cars like the Model 3 and Model X are fairly affordable to some – especially with various federal and local tax credits – they still aren’t exactly able to compete with other entry-level cars. During a recent conference call, Elon Musk stressed this fact and even alluded to making things right, part of which means that a smaller Tesla could grace the market, and in this case, we could be talking about a Model 3 Hatchback.
The Cybertruck is Riskier for Tesla and Elon Musk Than You Realize
What more can we say about the Tesla Cybertruck that hasn’t already been said? It’s awesome, it’s ugly, it’s interesting, it will work, it won’t work – we’ve said and heard it all. But, there’s something that you haven’t heard quite yet, and that’s the cold hard fact that neither Tesla nor Elon Musk did any market research before designing and developing the Cybertruck. This is about as risky as it gets for an automaker, and it’s probably a big reason why models like the Mercedes X-Class just couldn’t cut the mustard.
The Tesla Model Y With Track Mode Can Straighten Curves Like Nobody’s Business
The Tesla Owners Silicon Valley group asked Elon Musk on Twitter if the company has plans to launch a Track Mode for the Model Y and the CEO replied in the affirmative. Despite a few flaws in its build and build quality, the Model Y has started well and is raking in good sales numbers for Tesla. So, the addition of a Track Mode will lure a lot more people and make this a complete package overall.
The Tesla Cybertruck’s First Public Outing Has Generated Tons of Attention
It’s been around seven months since the Cybertruck was officially launched. The truck is no more a closely guarded secret and it has been seen driving around L.A., but Tesla never made it accessible to the public… until now.
The automaker loaned a prototype of this one-of-a-kind truck to the Petersen Automotive Museum for the public to get a closer look. The truck is already on display and will be there till June 27.
Tesla Model S Officially Becomes The First EV To Boast A 400-Plus Mile Range
Tesla now holds the bragging rights to be the first EV automaker to offer a 400-plus mile range on the Model S. Musk had already announced this during the first quarter’s earnings call earlier this year.
During this call, he had claimed that the Tesla Model S has achieved an official 400-mile range as per EPA ratings, but it wasn’t made official due to the agency’s fault. After a few rounds of blame-game and mud-slinging, Tesla has finally won the battle and announced the result on Twitter and updated the Model S’ official page with an EPA rating of 402 miles. Elon Musk must be a happy man now.
Engineering Explained Says the Tesla Roadster Can Get to 60 MPH in 1.1 Seconds With SpaceX Thrusters
The next-gen Tesla Roadster is going to be a revolutionary car and there’s no doubt about that. The automaker has claimed an 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds for the base model. However, this could probably be the slowest trim in the lineup.
Elon Musk has already said that Tesla will offer the Roadster with a SpaceX option package. According to Engineering Explained’s Jason Fenske, the Roadster with this package will be able to sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in 1.1 seconds! Phew!
The Tesla Cybertruck Could Have a Folding Rear Window for Expandable Cargo Room
By now, you’d expect Tesla to have zeroed down on the production version of the Cybertruck. However, the company is still making tweaks here and there and is even accepting suggestions from the public. A Twitter user recently suggested flipping down the rear window and folding the body panel to increase storage. Elon Musk replied saying it’s worth considering. It’s quite a good idea and will help people who carry long items in their trucks often.
Elon Musk Says The Cybertruck Will Be Able To Float For A While
Cybertruck news just can’t stop coming in. Yesterday we heard about the truck receiving a few structural changes, and now Musk says it will be able to float. Yep, you read it right; this news is fresh off the boat.
When asked by a Twitter user about the Cybertruck’s wading depth, Musk said it will even be able to float for a while. Now, this seems a little improbable given the nature of the vehicle, but the man has made similar claims before for the Model S as well.
The Tesla Cybertruck Is Slowly Transitioning Into a Normal Pickup
Musk took to Twitter to give us some more updates about the Tesla Cybertruck. He said that the truck will be about three-percent smaller in size, more balanced centerline, and flaunt a lower sill height for the windows. Now, these tweaks aren’t going to change the overall looks of the truck, but they will make the Cybertruck look more proportionate and well-balanced than the prototype. Since the truck is still some time away, expect more such subtle changes to come.
Elon Musk Wants The Tesla Cybertruck to "Kick Butt in Baja"
Apart from the recent Plaid version, it’s been quite some time since we heard anything about the Cybertruck.
A Twitter user felt the same and tweeted Musk asking for some information. Musk obliged and said that Tesla is working on improving the Cybertruck’s air suspension so it can “kick butt in Baja”.
For the uninitiated, Baja 1000 is a Mexican off-road motorsport race that features all sorts of vehicles customized for off-roading. Imagine a bizarre-shaped electric vehicle drifting, flying, and racing on mud. Oh, and also think about how would it look with all the customizations and graphics on the body?
A Plaid Tesla Cybertruck is Coming
Musk is known to make many important announcements on Twitter. The latest news is concerning a fast Cybertruck. Musk confirmed that the Tesla Cybertruck will be receiving a Plaid version in the future.
Musk replied to a disgruntled Tesla fan when he was expressing his dilemma over how he wants to own the Cybertruck but his better half doesn’t. Amidst this banter, Elon Musk said out of the blue that “Plaid Cybertruck is what I’ll drive.” Since it’s Musk that we’re talking about, you can consider this as a confirmation on the Plaid Cybertruck. Didn’t see that one coming, did you?
Is There a Case For a Tesla Cybertruck Police Car?
We don’t have to tell you just how polarizing the Cybertruck has been in the wake of its controversial unveil back in November 2019. But the wave it sent to all online mediums has been of an unseen magnitude and that’s the best marketing strategy Tesla could ever wish for.
As a result, people came up with wicked renderings and some even started out building their own version of the Cybertruck. In this article, however, we’re going to be looking at whether a police Tesla Cybertruck would make sense in real life, given that some U.S. police departments are already acquiring and modifying Tesla Model 3s for patrol and other duties and we’ve also caught word of interest in the Cybertruck too, albeit from more exotic parts of the world.
If You Pre-Ordered the Tesla Cybertruck in Europe, You Might Want to Cancel It
The Cybertruck was widely criticized for its weird shape, but that was mainly because of how it looked. Soon after the unveiling, a lot of other practical problems came to light, such as parking woes, truckbed usability to haul longer objects, and so on. One such glaring problem that raised a lot of eyebrows was the safety aspect. The Cybertruck sure has strong components, but how can it be tested for crash ratings and how will it fare in case of a rollover? With a lot of questions unanswered, an expert in Europe has deemed the Cybertruck to be far from road-legal. This is a huge blow to the company. Will Tesla heavily modify the Cybertruck to attain road legality?