Tesla’s new electric pickup truck, dubbed Cybertruck, was officially unveiled by the company on Nov. 21; the vehicle, which sports a fancy appearance reminiscent of the Batmobile and stealth jetfighter F-117, will come with a minimum price tag of only US$39,900.
The vehicle is claimed to be capable of withstanding bullets from a 900 mm pistol, thanks to its chill-cast steel plates. Although its windows are claimed to be bullet-proof as well, they cracked after being hit with a large metal ball. “At least they didn't go through,” said Elon Musk jokingly during the demonstration.
According to the company, the Cybertruck will use an advanced pneumatic suspension system that can adjust the truck’s suspension height flexibly on different road surfaces, such as freeways and dirt roads.
The hatchback cargo section at the back of the vehicle is different from the open ones for most pickup trucks. With a hook at the end, it can tow a heavy vehicle thanks to its powerful motor. In an on-site video showing, it won in a tug-of-war with the Ford F-150.
According to Elon Musk, the Cybertruck can double as a generator when needed, which not only saves space, but also provides high towing strength. A far cry from the industry’s traditional pickup trucks, the Cybertruck can accelerate up to 100 kilometers/second from a standstill position within less than three seconds. In a video showing, it is shown to have outraced the Porsche 911.
There are three different versions of the Cybertruck available; the cheapest one is currently priced at US$39,900, while the most expensive one is US$69,900. Tesla is currently planning to deliver the standard models by the end of 2021. The company's top three motor model will not be delivered until the end of 2022.
(Collaborative media: TechNews, photo courtesy of Tesla)