The Tesla Cybertruck, with its futuristic design and bold promises, sparks both admiration and skepticism. But in terms of reliability, how does it hold up after intensive use?
One owner pushed their electric pickup to its limits, clocking over 50,000 miles in just a few months, including a trip to the Arctic Ocean. The result: an experience that highlights the real-world performance, costs, and minor flaws of this controversial model. Here’s everything you need to know before considering this electric giant.
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Range almost unchanged after thousands of miles
When delivered in March 2024, this dual-motor Cybertruck boasted an impressive range of 317 miles. Today, after covering 50,000 miles, that range has dropped slightly to 309 miles. This minor decrease is mainly due to energy-draining add-ons, like a rooftop tent and off-road tires that affect the aerodynamics of this behemoth. Additionally, energy efficiency has slightly decreased, especially under extreme conditions such as snowy roads and rugged trails. Despite this, the performance remains solid, showing that the vehicle can handle long-term mileage in tough conditions without losing reliability.
Charging costs beat gasoline pickups
In terms of cost, the Cybertruck proves to be a competitive alternative to gas-powered pickups. With 25,628 kWh consumed, charging exclusively at home would have cost about $3,000, while relying mostly on Tesla Superchargers raises the bill to $8,200. By comparison, a gas-powered Ford F-150 would have burned around 2,500 gallons of fuel, costing approximately $6,500 at the current US average gas price. While savings are more noticeable in countries with high fuel prices, they remain modest in the US, where electricity rates are often higher. However, while driving an electric vehicle can indeed be more economical, the gas station network remains far superior to that of electric chargers. Driving a gas-powered pickup is therefore more expensive, but undeniably more convenient.
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Minor flaws and technical surprises
In terms of reliability, the Cybertruck experienced a few repairs but nothing major. The motorized tonneau cover required several service visits to fix alignment issues. A faulty accelerator pedal, subject to a recall earlier this year, was replaced quickly. Interestingly, Tesla requested an inspection and replacement of the rear motor—not due to a failure, but to study wear on what is likely one of the highest-mileage vehicles of its kind. This proactive approach demonstrates Tesla’s commitment to anticipating potential issues in vehicles already on the road, offering reassurance about the truck’s overall durability. Tesla’s eagerness to gather feedback mirrors the continuous improvement culture seen in leading tech companies like Apple or Google.
This article dives into the real-world experience of the Tesla Cybertruck after 50,000 miles, revealing strong performance, substantial savings on charging costs, and a few minor technical adjustments. While this electric pickup remains an expensive investment upfront, it proves capable of meeting long-term expectations, even in extreme conditions. Cybertruck: tech gadget or true adventure vehicle? The choice is yours.
Image: © FramesnFuel
