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The Tesla Cybertruck has an angular, stainless-steel body.

The Tesla Cybertruck…Could Just Be a Normal Truck?

In 2020, we know that electric pickup trucks are the next big thing. But the one enthusiasts can’t stop speculating about would have to be the illustrious Tesla Cybertruck. Tesla CEO Elon Musk first teased the Cybertruck in 2019. Since the original announcement, Tesla has rescheduled official Cybertruck production a few times. And at this point, we aren’t …

In 2020, we know that electric pickup trucks are the next big thing. But the one enthusiasts can’t stop speculating about would have to be the illustrious Tesla Cybertruck. Tesla CEO Elon Musk first teased the Cybertruck in 2019. Since the original announcement, Tesla has rescheduled official Cybertruck production a few times. And at this point, we aren’t sure if Tesla’s first pickup will be electrified at all.

The mythical Tesla Cybertruck

The Tesla Cybertruck has an angular, stainless-steel body.
Tesla Cybertruck Concept intended for production in 2022 | Tesla

With so many changes to the Cybertruck and its production date, people are starting to wonder if this pickup will ever come to fruition. The electrified truck that Tesla initially announced immediately grasped our attention for its jagged shape and stainless steel body. 

The Cybertruck, as we know it, will be available in three different variants based on the electric motors it has. You can choose from the Single Motor, Dual Motor, and Tri Motor configurations. Each additional motor translates to an extended electric range and towing capacity. Tesla claims that the entry-level Single Motor model will be able to go from 0 to 60 mph. The Dual Motor and the Tri Motor will reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and 2.9 seconds, respectively.  

Musk doesn’t feel pressured to live up to Cybertruck expectations

Elon Musk standing in front of a Tesla Cybertruck
Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk stands in front of the shattered windows of the Cybertruck | REDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

In a recent AutoNews interview, Musk stated that he feels “no pressure” for the Cybertruck to succeed. Musk is also unique by saying that unlike other automakers, Tesla did not conduct any consumer focus groups to construct its electric truck. Tesla’s strategy is the complete opposite of its competitors’ strategies, including Ford and Ram. 

Based on Musk’s recent statements, it’s clear that the Cybertruck for already-devoted Tesla fans. Musk specifically isn’t worried about product dilemmas either. The CEO shared that if the Cybertruck is a total bust, the backup plan is to make it a “normal truck.”

“It can be a better sports car than a Porsche 911, a better truck than an F-150, and it’s armored and looks sort of kick-ass from the future. That was the goal, recognizing this could be a complete failure,” Musk said. “But I wasn’t super worried about that because if it turns out nobody wants to buy a weird-looking truck, we’ll build a normal truck, no problem. There’s lots of normal trucks out there that look pretty much the same; you can hardly tell the difference. And sure, we could just do some copycat truck; that’s easy. So that’s our fallback strategy.”

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No matter what, the Cybertruck will be beastly

Tesla’s master plan with the Cybertruck is to make it a “North American ass-kicker.” Musk shared that the Cybertruck should be able to do everything from off-roading to towing a boat. Another bright spot of the Cybertruck is that drivers won’t have to worry about messing up the paint since there isn’t any. Basically, the Cybertruck will be ready for whatever.

“So it’s probably helpful in the apocalypse,” Musk said. “Things are seeming more apocalyptic these days. Let me tell you, the truck you want in the apocalypse is the Cybertruck.”

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