Tesla’s upcoming Cybertruck: Revealed by its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Fresh details about Tesla’s upcoming Cybertruck have surfaced following the submission of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoder document to the U.S. government. This disclosure has shed light on previously undisclosed information about the electric truck.

An essential revelation from the document indicates that, contrary to expectations, a two-wheel-drive version of the Cybertruck will not be offered as a more budget-friendly entry-level option for the 2024 model year. Notably absent from the document is any specification for a single-motor variant of the truck, a departure from Tesla’s approach with the Model 3 and Model Y, both of which offered such options.

The document further discloses that the Cybertruck’s lowest weight range will fall between 8,001 to 9,000 pounds. This weight exceeds that of some competitors; for instance, the Ford F-150 Lightning is about 2,000 pounds lighter at its minimum, as reported by CNN. The increased weight of electric trucks is often attributed to the substantial size and weight of their electric batteries.

Although Tesla has yet to officially announce the pricing for the Cybertruck, the company previously hinted that the base model would be priced around $40,000. This is approximately $10,000 less than the entry-level Ford F-150 Lightning.

However, recent indications from the company suggest that manufacturing costs have surpassed initial estimates. As a result, the actual starting price for the Cybertruck is expected to be higher than the initially stated $40,000, especially given the delayed availability of the more affordable two-wheel-drive model.

During a recent earnings call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledged the challenges ahead in achieving volume production with the Cybertruck and ensuring its positive cash flow. Despite any pricing uncertainties, the Cybertruck has garnered attention for its impressive capabilities showcased in public demonstrations, ranging from off-road prowess to rapid acceleration. Nevertheless, some features, such as the oversized single windshield wiper, have faced criticism online.