Electric pickup trucks have begun to appear in nascent form over the last few years; witness the Rivian R1T and the Bollinger B2. Now, however, the big dog in EVs is about to climb into the field.
Elon Musk has teasing a forthcoming Tesla pickup truck since the early 2010s — and now, the teasing is over. Musk has confirmed via Twitter that the “Cybertruck,” as he calls it, is happening very soon. Here’s what you need to know.
When will the Tesla pickup debut?
After numerous, well-chronicled delays, the launch will be November 21, 2019 in Los Angeles. Musk noted that Blade Runner began in November 2019 in Los Angeles. That date is particularly convenient from a PR perspective, since many auto journalists will be in town for the L.A. auto show at that time. It also may be timed to steal a bit of thunder from Ford’s “Mustang-inspired” electric crossover that debuts a few days before.
What will the Tesla pickup look like?
Musk has stated the truck will have a “cyberpunk” motif. He has described it as something out of Blade Runner and the “armored personnel carrier of the future.” Tesla dropped a (notably unhelpful) teaser for it during the Model Y crossover launch. Speculation about its looks has ranged from a fairly generic pickup shape to something resembling a Mars rover.
How capable will the Tesla pickup be?
Very. Musk has said the Tesla pickup will deliver better towing and payload capabilities than the Ford F-150. It will also have better on-road performance numbers than the base model Porsche 911, according to Musk. Given the “ludicrous” performance we’ve seen from Tesla’s electric motors, meeting those claims is more plausible than most would suspect.
What will the Tesla pickup’s range be?
A large truck should be able to carry more batteries than other Tesla vehicles, like the Model 3 we tested in California earlier this year. Musk has noted there would “definitely” be an option for a 400-500-mile EPA-rated range.
How much will the Tesla pickup truck cost?
Musk stated the Tesla pickup’s target base price should be at or slightly below $50,000. Though, as with the claimed $35,000 Model 3 that exists largely in theory, it’s not certain what that will mean in practice, or when Tesla will reach that goal.
How many people will it hold?
Musk has said the truck will hold up to six people. He also promised the driver’s seat will be spacious enough to accommodate former wrestler Andre the Giant, who stood 7’4” with a listed weight of 520 pounds.
Will the Tesla pickup face competition?
Yes. Tesla’s initial forays with the Roadster, Model S, Model X, and Model 3 defined new markets for electric vehicles. With the Model Y and now the pickup, Tesla will face stiff competition. Rivian will debut its R1T pickup next year, and an electric version of Ford’s iconic F-150 should be soon to follow.