Tesla’s Cybertruck Range Extender: What Happened to It?
Tesla has recently made a surprising move by removing the Cybertruck’s range extender option from its online configurator. This decision has raised questions about the future of this highly anticipated product.
When the Cybertruck was first unveiled in late 2023, enthusiasts were excited about the prospect of a range extender that would significantly boost the vehicle’s driving range. The tri-motor version, in particular, was expected to offer over 500 miles of range and start at $70,000. However, the reality turned out to be different, with the tri-motor Cybertruck now priced at $100,000 and having a range of 320 miles.
Similarly, the dual-motor Cybertruck was supposed to cost $50,000 and provide over 300 miles of range. But it now starts at $80,000 and offers 325 miles of range. In an attempt to address this discrepancy, Tesla introduced a separate battery pack that could be placed in the truck’s bed as a range extender. Priced at $16,000, this option promised to add significant mileage to the Cybertruck’s range.
Despite the Cybertruck being in production for over a year and a half, the range extender has yet to be launched. Initially scheduled for an early 2025 release, the product was later delayed to mid-2025. However, with Tesla now removing the option from its online configurator, there is uncertainty about the future of the range extender.
It remains unclear whether Tesla has decided to discontinue the product or if it is simply pausing reservations. The fact that the range extender takes up a third of the Cybertruck’s bed and requires installation and removal by Tesla at a service center may have contributed to its lack of popularity among potential buyers.
With no clear production timeline available and the option being removed from the configurator, the fate of the Cybertruck’s range extender hangs in the balance. While some were initially intrigued by the product, its high cost and limitations may have hindered its appeal. Whether Tesla will revive the range extender or focus on other innovations remains to be seen.
