# Tesla Cybertruck **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 23, 2019, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866 "2019-11-23T10:32:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/181 "2023-12-02T18:47:11Z")
> [@pullin](#): > > A lot of people drive larger trucks for perceived safety reasons, and a (literally) bulletproof truck would definitely appeal to them. Musk boasts that if attacked with a .45 Tommy Gun or 9mm Glock, you will survive in a Cybertruck. But, Elon, babe, this is 'Murica. Dudes will learn to show up with 7.62NATO AP and .50BMG hardware. > [@Chronos](#): > > Oh, and when did 6’ beds become acceptable, and even standard, for pickup trucks? > [@RickJay](#): > > the pickup truck went from being, well, a truck - a vehicle that existed for the purpose of carrying small loads for work purposes - to being a lifestyle thing Remember the [Explorer Sport Trac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Explorer_Sport_Trac)? At least it’s one piece of honesty about how much real hauling the average customer of this vehicle is expected to be doing. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/182 "2023-12-02T19:04:30Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > I did once see a “pickup truck” which had, literally, a 2’ long bed. So basically an El Camino? [https://www.oldcarsweekly.com/news/hauling-interest-final-gen-el-caminos-are-picking-up-steam](https://www.oldcarsweekly.com/news/hauling-interest-final-gen-el-caminos-are-picking-up-steam) ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/183 "2023-12-02T19:14:35Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > Musk boasts that if attacked with a .45 Tommy Gun or 9mm Glock, you will survive in a Cybertruck. But, Elon, babe, this is 'Murica. Dudes will learn to show up with 7.62NATO AP and .50BMG hardware. Survive? Or be able to drive away? Presumably the Glock owner would run out of ammo quickly, but the Tommy Gun operator may have a 100 round drum. If I were claiming a vehicle could survive that sort of attack, I’d include continued operation as a necessity. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/184 "2023-12-02T19:17:20Z")
Does Tesla actually make any claims about the armoring on the Cybertruck? Because that sounds like it opens them up to liability. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/185 "2023-12-02T19:27:13Z")
Actually, Tesla sells cars using words like “autopilot” and “full self-driving” that don’t correspond to [established standards](https://www.sae.org/blog/sae-j3016-update). So perhaps I should not be surprised that they throw around words like “bulletproof” while ignoring _those_ established standards. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/186 "2023-12-02T19:38:52Z")
Well it’s a truck, ist it not? It can carry a lot of bullets, if that is not bullet proof, I don’t know what is! Of course you cannot expect all the targets of a shooting to survive, this is agile development! We’ll iterate from here as need be. We can also provide an auto-shoot-back full self-defending gadget for a monthly fee. Will be available by the end of some year. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/187 "2023-12-02T19:38:53Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Tesla sells cars using words like “autopilot” and “full self-driving” that don’t correspond to [established standards](https://www.sae.org/blog/sae-j3016-update). Tesla is, apparently, the first car company in the history of car companies to ever use marketing words to describe their product. Next up: “Built Ford Tough” does not actually refer to an SAE standard. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/188 "2023-12-02T19:40:07Z")
Granted, but I think there is a difference between advertising hype and using phrases like “full self-driving.” ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/189 "2023-12-02T19:43:30Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Where does the F150 Lightning fall short? I’ve heard that it’s not good at towing, but that seems to be true for all EVs so far. Yeah, that’s a big sticking point. And its range is way too limited. I’m just not seeing spending a lot of money for downgraded capacities. The Lightning is great for people who want but do not need a truck – like the Tesla. For those who actually need a truck, the EV has not yet been made. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/190 "2023-12-02T19:44:25Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Does Tesla actually make any claims about the armoring on the Cybertruck? Well, there’s this bit of puffery, [Elon Musk on X: “Doors are bulletproof to .45” & 9mm https://t.co/alTYkDcsIz” / X (twitter.com)](https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1730330826259243031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1730405000608661527%7Ctwgr%5E2feadf8dfe862b18f53e02fbe5227bac1cdcc1a0%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.benzinga.com%2Fnews%2F23%2F12%2F36040908%2Fwatch-teslas-cybertruck-astounds-in-al-capone-style-bulletproof-demo-survives-tommy-gun-barrage) Longer clip from whence they got the tweet: [Cybertruck Bullet Test - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teRRk-0KHus) ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/191 "2023-12-02T19:44:37Z")
Tesla does not claim that any of their cars have Full Self-Driving yet. Perhaps this is a fine distinction, but they claim that their cars have FSD _capability_, and that the current functionality does not make the vehicle autonomous, but that further functionality will be unlocked over time via software. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/192 "2023-12-02T19:49:02Z")
I like short bet regular cab pickups. Leave the tail gate down and 4x8 is no problem. I like the shorter wheel base for plowing. The tighter turn radius REALLY helps. Yeah they can’t carry as much, but for myself, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. And, well we are a 2 person, 2 SUV 1 Truck family. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/193 "2023-12-02T20:39:11Z")
> [@Ulfreida](#): > > For those who actually need a truck, the EV has not yet been made. While I certainly think plenty of people drive trucks that only _think_ they need a truck, I find this to be equally ridiculous. Long-range towing is not the end-all be-all of truck use. For instance, in my old hometown, there is a large and popular lake. Everyone in the area who buys a boat goes to the lake. There are probably a million people within 50 miles of the lake, and all of them would be served by the current generation of EV trucks. Or, my old neighbor, who maintained a fantastic garden that spanned a few acres. Lots of runs to various local nurseries and Home Depot for topsoil and the like. Needed a large bed but again, only short range runs. Or, all the landscapers in the area. They aren’t driving very far. But they need to haul their equipment trailer. The high-amperage plugs on EV trucks could be a huge boon to anyone using electric landscaping tools (increasingly popular around here, and probably mandatory at some point). And so on. Not every truck use is hauling a fifth wheel on cross-country trips. I’d suggest that _most_ truck use is actually fairly short range in nature. ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/194 "2023-12-02T21:33:24Z")
Hmmm. Just watched a couple reviews of the CT ([Marques Brownlee](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxOh12Uhg08) and Hagerty) and aside from the form, they’re sold. Sounds like the driving experience, detailing and UI is pretty good. I won’t be buying one, but maybe it’s not the flop I thought it would be. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/195 "2023-12-02T21:39:01Z")
Three reviewers got early access to the Cybertruck: Marques Brownlee, Hagerty (Jason Cammisa), and Top Gear. Brownlee was probably the most negative of the three, though mostly with respect to the pricing/range combos, which is understandable. But he still liked it enough to buy one. All three were impressed overall. Top Gear had some nice interviews with their engineering/design leads at Tesla. Marques Brownlee: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/XxOh12Uhg08/maxresdefault.jpg "Driving Tesla Cybertruck: Everything You Need to Know!") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxOh12Uhg08) Hagerty: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/L6WDq0V5oBg/maxresdefault.jpg "Exclusive 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Full Review & Drag Race w R1T & Hummer — Jason Cammisa on the ICONS") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6WDq0V5oBg) Top Gear: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/uefydJUbRhc/maxresdefault.jpg "Tesla Cybertruck DRIVEN!") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uefydJUbRhc) ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/196 "2023-12-02T21:42:50Z")
My guess is the vehicles provided to those reviewers were very carefully assembled and gone over with a fine-tooth comb to make sure there was nothing wrong with any of them. Will a random vehicle off the production line be as well built? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/197 "2023-12-02T21:47:06Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Will a random vehicle off the production line be as well built? Clearly, we won’t know until production rate ramps up, and that won’t happen until 2024. But Cybertrucks have been appearing in dozens of Tesla showrooms and they’ve been basically immaculate. That’s still a small enough number to cherry-pick good examples, but probably too many to hand-tweak every one. They’re clearly _capable_ of producing good quality units; the main question is whether they can just do that repeatedly. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/198 "2023-12-02T21:47:32Z")
Well, so is mine. But I do haul out to venues 2+ hours away a number of times a year. Heck, the vet hospital at Tufts is more than that – that’s where you take your horse when it’s really broken (Cornell is farther). Also, towing live weight like livestock is trickier than hauling an equipment trailer. You need a big engine to stop the thing safely. The main thing my truck does is carry stuff, under 20 miles usually. Sand, lumber, piles of debris. We don’t use the truck just to go to the grocery store, we have a Honda Fit for that. With 107K miles on it, so if we get a hybrid or EV, that’s the one to be replaced. I’m just cautious. And my truck is practically new, by our standards of new. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/199 "2023-12-02T21:49:42Z")
nm. I shouldn’t comment on this. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2023, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866/200 "2023-12-02T21:51:32Z")
Aside from Tesla fanboys, who exactly is the target market? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-cybertruck/843866.md?page=11)