Tesla's Cybertruck falls short on range, forcing RV owner to reconsider and put the vehicle up for sale.
In a move that has left some Tesla enthusiasts disappointed, the electric vehicle manufacturer has announced the cancellation of the extended-range battery option for its much-anticipated Cybertruck. This decision has particularly affected Jamie Rook, a Cybertruck owner who found the vehicle's current battery range insufficient for his needs.
Jamie, who has invested over $4,000 in Tesla accessories and upgrades for his Cybertruck, has decided to sell the vehicle due to its inability to reliably pull his travel trailer, an Rpod RP-195, over long distances. The Cybertruck's range dropped to 157 miles when towing his RV during a trailer pull test, a limitation that Jamie found frustrating.
The extended battery, if built, would have mounted in the Cybertruck's bed and could have significantly boosted the truck's range. However, reports confirm that Tesla is no longer planning to build this auxiliary battery, a decision primarily due to range concerns and implementation challenges.
Tesla's focus remains on the Cybertruck's large single battery pack, which is already the largest in any Tesla to date and is designed for heavy-duty performance and a potentially long range (estimated possibly over 500 miles in ideal conditions). However, the company has chosen to forego a dual-battery setup or auxiliary battery option, possibly due to technological, cost, or production complexities.
For Jamie, the cancellation of the extended-range battery option means he cannot increase the Cybertruck's range to meet his needs. As a result, he is parting ways with his dream vehicle, a mint condition Cybertruck, which he has hand-washed and garaged every night since purchase.
Jamie is not just selling a vehicle but a dream and a part of his identity as a Tesla owner. In addition to the Cybertruck, Jamie is selling accessories and an $8,000 ALSET wrap in perfect condition. He is considering traditional options like a Ford F-250 or a Chevy Silverado Diesel for his next vehicle.
This decision by Tesla has caused some frustration among users who need more range for heavy towing or extended trips. While the single battery pack offers impressive performance, the cancellation of the extended-range battery option means buyers cannot increase it to meet their specific needs. As Tesla continues to innovate and push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, it will be interesting to see how they address these concerns in future models.
References: [1] Electrek, (2021). Tesla cancels extended-range battery option for Cybertruck. [online] Available at: https://electrek.co/2021/03/23/tesla-cancels-extended-range-battery-option-for-cybertruck/ [2] Green Car Reports, (2021). Tesla Cybertruck: What we know about the electric pickup truck. [online] Available at: https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1133156_tesla-cybertruck-what-we-know-about-the-electric-pickup-truck
- Jamie, disillusioned by Tesla's decision to cancel the extended-range battery option for the Cybertruck, has decided to sell his mint condition vehicle, an investment that also includes $8,000 worth of ALSET wrap and numerous accessories.
- The canceled extended battery, intended to boost the Cybertruck's range, would have provided a solution for individuals like Jamie who require longer ranges for towing or extended trips, a segment of the industry that has expressed frustration with Tesla's decision.
- As electric-vehicle technology continues to evolve in the transportation industry, technology companies like Tesla face challenges in meeting the diverse needs of consumers in finance, lifestyle, and specific use-cases like heavy-duty towing, which could potentially be addressed in future models.
