Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most anticipated pickup trucks and EVs simultaneously. It was first unveiled back in 2019, with production slated for 2021. However, in true Tesla fashion, that date has been pushed back more than once and currently stands around mid-2023. But will that be the final Tesla electric truck release date?

There’s a reason for optimism that the Tesla Cybertruck will finally see the light of day at some point in 2023. In an interview from June 2022 with the Tesla Owners Club of Silicon Valley, Elon Musk stated that the work on Cybertruck’s design is finished.

The design, at least, is finally locked. We got too carried away (with the design changes).

Tesla’s CEO also touched on the semiconductor shortage, stating that the Cybertruck wouldn’t have entered production on the initially announced date even if they had somehow managed to sort out every pre-production task.

Last year, the chip shortage was so bad that even if we had (finished the design), it wouldn’t have mattered.

Knowing that the semiconductor shortage is about to last for a while longer and keeping Tesla’s track record for the release of new models in mind (yeah, Tesla Semi and Roadster 2.0, I’m talking about you), the highly-anticipated all-electric pickup truck might still be some ways off.

In this article, we’ll touch on everything we know about the Tesla Cybertruck so far and try to provide the best possible estimation of its arrival.

Unveiling and Production of the Tesla Cybertruck

Unveiled at the Tesla Cybertruck Event in November of 2019, the gaudy concept was intended as the first successful mass-produced EV pickup truck. As the production date got pushed back, however, some of Tesla’s competitors beat the largest EV manufacturer at their game. We can already buy the likes of the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T, while the GMC Hummer EV SUT and Chevy Silverado EV are poised to make their debuts soon.

One thing the Tesla Cybertruck’s future competitors probably won’t be able to count on is the sheer number of people willing to get in line to snag one. As many as 250,000 pre-orders were recorded in under a week of Cybertruck’s reveal and the current tally stands at anywhere between 1.5 and 5 million units depending on who you ask. Even though Tesla has considerably expanded their production capacities and new factories will be opening soon, the question remains: how are they going to fulfill all the outstanding orders?

There is no simple answer to that question, but the “Gigafactory Texas” in Austin has been pinpointed as the Cybertruck’s initial breeding ground. At the moment, the Texan employees are busy producing the Model Y, and recently ramped-up production of the affordable crossover can be seen as an encouraging turn of events as far as Cybertruck production is concerned.

Tesla Cybertruck Pricing

The Cybertruck pricing was never a secret and was known right from the get-go. During the Cybertruck unveiling event in Los Angeles, Elon Musk confirmed three different versions of the EV pickup. The cheapest one-motor model was slated for later arrival and priced at $39,900. The initially available dual and tri-motor variants, on the other hand, were intended to cost $49,900 and $69,900, respectively.

These prices are old news as in early August, at Tesla’s 2022 Shareholder Meeting, Elon Musk confirmed that the Cybertruck pricing and specs will be different than those originally intended.

It was unveiled in 2019, for a $99 deposit. Cybertruck pricing and specs will be different. It will be a damn fine product. We are tracking to be in production middle of next year. Tooling installs start in the next few months.

It comes without saying that the company executives couldn’t foresee the current market climate and inflation back when the Cybertruck was unveiled in 2019. However, as far as the exact figures on new pricing go, we can only speculate. Price inflation of around 20 percent is the likeliest outcome.

On top of that, those who wish it will be given an opportunity to order the Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system for an additional $10,000. A quick reminder that the system is still in the beta phase and has a long way to go is in order here.

Tesla Cybertruck Exterior Design

Despite the controversy, the Tesla Self-Driving capability isn’t Cybertruck’s most polarizing feature. The design is. Although the Cybertruck is technically a concept and wild concepts rarely seamlessly carry over into production, Tesla plans to change that. If these pictures taken at the Texas Gigafactory’s premises are to be believed, the upcoming electric pickup will retain its Blade Runner-reminiscing shape.

If you somehow weren’t paying attention, the Tesla Cybertruck features a sharp, futuristically shaped stainless steel exoskeleton and not-so-shatterproof glass. Aside from raising eyebrows, the materials and design are there to ensure the passenger safety of the highest order.

At the rear, the Cybertruck sports a 6.5-feet long lockable bed with as much as 100 cubic feet of cargo space. Tesla calls it the Cybertruck Vault, and it can be rolled up or down depending on the cargo you’re carrying.

Tesla Cybertruck Interior Design

The Interior of upcoming models is typically shrouded in mystery, and the Cybertruck is no exception. However, we do have some information about it.

The upcoming EV will boast enough room for up to six people with additional storage under the second row of seats. We can also expect smart cubicles for smaller possessions and Tesla’s popular 17-inch touchscreen display.

Tesla is also planning on offering a solar panel roof that should be able to provide up to 15 miles of range per day. While no official info exists as of yet, the company has filed for a solar bed roof patent in 2021. Whether it’ll be available in time for Cybertruck’s debut remains to be seen.

Tesla Cybertruck Range and Specifications

Tesla’s meteoric rise in the automotive world had a lot to do with the fact that their models always offered unparalleled range and charging speeds which their competitors couldn’t meet. The upcoming Cybertruck pickup will be no different.

Aside from having different powertrains and battery capacities, the three variations of the Cybertruck will also feature different ranges. The base single-motor RWD models should provide slightly over 250 miles of range, while the AWD versions will have more. The dual-motor Cybertruck should be able to provide more than 300 miles of range, while the three-motor models are supposed to be good for north of 500 miles. However, things might change when the Cybertruck finally makes its debut.

Needless to say, their respective towing capabilities and acceleration will be different as well. From the least to the most powerful model, the Cybertrucks will be able to tow either 7,500 lbs, 10,000 lbs, or 14,000 lbs.

When it comes to acceleration, the basic models should hit the 60 mph mark in just under 6.5 seconds. The dual-motor version will naturally be quicker, reaching the 60 mph mark in under 4.5 seconds. Finally, the range-topping Cybertruck is expected to be able to accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in about 2.9 seconds.

Powertrain	Single-motor RWD	Dual-motor AWD	Tri-motor AWD
Estimated range	250 miles	300 miles	500 miles
Est. towing capacity	7,500 lbs	10,000 lbs	14,000 lbs
Acceleration	6.5 sec.	4.5 sec.	2.9 sec.
Price*	$39,900	$49,900	$69,900

*Prices are from the time of Cybertruck’s announcement and will be adjusted.

Tesla Cybertruck Versus the Competition

A direct comparison in a traditional pickup truck market makes sense and is relatively easy to conduct despite the staggering number of trims and options that every manufacturer offers. Comparing the EV pickup trucks (which is an entirely new segment) is much more ungrateful due to several factors. For once, some of them (including the Cybertruck) are still in the production phase, and the exact specifications are unknown. Then there’s the price range which might not be streamlined as is the case in the traditional truck market. Finally, with no badge loyalty to speak of, every manufacturer will be at liberty to experiment.

Tesla Cybertruck versus Rivian R1T

Starting at just under $69,000, the R1T is a more expensive truck than the upcoming Cybertruck. At least when it comes to the more affordable models and pre-inflation prices. However, the newcomers from Rivian will be offering more modest options of their own in the future.

The R1T features a traditional truck design with a hint of the EV revolution in its styling. Inside, the truck boasts a minimalistic yet stylish and upscale demeanor, which is something we’ve come to expect from Tesla as well.

The battery capacities of the newcomer are smaller, which was to be expected. At the moment, the R1T offers 314 miles of range, according to the EPA. The upcoming range toppers, meanwhile, shouldn’t provide more than 400 miles on a single charge.

With towing and payload capacities sitting at 11,000 and 1,760 pounds, respectively, Rivian is comparable with the upcoming mid-range Cybertruck.

Tesla Cybertruck versus Ford F-150 Lightning

The F-150 Lightning has already undergone a price revision. The entry-level models now cost just under $54,000 after a $12,000 increase to the previous model year’s pricing. However, the Blue oval’s take on the electric truck can set you back as much as $99,000 for the range-topping Platinum trim with the extended range.

Aside from some minor cosmetic details, one would hardly notice that the Lightning differs from a conventional internal combustion F-150. A similar theme carries over inside.

For a workhorse, the F-150 Lightning offers a relatively low range. The smaller battery pack provides 230 miles per charge, while the larger manages 320 miles at a hefty premium.

Towing capacity is where the F-150 Lightning fails to meet the expectations set by its illustrious ICE counterpart. With a maximum capacity of only 10,000 pounds (smaller battery pack models can only tow 7,700 lbs), the F-150 Lightning won’t be able to beat mid-range and more powerful Tesla models.

Tesla Cybertruck versus GMC Hummer EV SUT

In a surprising move, GM resurrected the Hummer nameplate. Even more surprisingly, the forthcoming models will be all-electric. Both the pickup truck and SUV will be available, with the former coming in first. Priced at $110,000, the first edition of the Hummer EV SUT will hardly be a truck for blue-collar drivers. Even the more affordable versions, which will come in later, won’t be cheaper than $86,000.

While designed with EV cosmetics in mind, the GMC Hummer EV SUT clearly resembles its gas-guzzling predecessors. The interior is as boxy and sharp as ever, and although perhaps not lavish enough to justify the price tag still boasts enough novelty features to pique some interest. GM’s resurrected T-top removable roof is certainly a nice touch.

Hummers were never known for fuel efficiency, but 329 miles of range in the most powerful models isn’t stingy at all. Especially considering the EV truck’s size.

Towing rate is where the Hummer EV pickup fails to meet expectations. Being able to tow only up to 7,500 pounds, the GMC product falls behind each of its competitors.

Tesla Cybertruck versus Chevrolet Silverado EV

Depending on the development of the situation, either the Tesla Cybertruck or the Chevy Silverado EV will be the last to join the party. As it stands right now, that last spot will be Silverado’s. The affordable GM EV truck is poised to start from around $42,000 but there’s plenty of time for its price to soar by the time it finally arrives,

Still ways off, the Silverado EV’s design is relatively unknown. However, there’s no doubt it’ll clearly resemble its petrol-burning siblings as traditional truck aficionados expect consistency in this field. Inside, the Silverado EV should also offer a similar design and materials as the conventional models.

GM is expected to utilize battery packs as large as 200 kWh which should give the Silverado EV range of up to 400 miles on a single charge.

Towing capacities for the first edition WT and RST models should stand at 8,000 and 10,000 pounds, respectively. However, Chevy promises models with a towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds further down the line.

Tesla Cybertruck Release Date

As mentioned above, Tesla electric truck release date is still unknown. We only know that their first pickup truck is on track for a debut sometime in 2023.

Also, as stated above, we know that progress at the Texas Gigafactory in Austin is being made.

Final Words

The Tesla Cybertruck might not have been the first EV pickup truck on the market, but there’s no doubt it’ll be the most unique. It’s not only about the oddball design but the specifications as well. Tesla’s offering promises to yet again blow its competitors out of the water in terms of the available range, charging speed, and acceleration.

Although the initially intended pricing should have made it an enticing prospect, the recent development has all but ensured that this might not be the case. However, with prices rising across the board, the Cybertruck might still end up being one of the more affordable options on the market, all things considered.

It remains to be seen how the final product will turn out, and we’ll be following the development closely, so stay tuned.