Rahul Somvanshi
Tesla has introduced a new, more affordable version of its Cybertruck – the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (LR RWD) model. With a starting price of $69,990 before potential tax credits, this new entry-level variant offers the longest range in the Cybertruck lineup at 350-362 miles, depending on whether you install the optional tonneau cover.
The new single-motor Cybertruck saves buyers $10,000 compared to the All-Wheel Drive version, but Tesla has removed numerous features to achieve this price point.
What’s Missing in the Base Model
The base Cybertruck lacks many features found in higher-priced versions. Tesla replaced the air suspension with adaptive coil springs, eliminated the HEPA filter and active noise cancellation, removed the rear light bar, and downgraded to cloth seats that are heated but not ventilated.
Perhaps most notably for a work truck, Tesla removed all power outlets – there are no 120V/240V outlets in the bed and no 120V outlets in the cabin. The audio system has been reduced from 15 speakers to just 7, and the rear passenger display has been removed entirely.
Even the power-operated tonneau cover is gone, though a $750 soft tonneau cover is available as an option.
Performance Trade-offs
While the LR RWD offers better range than its siblings, performance takes a hit. Tesla claims the single-motor truck will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds – significantly slower than the AWD version’s 4.1 seconds and the Cyberbeast’s 2.6 seconds. Top speed is limited to 112 mph.
Towing capacity also drops to 7,500 pounds, compared to 11,000 pounds for the higher-end models. With fixed coil springs instead of adjustable air suspension, ground clearance remains at 9.6 inches, losing the ability to raise up to 16 inches that other Cybertruck variants offer.
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The Power Outlet Solution
To address the lack of built-in power outlets, Tesla has launched an $80 “Powershare Outlet Adapter” accessory. This adapter connects to the truck’s charging port and, when used with Tesla’s Gen 3 Mobile Connector (sold separately for $300), provides two 120V outlets.
This workaround has drawn criticism for being less convenient than built-in outlets, especially since it prevents charging while in use. It also requires spending an additional $380 for functionality that comes standard on many competing trucks.
Pricing Strategy Raises Questions
Many industry analysts believe Tesla’s pricing strategy aims to make the $80,000 AWD version look like a better value. The $10,000 price difference seems small compared to the estimated $20,000 worth of features removed from the base model.
This approach has generated mixed reactions from consumers. While some appreciate the lower entry point and longer range, many express disappointment at the significant feature cuts and still-high price tag – especially compared to earlier promises of a sub-$50,000 Cybertruck.
Delivery Timeline and Market Position
Those interested in the new base model will need to wait, as deliveries aren’t expected to begin until June 2025. This places it months behind the initial Cybertruck variants that began shipping earlier.
At $69,990 before tax credits, the Cybertruck LR RWD costs significantly more than the Ford F-150 Lightning’s base model and even its mid-tier trims. However, it’s comparable to the Rivian R1T’s starting price of $71,700.
Software Updates
In related Cybertruck news, Tesla recently announced its spring 2025 software update, which includes several new features for Cybertruck owners. These include adaptive headlights for U.S. and Canadian drivers, lane departure avoidance, and the ability to save custom frunk heights based on location.
The update also adds a feature that automatically transitions the Cybertruck to “Comfort Drive Mode” when Autopilot is engaged.
Despite the excitement around the Cybertruck’s unique design and capabilities, the base model’s compromises highlight Tesla’s struggle to deliver the affordable electric truck that was initially promised when the vehicle was unveiled in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Tesla Cybertruck Long Range RWD starts at $69,990 before any tax credits. This makes it $10,000 cheaper than the All-Wheel Drive variant, which starts at around $80,000. However, if you want the optional soft tonneau cover, that will add another $750 to the price.
The Cybertruck Long Range RWD offers the best range in the lineup at 350 miles, which can extend to 362 miles if you install the optional soft tonneau cover. This is better than both the AWD version (325 miles) and the Cyberbeast (320 miles).
The base model Cybertruck is missing several key features, including:
- Air suspension (replaced with coil springs)
- HEPA filter and active noise cancellation
- Power outlets in the bed and cabin
- Rear light bar
- Power-operated tonneau cover
- Rear passenger display
- Ventilated seats (base model has heated cloth seats only)
- Full speaker system (7 speakers instead of 15)
The single-motor Cybertruck Long Range RWD is significantly slower than its siblings:
- 0-60 mph acceleration: 6.2 seconds (vs. 4.1 seconds for AWD and 2.6 seconds for Cyberbeast)
- Top speed: 112 mph
- Towing capacity: 7,500 pounds (vs. 11,000 pounds for AWD and Cyberbeast)
- Fixed ground clearance of 9.6 inches (vs. adjustable up to 16 inches with air suspension)
Tesla plans to begin deliveries of the Cybertruck Long Range RWD in June 2025, several months after the initial deliveries of the higher-end variants. If you’re interested in purchasing one, you should expect to wait until mid-2025 to receive it.
At $69,990, the base Cybertruck costs significantly more than the Ford F-150 Lightning’s base model. Even with its longer range and unique design, it’s positioned at a premium price point that’s closer to the Rivian R1T’s starting price of $71,700. However, Tesla fans might appreciate the distinctive styling and Tesla ecosystem integration despite the higher price tag.
