Karmactive TeamYesterday, an elusive Tesla Cybertruck prototype was caught in the act of road testing near the electric automaker’s headquarters in Palo Alto. The angular-shaped vehicle is undergoing beta testing, with plans to begin production this Summer. Instagram user Flavio Tronzano was the lucky photographer who captured the snapshot and posted it online. Although it’s not confirmed, the Cybertruck seems to be one of the newer models, as it features triangular side mirrors that align more with its sleek design. This is a departure from Tesla’s original plan to do away with side mirrors altogether and rely on cameras instead.
Unfortunately, current US laws prevent the Cybertruck from having camera-only vision, forcing the electric vehicle to include the triangular-shaped side mirrors, despite their relatively small size. This may pose a challenge when towing.
Additionally, recent prototypes have showcased two new features: the rear tonneau cover and side windows. While they may not be the most exciting components, their appearance in the testing phase indicates that the Cybertruck’s development is progressing at a steady pace, with more and more parts of the vehicle being tested. This bodes well for the truck’s eventual release.
A recent on-road test of the Tesla Cybertruck prototype was conducted near the company’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California. The photos captured and shared on social media show that the prototype remains true to the original concept design, featuring flat panels and a stainless steel finish with no visible door handles. The wheels on this test vehicle may differ from the previous prototypes, but they are not expected to be the final production version. There is speculation that the Cybertruck may receive aerodynamic wheel covers similar to those on the Model 3 and Model Y.
While the front of the truck is not visible in these photos, if the rest of the prototype is any indication, it is expected to resemble the original concept design, with a sharp front end and no vents, as well as a streamlined light bar. However, it may feature additional headlights to meet regulations.
Elon Musk recently tweeted about his impressive experience driving a production beta version of the Cybertruck. This suggests that the development process is well underway and has generated speculation that a production version may be unveiled at the Tesla Investor’s Day on March 1st. However, it may be some time before the Cybertruck becomes available for purchase on the road, possibly not until 2024.
While individuals in the US can reserve a Cybertruck for a $100 deposit, the option to order one has been removed from Tesla’s websites in the UK and EU. The starting price for the Cybertruck in the US is expected to be $40,000 for a single-motor, two-wheel-drive model, while the top-of-the-line tri-motor version is estimated to cost around $70,000.
Tesla’s Chief Designer, Franz von Holzhausen, has declared the Cybertruck’s design to be complete, while Elon Musk has proclaimed the production beta prototype as “incredible.” Despite these glowing reviews, sightings of functioning Cybertruck prototypes have been scarce on the roads. However, this may soon change, as the Vice President of Vehicle Engineering at Tesla, Lars Moravy, recently stated that the company has begun installing all the necessary production equipment and has already built several beta vehicles, with more on the way in the next month. Although the ramp-up for the Cybertruck won’t occur until 2024, production is set to begin this Summer.
