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Why Can’t Tesla Get the Cybertruck Right?
Nov. 19th, 2024
The Tesla Cybertruck made waves the moment it was unveiled in 2019, splitting opinions like no vehicle before it. Was it a bold leap into the future or a design misstep destined for trouble? While some viewed its sharp, angular design as a cheeky nod to Blade Runner, others criticized it as impractical and even branded it “ugly as sin,” as noted in a Forbes editorial. Adding insult to injury, Tesla’s live demonstration of its “Armor Glass” windows famously backfired when they shattered on stage, casting doubt on its promised durability. Now, as more Cybertrucks hit the roads in 2024, a pattern of recalls, delays, and production challenges has left many asking—was it doomed from the start?
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What’s holding the Cybertruck back? Why can’t Tesla, a company that transformed the EV market, seem to get this right? This deep dive explores the factors at play, comparisons to Tesla’s competitors, and insights from the community of EV enthusiasts.
Design Meets Reality
Tesla promised that the Cybertruck would be a game-changer. Its stainless steel exoskeleton is supposed to be nearly indestructible, resistant to dents, and highly durable. However, this material is notoriously difficult to work with—it can’t be stamped like traditional car panels, requiring entirely new manufacturing processes.
Instead, it requires advanced bending techniques, which increase costs and complicate production. Stainless steel’s rigidity also makes it harder to meet safety standards, like crumple zones for crash absorption. Musk admitted during a Tesla shareholder meeting that this design creates “production hell.”
One reviewer on YouTube describes the design as a “stainless steel-like refrigerator with wheels, barreling down the road. And it just looks like it would be uncomfortable and cumbersome to drive.” However, he does go on to claim that it is one of the most comfortable vehicles he has ever driven, so obviously, they got a lot of things right amongst their many setbacks.
Production Pressures & Aggressive Timelines
Tesla’s approach to production has always been to innovate first and address issues later, which seems to be part of the Achilles heel of the company ethos. While the company’s ambitious schedules have helped it dominate the EV market, they’ve also led to quality control issues. The Cybertruck is no exception. Elon Musk’s famously fast-paced leadership style prioritizes speed and disruption, which has worked well for products like the Model 3. However, the Cybertruck’s unique design leaves less room for shortcuts.
Comparisons with Tesla’s other models
- Model 3: While it faced its own “production hell,” the Model 3 used traditional design elements, which made scaling up easier after initial hurdles
- Cybertruck: Its completely unconventional build adds a layer of complexity that Tesla hasn’t encountered before, making the production process more unpredictable
Lessons from competitors
Competitors like Rivian and Ford have taken a more cautious approach:
- Rivian R1T: After multiple delays, Rivian focused on perfecting its electric truck before delivering it. The result? A launch that, while slower, avoided the Cybertruck’s glaring quality control issues
- Ford F-150 Lightning: Leveraging decades of experience in truck manufacturing, Ford rolled out an EV that appeals to traditional truck buyers without over-promising futuristic features
Tesla’s strategy of “move fast and fix later” may be great for software updates, but it’s a riskier bet in hardware-heavy industries like automotive manufacturing.
Recalls & Component Issues: Symptoms of a Bigger Problem?
A breakdown of recalls
The Cybertruck has already seen multiple recalls since its limited release. These include:
- Drive inverter faults: A defect causing sudden loss of propulsion
- Rearview camera delays: Violating safety regulations
- Accelerator pad issues: Leading to potential unintended acceleration
Public Perception & Brand Impact
Tesla’s loyal fan base has been one of its greatest strengths, and many Cybertruck reservation holders remain optimistic. But the company is walking a fine line. With each new recall or delay, trust is eroded—not just in the Cybertruck, but in Tesla’s ability to deliver on its promises.
Despite the setbacks, Tesla maintains a loyal fan base. Social media buzz suggests that while many are disappointed by the delays and recalls, others are willing to wait. Tesla’s ability to weather these challenges is partly due to its reputation as an innovator. The Cybertruck’s unique appeal has created a cult following, and many fans view these hiccups as part of the growing pains of revolutionizing an industry.
However, Tesla isn’t immune to criticism. Competing brands like Rivian and Ford are capitalizing on Tesla’s stumbles. The F-150 Lightning, with its familiar yet forward-thinking design, appeals to traditional truck buyers who might find the Cybertruck’s aesthetic polarizing. Tesla risks losing a segment of customers who prioritize reliability over cutting-edge features.
Learning from Rivian & Ford
Rivian and Ford have taken two distinct but effective approaches to electric trucks, offering Tesla important lessons:
Rivian R1T:
- Focused on quality over speed
- Gained praise for its robust design and reliability, albeit with fewer units delivered than Tesla
Ford F-150 Lightning:
- Balanced innovation with functionality
- Leveraged its reputation in the truck market to win over traditional buyers
- The Lightning outsold the Rivian R1T and, for a time, overshadowed Cybertruck preorders
Tesla’s challenge is unique: it’s trying to push boundaries in design, technology, and manufacturing simultaneously. Balancing these ambitions with a more cautious approach to quality control might be the key to ensuring the Cybertruck’s long-term success.
The Role of Stainless Steel & Full Self-Driving (FSD)
Tesla’s reliance on cutting-edge materials and its ongoing integration of FSD software are central to its challenges:
- Stainless steel: While durable, it’s expensive and hard to mass-produce
- FSD software: Continues to draw scrutiny as Tesla integrates it into a complex new platform
One Reddit commenter joked: “The Cybertruck is the perfect storm: futuristic materials, AI-driven tech, and Elon Musk’s Twitter distractions.”
Conclusion
The Cybertruck was supposed to redefine the electric truck market, but its journey has been a bumpy one. From manufacturing challenges and aggressive timelines to recurring recalls and public skepticism, Tesla’s boldest vehicle yet has highlighted the tension between ambition and execution.
Tesla fans might still believe in the Cybertruck’s potential, but the road ahead is clear: focus on quality, learn from competitors, and balance innovation with practicality. The Cybertruck is a reminder that even the most exciting ideas need solid foundations to succeed.
For EV enthusiasts and industry watchers alike, the Cybertruck saga offers one key takeaway: revolutionizing the auto industry isn’t easy—but it’s certainly fascinating to watch.