Tesla CEO Elon Musk diverted his attention last week to address Tesla employees via email regarding the imperative need for precise manufacturing standards for the forthcoming Cybertruck. Recent images have emerged that appear to underscore his concerns.
Shared by Redditor u/kmraceratx on the subreddit r/RealTesla—known for candid Tesla discussions—the images feature close-up shots of several Tesla Cybertrucks displaying varying degrees of misalignment among their panels. The post’s title, “one of the richest companies in the world, folks…,” along with the accompanying caption, “amazing this is the best they can come up with…,” suggests disappointment with the perceived quality.
See also: Leaked Images Shed Light on Tesla Cybertruck’s Frunk Space and Dimensions
one of the richest companies in the world, folks…
byu/kmraceratx inRealTesla
Among the comments on the post, user u/hoodied remarked, “That’ll happen when you suck at making cars and design a car that accentuates such flaws,” while u/prOboomer expressed, “Imagine having money and spending it on this.” A contrasting view was presented by u/Ok-Zookeepergame-698, who offered a positive perspective by suggesting Tesla could market the uniqueness of each vehicle due to any dimensional variations.
The images, although lacking precise context regarding their production status, bring attention to design compromises that critics contend are a natural consequence of fabricating a vehicle from stainless steel. While this material choice grants the Cybertruck its distinctive appearance, as Musk acknowledged, the challenge lies in maintaining precision, as “any dimensional variation shows up like a sore thumb.”
See also: Tesla’s Latest Move: Cybertruck Spotted in Toyota Tundra Camouflage Wrap Amid Competitor Teasing
Musk’s alleged email to Tesla staff emphasized the necessity of achieving “sub 10 micron accuracy” in the truck’s manufacturing process. Drawing parallels with products like LEGO and soda cans, he advocated that Tesla should meet the same stringent standards. However, it is important to acknowledge Tesla’s history of delivering vehicles with production imperfections.
Early in its history, Tesla’s Model 3 faced issues like spontaneously shattering windows and bumper detachment in rainy conditions. More recently, a Model Y owner reported factory-related sub frame cracks.
The spotlight is firmly on Elon Musk as the pressure mounts for the Cybertruck to emerge from the production line with impeccable quality. The truck’s stainless steel construction, although endowing it with a distinct character, raises concerns about its ability to meet crash test standards in various markets. Musk’s unwavering commitment to this design choice, despite internal objections, underscores the significance of the Cybertruck’s success for Tesla’s reputation and market positioning.
