a Tesla Cybertruck prototype made headlines as it was spotted cruising along a California highway, bearing dozens of bullet marks on its stainless steel exterior. Tesla’s enigmatic CEO, Elon Musk, shed light on the peculiar testing scenario, likening it to Al Capone-style bulletproof evaluation involving a Tommy Gun—a reference to the iconic 1920s Thompson submachine gun favored by gangsters of the interwar period.
Elon Musk discussed this unconventional test during his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, where the host, Joe Rogan, posed a rather intriguing question. Rogan asked whether the Cybertruck could withstand an attack from a hunting bow, and he even wagered a $1 bet on the outcome. Musk, known for his penchant for unconventional challenges, readily accepted the proposition, stating, “We can try right now if you want.”
A 90-pound compound bow, capable of launching 525-grain arrows at a remarkable speed of 300 feet per second (205 mph), was summoned by Rogan for this impromptu experiment. Musk allowed Rogan to fire an arrow at the same Cybertruck he had driven to the podcast studio. The results of this unorthodox trial were nothing short of astounding. Despite the potency of the bow and arrow, the arrow merely ricocheted off the rear door of the Cybertruck, causing minimal damage in the form of a flattened tip and a small dent on the stainless steel panel.
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1719444510416032022
Joe Rogan, clearly impressed by the Cybertruck’s resilience, remarked, “So, we just shot an arrow into it, and it barely scratched it. It was probably moving 275 feet a second, that was a 545 grain arrow, that’s impressive. It just destroyed the broad head, the broad head flattened at the tip, and then the arrow blew apart. Amazing.”
Elon Musk further teased that Tesla has planned an intriguing demonstration for the upcoming November 30 handover event. The showcase will include the discharge of a full magazine from a Tommy Gun, approximately 50 rounds, in addition to firing a 45mm shotgun and a 9mm handgun in close proximity to the Cybertruck.
However, Musk did clarify that the Cybertruck’s windows are not designed to be bulletproof. This choice allows them to remain operable, as armored windows would necessitate thickness that would render them immovable. Nevertheless, Musk suggested that bulletproof windows could be offered as an optional feature. In his words, “Well, you can make anything bulletproof if you want.” It remains unclear whether Tesla will provide bulletproof windows as an option or if such customization would be available through vehicle armoring specialists.
