In a recent episode of Munro Live, teardown specialists Sandy Munro and Cory Steuben offered intriguing predictions about the highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck. Despite limited official information, the Cybertruck has been a hot topic of conversation among car spotters, drone operators, media, and industry experts.
The key speculation centers on the Cybertruck’s weight in comparison to its electric truck counterparts, namely the Rivian R1T and the Hummer EV. Munro and Steuben believe that the Cybertruck might come out lighter due to its innovative multiple giga castings, including a single-piece front underbody giga casting and two giga castings on the sides and rear. These castings are expected to save weight, unlike the ladder frame chassis of the Rivian and Hummer, which tend to be heavier.
The Cybertruck’s unibody construction is a contributing factor to its potential weight advantage. Steuben pointed out that without a frame and mating interfaces, and with an efficient structural battery pack, the Cybertruck could be lighter than its counterparts. However, Steuben also mentioned that, for tax purposes, the Cybertruck’s weight might not be below 6,000 pounds, a classification threshold for light-duty trucks.
The analysis of the Cybertruck’s structural strength also caught attention. The frontal crash structure, particularly the A and B pillars, appeared impressively stiff, suggesting the possible use of boron steel or hot stamped steel in these critical areas. The presence of ultra-high-strength steel could be Tesla’s approach to meet stringent safety regulations.
Munro expressed confidence in the Cybertruck’s crashworthiness, stating that the A and B pillars are likely to be exceptionally strong and potentially bulletproof. These predictions were based on a picture showcasing the Cybertruck’s “body in black,” revealing the structural framework beneath its skin.
As the Tesla Cybertruck continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts and experts alike, the anticipation for its official unveiling and subsequent on-road performance remains at an all-time high. With a unique design and potential weight advantage, the Cybertruck might indeed become the zeitgeist of this decade’s automotive culture, reshaping perceptions of electric trucks in the market.
