Tesla has faced scrutiny regarding its ambitious technology promises, particularly with the Cybertruck pickup’s range extender. Initially slated for a 2024 release, the optional add-on has now been postponed to “mid 2025,” according to information on Tesla’s website. This delay follows previous adjustments to the timeline and the range specifications.
The estimated range for the Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with the range extender has been revised from “470+” miles to “445+” miles. The standard estimated range for the Cybertruck AWD without the extender has also decreased, from 340 miles to 325 miles. When equipped with all-terrain tires, the range extender is projected to increase the Cybertruck’s range from 314 miles to 430+ miles.
With the appropriate wheel and tire configuration, the tri-motor version of the Cybertruck is still listed with a maximum range of 440+ miles when using the range extender, consistent with initial claims from late 2023.
The range extender, which is a large external battery pack designed to fit in the Cybertruck’s bed, was first introduced during the vehicle’s delivery event in December. It carries an additional cost of $16,000 and must be installed at a Tesla service center. The introduction of this feature aims to address range anxiety for long trips and towing needs.
However, the updated specifications fall short of the initial claims made by Tesla CEO Elon Musk in 2019. Musk had promised a tri-motor Cybertruck version with a range of 500 miles at a starting price of $79,990. The vehicle ultimately debuted at approximately $100,000 with a range of 320 miles without the extender, arriving two years later than anticipated. Most deliveries to date have been made with the $20,000 Foundation Series package, resulting in a real-world cost of around $120,000 for the tri-motor version.
Despite the adjustments, the Cybertruck’s estimated range of 445+ miles is competitive, although buyers seeking electric pickups with higher range options may consider alternatives. The Rivian R1T in Dual Max configuration offers an EPA-rated maximum range of 420 miles for $83,900, while the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV provide ranges of 460 miles and 440 miles, respectively, in their top trims.
