Tesla’s upcoming Cybertruck has been shrouded in secrecy, with no official release date announced yet. However, the electric vehicle company has given car enthusiasts something to speculate about with its latest patent application. The filing reveals a new steel alloy that Tesla plans to use on the exoskeleton of the Cybertruck.
According to Electrek, Tesla’s proprietary steel alloy will surpass the performance of other typical automotive-grade alloys. The patent filing includes detailed specifications on Vickers hardness, corrosion resistance, ductility, and tensile strength. For instance, the alloy’s hardness will range from 420 HV to 500 HV, while its corrosion resistance will be between 520 mV to 600 mV. The alloy will have a ductility of 60 degrees bend angle at 1.8mm thickness and a yield strength of 1100 MPa.
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Tesla compared its proprietary alloy to other common alloys of steel, such as the 304L, 316L, and 301, and found that none could meet the specifications required for the Cybertruck’s exoskeleton. Tesla’s unique body structure for the Cybertruck is a chassis with an exoskeleton draped over it for increased durability. This exoskeleton might be made with the proprietary alloy outlined in the patent.
The patent filing states that the corrosion resistance of the monolithic metal sheet allows for the exterior panel of the vehicle to be utilized without the need for an anti-corrosion coating or protective agent like paint. The alloy’s primary focus appears to be corrosion resistance, although the patent does not explicitly mention using the alloy on the Cybertruck.
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The patent’s “30X” designation is not an indication of the alloy’s superiority to other steel alloys. Rather, it is likely a nomenclature used for 300-series stainless steel that is hardenable only by cold-rolling methods. Therefore, this is probably a variation or blend of 300-series stainless steel, which is common in the industry.
Although Tesla has not confirmed whether it will use the alloy on the Cybertruck, the upcoming Tesla investor day may provide more details. The Cybertruck remains a highly anticipated release, and this new steel alloy patent filing adds to the intrigue surrounding this unique electric vehicle.
