Tesla Unveils Cybertruck at $61,000, Elon Musk Hands Over First Units in Austin
In a highly-anticipated Cybertruck launch event in Austin, Texas, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk personally delivered the first Cybertrucks to customers, marking a significant milestone in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
“Finally, the future will look like the future,” Elon said.
However, the long-awaited Cybertruck comes with a $61,000 price tag, that’s higher than initially promised, leaving some potential buyers surprised.
Delayed Cybertruck Arrival and Price Adjustment
After a two-year delay from its original delivery timeline, Tesla’s Cybertruck has finally made its debut. When the Cybertruck was first introduced four years ago, Elon Musk pledged a starting price of $49,000. However, the base model of the Cybertruck now starts at $60,990, a $12,000 increase from Musk’s initial commitment. What’s more, this entry-level version won’t be available until 2025, potentially disappointing eager buyers.
A Three-Tiered Offering
At the Austin event, Elon Musk kicked off deliveries to reservation holders, personally handing over the keys to the first customers. Tesla also unveiled two other versions of the Cybertruck set to release next year. These include an all-wheel-drive model with a price of $79,990 and a premium “Cyberbeast” variant priced around $99,990. These models offer more options for buyers with varying budgets and preferences.
| Tesla Cybertruck | Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive | Cyberbeast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $60,990 | $79,990 | $99,990 |
| Accelaration 0-60mph | 6.5 seconds | 3.9 seconds | 2.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 112mph | 112mph | 130mph |
| Range | 250 miles | 340 miles | 320 miles |
| Range Extender | n/a | 470 miles | 440 miles |
| Towing Capacity | 7,500 lbs | 11,000 lbs | 11,000 lbs |
Production Plans and Reservation Adjustments
Elon Musk disclosed that Tesla aims to begin mass production of the Cybertruck in 2025, with a target of producing 250,000 units annually. However, those who have not yet made reservations may face extended wait times.
Tesla has significantly increased the price of a refundable reservation to $250, reflecting the high demand and the company’s need to manage reservations effectively.
Cybertruck Battery Range Comparison
One key factor for EV buyers is battery range, and here the Cybertruck offers 250 miles per charge for the base model, while the premium Cyberbeast boasts 320 miles on a single charge. While these figures are respectable, some potential buyers might have been hoping for more, especially when compared to competitors like the Rivian R1T (with a range of 270 to 350 miles per charge) and the Ford F-150 Lightning (ranging from 230 to 320 miles per charge).
The arrival of Tesla’s Cybertruck represents a significant moment in the EV industry, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and electric mobility. However, the higher-than-expected price and the delayed availability of the base model may leave some enthusiasts eager for more affordable options disappointed.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Tesla’s Cybertruck will undoubtedly be closely watched as it navigates the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly growing electric vehicle market.
Photos courtesy of Telsa.
