Tesla Cybertruck Showcases Impressive Off-Road Capabilities
Tesla has released a new YouTube video demonstrating the off-road prowess of its highly popular Cybertruck. The video offers an in-depth look at the electric vehicle’s advanced features designed for tackling challenging terrain.
Adaptive Off-Road Modes
The Cybertruck boasts a range of specialized off-road modes, each tailored to specific driving conditions. These include:
Overland Mode: Focuses on efficient power delivery to the ground
Rock Crawl Mode: Keeps wheels “extremely tight to the ground and glued to the rock”
Baja Mode: Transforms the truck into a more agile, “go-kart”-like vehicle
Wade Mode: Raises ride height and pressurizes the battery pack for water crossings
A Tesla representative explains, “We’ve designed the new off-road app to be super accessible.” This user-friendly interface allows drivers to quickly switch between modes as terrain changes.
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Advanced Traction Control
The Cybertruck leverages its electric powertrain for superior traction management. “We use the millisecond precision of the electric motor,” says the narrator, highlighting how this technology “maximizes the amount of traction you can get for the terrain you’re on.”
One standout feature is the vehicle’s ability to perform cross-linking in the suspension, which helps “push traction to the wheels” in challenging situations.
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Impressive Water Fording
Tesla has prioritized the Cybertruck’s ability to handle deep water crossings. The vehicle can raise its ride height to 850 millimeters (about 33.5 inches) and pressurize its battery pack to keep water out.
“As an extreme focus on safety, we pressurize the battery pack to keep the water out,” the video explains. “No other vehicle can do this.”
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Wade Mode Activation: “Raises ride height and pressurizes battery when driving through water. Water levels should not exceed the top of the bumper. Review the Owner’s Manual for more information. Proceed at your own risk. May take up to 10 minutes to activate and has a time limit of 30 minutes, at which point it will automatically deactivate.”
Hill Climb and Descent Assistance
The Cybertruck incorporates an advanced cruise control system for both ascending and descending steep grades. This feature allows the driver to focus solely on steering while the vehicle manages throttle and braking.
During a demonstration, the narrator notes, “I’m completely off the pedals, and the car’s working out exactly how much [power] to apply.”
Nighttime Off-Roading
For after-dark adventures, the Cybertruck is equipped with a powerful light bar and adjustable ditch lights. Drivers can control the brightness and activation of these lights directly through the vehicle’s user interface.
EVXL’s Take
The Tesla Cybertruck’s off-road capabilities represent a significant leap forward for electric vehicles in challenging terrain. By combining advanced traction control, adaptive suspension, and specialized driving modes, Tesla is positioning the Cybertruck as a formidable competitor in the off-road market traditionally dominated by gas-powered vehicles.
This development aligns with the broader trend of EVs expanding into new vehicle categories. As battery technology and electric powertrains continue to evolve, we can expect to see more electric options in segments like trucks and SUVs that were once considered impractical for electrification.
The Cybertruck’s impressive water fording ability and night driving features also address common concerns about EV practicality in extreme conditions. As more consumers experience these capabilities firsthand, it could accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in regions where off-road performance is a priority.
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Haye Kesteloo
Haye Kesteloo is the Editor in Chief and Founder of EVXL.co, where he covers all electric vehicle-related news, covering brands such as Tesla, Ford, GM, BMW, Nissan and others. He fulfills a similar role at the drone news site DroneXL.co. Haye can be reached at haye @ evxl.co or @hayekesteloo.