Tesla Cancels Cybertruck Range Extender: What It Means for EV Owners

Tesla has officially canceled the Cybertruck Range Extender, a decision that has sparked discussions among electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts. According to a post on X by user Drake (@TheRealDriZzy), Tesla informed customers via email that the company will no longer sell the Range Extender and will refund deposits in full, leaving many to question the future of the Cybertruck’s range capabilities.

Tesla’s Official Statement and Refunds

The email shared by Drake, sent directly from Tesla, confirms the cancellation:

“We are no longer planning to sell the Range Extender for Cybertruck. As a result, we will be refunding your deposit in full. The amount will be returned to the original payment method used for the transaction.”

This move indicates a strategic shift for Tesla, likely driven by technical or economic factors, though the company has not yet disclosed specific reasons for the decision.

The Range Extender was initially marketed as an add-on to boost the Cybertruck’s range, which currently stands at approximately 320 miles for the dual-motor version, according to Tesla’s official specs. Many buyers, expecting an increase to around 400 miles with the extender, are now left with the base range, prompting speculation about alternative solutions.

Technical Challenges and Range Constraints

The Cybertruck’s battery pack, built on Tesla’s 4680 cell architecture, is integrated into the vehicle’s structural design, limiting space for additional cells. Drake speculated in his X post that Tesla might explore “a workaround to fit more cells or taller cells under the vehicle” to increase capacity. However, he also noted that achieving a range of 450–500 miles seems unlikely, with 400 miles being a more realistic target.

Adding more battery cells poses engineering challenges. Increasing the pack size could raise the vehicle’s center of gravity, affecting handling and safety, especially for a truck designed for off-road use. Additionally, more cells would increase weight, potentially reducing efficiency and payload capacity. Tesla’s decision to cancel the Range Extender suggests that the company may have encountered inefficiencies or cost issues that outweighed the benefits of the add-on.

Industry Trends and Alternatives

Tesla’s cancellation aligns with broader trends in the EV industry, where manufacturers are focusing on optimizing battery efficiency rather than relying on external range extenders. Companies like Rivian and Ford have prioritized larger battery packs or improved energy management systems in their trucks, such as the Rivian R1T (up to 400 miles) and Ford F-150 Lightning (up to 320 miles). Tesla may be shifting toward similar strategies, potentially developing a higher-capacity battery pack for future Cybertruck models or enhancing software to improve energy efficiency.

For Cybertruck owners, this decision means relying on the existing charging infrastructure, which continues to expand. Tesla’s Supercharger network, with over 50,000 stalls globally as of early 2025, provides a robust solution for long-distance travel, though rural areas may still pose challenges for those needing extended range.

EVXL’s Take

Here at EVXL, we’re a bit bummed about the Range Extender’s cancellation—after all, who doesn’t want a little extra juice for those cross-country hauls? But Tesla’s track record suggests they’ve got something up their sleeve, maybe a beefier battery pack or some software wizardry to stretch those miles. For now, Cybertruck owners might need to channel their inner road-trip planner, mapping out Supercharger stops like they’re plotting a heist in a Fast & Furious movie. Jokes aside, this move highlights the real-world challenges of balancing range, cost, and engineering in the EV space. We’ll be keeping a close eye on Tesla’s next steps—stay tuned for updates!

Source: X post by @TheRealDriZzy