Tesla Pushes Cybertruck Range Extender Launch to Early 2025

Tesla has announced a delay in the production of its $16,000 Cybertruck range extender, pushing the start date from late 2024 to early 2025, according to Sawyer Merritt on X.

Cybertruck Range Boost Details

The range extender, designed to sit in the truck bed of the Cybertruck, promises to significantly boost the electric vehicle’s range. When implemented, it’s expected to enable certain trims of the Cybertruck to achieve over 470 miles on a single charge. Tesla states that this add-on will “enable more than 450 miles range without impacting accessory compatibility.”

Production Timeline

An official Tesla image confirms the new production timeline, stating: “You will be notified when range extender is ready for installation after production begins, which is planned for early 2025.” This represents a delay from the previously announced late 2024 start date.

Design and Integration

The range extender appears to be a sleek, ribbed module designed to fit seamlessly into the Cybertruck’s bed. Its design suggests it’s been engineered to maintain the vehicle’s utility while significantly extending its range capabilities.

Impact on Cybertruck Rollout

While this delay affects the availability of the range extender, it doesn’t necessarily impact the base model Cybertruck deliveries, which began in late 2023. However, customers looking for extended range capabilities will need to wait a bit longer to access this feature.

EVXL’s Take

This delay in the Cybertruck’s range extender production highlights the ongoing challenges in pushing the boundaries of EV technology. While it may be a temporary setback, it’s part of the broader trend of continuous improvement in electric vehicle capabilities. As we’ve seen in recent Tesla developments, the company continues to innovate in areas like battery technology and range extension.

This delay could allow Tesla to further refine the range extender, potentially resulting in an even more efficient and reliable product when it finally hits the market in 2025. The high price point of $16,000 for the range extender also raises questions about the cost-effectiveness of this solution compared to future improvements in battery technology.

Photo courtesy of Tesla