If you’ve ever seen the Tesla Cybertruck, you know it looks like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie. This angular, stainless-steel beast is unlike any pickup truck you’ve ever encountered. But behind its otherworldly appearance lies the beating heart of an all-electric vehicle (EV), and one of the most crucial aspects of any EV is its range.
Putting the Cybertruck to the Test
At Car and Driver, we put every EV through its paces, and the Cybertruck was no exception. With its three electric motors churning out a mind-boggling 834 horsepower, the top-of-the-line Beast model was put through our rigorous real-world range test. And the results? Prepare to be impressed.
Cosmic Contender
The Cybertruck Beast managed to travel an impressive 250 miles on a single charge during our highway range test. While this may not seem like a groundbreaking figure, it’s important to remember that this is a heavyweight pickup truck, exempt from EPA certification due to its massive gross vehicle weight rating.
Cybertruck’s Range Compare
The GMC Hummer EV Edition 1, a behemoth with a massive 205.0-kWh battery, managed to go 290 miles on a full charge. The Rivian R1T, with its quad-motor setup and 128.9-kWh battery, varied from 220 miles (20-inch all-terrain tires) to 280 miles (22-inch street tires). And the Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum, with its 580-horsepower dual-motor setup and 131.0-kWh battery, managed 230 miles on our test.
Range
It’s important to note that wheel size, tire compounds, and aerodynamics all play a significant role in an EV’s range. The Cybertruck’s aero-enhancing tonneau cover likely gave it a boost, but its 20-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory RT all-terrain tires were a disadvantage compared to the more range-friendly tires on the F-150 Lightning.
Yet, the Cybertruck still managed to outperform the Lightning and the Rivian on all-terrains, proving that Tesla’s range estimate of 301 miles is realistic and achievable in real-world conditions.
Conclusion
While the Cybertruck’s range may not be record-breaking, it’s a testament to Tesla’s engineering prowess and the capability of electric trucks. This futuristic pickup defies expectations, blending otherworldly design with practical, real-world performance. Whether you’re a sci-fi enthusiast or a hardcore truck lover, the Cybertruck is a cosmic contender that demands your attention.