The Tesla Cybertruck has a big battery. At 123 kWh, it’s bigger than anything else on offer from Tesla to normal customers. Of course, with a big battery comes a lengthy charging time. Early adopters ended up having to wait well over an hour to go from 0-100%. Now, an update will literally speed things up at the charging station.

Tesla says that select V4 Superchargers can now push up to 325 kW to the Cybertruck. Notably, they won’t maintain that speed during the entire charge, although the boost is big enough to significantly decrease overall charging time. The Cybertruck is technically capable of accepting at least up to a 400 kW charge rate, but Superchargers don’t offer that. In addition, speeds often peak early in the session and then drop off.

More: Tesla’s New Cheaper Wraps Sound Good Until You Find Out They’re Just Vinyl

Nevertheless, we’ve got some insight into what Cybertruck owners can expect when rolling up to a 350 kW supercharger. According to one owner charging in Blaine, Washington, they went from 8-40 percent charge in just 10 minutes.

In 35 minutes, they were up to 80 percent state of charge. Notably, the max speed for their session was 321 kW and they hit that speed when the battery was just 14 percent charged. From there, speeds diminished down to just 95 kW by the 80 percent mark. The same owner reported very similar figures from another charger in Tacoma, Washington as well.

@cybertruck can now charge up to 325kW on select V4 Supercharger posts. Rollout in progress.

— Tesla Charging (@TeslaCharging) December 14, 2024

It’s worth noting that for now, only about 19 Supercharger locations throughout the nation offer this type of speed. Tesla says more are coming online soon. In addition, the EV automaker claims that in 2025, some V4 stations will support charging at up to 500 kW speeds.

That would be remarkable and cut charging time down even further. While the speeds won’t be consistent throughout the charging session, a higher maximum speed will enable a higher overall average speed throughout the session. As is the case with many Tesla promises though, let’s wait til it happens to celebrate it. 

I got 10-80% in 35min & 8-80% in 35 min last night testing it out

Over 30% gained in 10 min though pic.twitter.com/z8bf7NDYBM

— David Moss (@DavidMoss253) December 14, 2024

My test results:

Blaine, WA Boblett Street 44°
88.0980 kWh
8%-40% 10min
8%-80% 35min
10% 315kW
14% 321kW Peak
20% 290kW
25% 268kW
30% 236kW
35% 201kW
40% 179kW
50% 143KW
60% 113kW
70% 91kW
80% 95kW

Tacoma, WA S 40th Street
10%-43% 10min
10%-62% 20min
10%-80% 35min
16% 321kW…

— David Moss (@DavidMoss253) December 14, 2024

Tesla has made its colorful wrap options for the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck significantly cheaper in the States, and it now seems poised to offer a wider range of color choices too. But, because this is Tesla we’re talking about, after all, we can’t have nice things without a catch. The company has ditched its pricier, higher-quality Paint Protection Film (PPF) wraps in favor of the more basic (read: cheaper) vinyl wraps.

Cost Savings and Trade-Offs

As pointed out by Notateslaapp, Tesla’s previous PPF wraps were thick, durable, and actually protected your car’s paint. But protection costs money (and time), so Tesla decided to cut a corner, roll out vinyl wraps, and slap a “more affordable” sticker on the move. Vinyl wraps are thinner and easier to apply, which makes them faster and cheaper to install. The trade-off is the reduced durability and protection compared to PPF.

If you own an eligible Tesla and want to make it stand out for the holiday season, now could be a good time to do so. However, you’ll need to live in California or Washington, as only certain service centers are participating in the program.

Tesla launched its wrap service last year, initially limited to Model 3 and Model Y. At that time, PPF wraps were priced between $7,500 and $8,000. The service then expanded to include the Cybertruck, which offered five color options, priced between $6,000 and $6,500 for PPF wraps.

Read: Tesla Unveils 3 New Cybetruck Wraps, But There’s A Catch

Now, Tesla has updated its website to confirm that the cheaper, lower-quality vinyl wraps (of course, they don’t say it like that) are now available for the Model 3 and Model Y at $4,000, with wraps for the Cybertruck priced at $4,500. Interestingly, Tesla is no longer listing a specific selection of colors. Instead, after customers make an online purchase for a wrap, a Tesla Advisor will arrange an appointment where they can choose their preferred color and texture. This likely means a wider array of options will be available. Tesla mentions that all wraps are made from polyvinyl chloride and come in matte, satin, and gloss finishes.

Limited Availability of Tesla Service Centers

Unfortunately, there are just five Tesla Service Centers in the US providing wrapping services. Four are in California, including Costa Mesa, Oceanside, Santa Clara, and West Covina, and the other one is in Seattle, Washington.

Tesla says that the wrap installation typically takes a few days and customers may be provided with a loaner vehicle. All wraps from Tesla include a 12-month warranty for any installation defects and a five-year warranty for material defects.

Interested buyers should be aware that Tesla does not wrap door jambs as standard and this is only available for an additional cost. Additionally, Tesla will inspect the paint before fitting the wrap and may direct buyers to have a complete paint correction performed to ensure the surface is absolutely perfect.

Tesla’s long-hyped, Mad Max-meets-LEGO Cybertruck has been on the streets for a year now, and, predictably, the drama has already arrived with it. One owner is out here claiming their electric pickup fell victim to a mere pothole on the road, racking up an eye-watering repair bill of over $34,000. Yes, thirty-four grand. Yet he still thinks the EV is tough and capable.

In a Facebook post picked up by Reddit, the unnamed Cybertruck lover reveals images of the damage and a screenshot of the total repair bill, which came to $34,013 including tax.

Related: Cybertruck Wheels Snap Off Like Twigs In Bizarre TikTok Video

“I finally got my truck back after nearly four months,” he wrote. “It got worked over pretty hard, and many more things needed to be replaced than originally expected.”

Certainly more than would be expected from a typical hard pothole strike in a full-size truck, the kind of vehicle that’s usually one of the most resilient on the road. Just how big was this pothole? I’m imagining something the size of the sinkhole that opened up at the Corvette museum back in 2014 maybe?

“The rear suspension mounts broke and then punched through the frame, requiring the full rear frame replacement,” he explains. “Front and rear rack and pinion steering, suspension all the way around, front and rear bumpers, air suspension systems, and bed components, to name a few.”

Some Reddit commenters have openly questioned whether a pothole really would cause that much damage to a truck, regardless of whether its a traditional body-on-frame pickup or built around aluminum castings, like the Tesla.

One commenter claims (without offering proof) that the owner posted in August that the damage occurred when he jumped the truck 22 ft (6.7 m), and the owner’s slightly cryptic comments in this latest post only serve to fan the flames.

More: Eagle Cap Camper Snaps Ram 3500 Dually In Half, Mopar Refuses $17,000 Repair Bill

“Since the insurance paid for it I won’t comment on how it was driven, just that a very large pothole in our washed-out road caused all the dominoes to fall,” he says.

But despite suffering such a huge amount of damage and needing an equally huge amount of work and money to get it back in working order, the owner doesn’t think any less of his Tesla.

“This is not a commentary on the durability of the truck,” he says. “You would be astounded at how tough and capable this truck is. This is still the most amazing truck I’ve ever had!”

A pothole and $32,000 of repairs later he still loves the truck!
byu/IcerC inCyberStuck

Earlier this year, the first Tesla Cybertrucks started to hit the used market, and to say that some people were paying insane premiums for them would be an understatement. In fact, one of the first Cybertrucks was sold for a frankly ridiculous $244,000. However, since now it’s possible to order a brand new one and take delivery in just a matter of weeks, how has that affected used prices?

After browsing through the classifieds, we’ve found more than 250 Cybertrucks on the market looking for new homes. While most used Cybertrucks are now much cheaper than they were six months ago, there don’t appear to be all that many bargains out there.

Read: Feds Looking Into Fatal Tesla Cybertruck Crash That Killed Three Teens

Quite a lot of them listed for sale through AutoTrader are Foundation Series models. When first launched, the Foundation Series Cybertruck cost $99,990, a $20,000 premium over the standard model that’s now available. The Foundation Series Cyberbeast also commanded a $20,000 premium over the regular Beast. These special-edition models come with a handful of accessories, including an off-road light bar, gear locker dividers, a Powershare mobile connector, a glass roof sunshade, and a center console tray.

There are some dual-motor Foundation Series models listed between $85,000 and $90,000, but plenty are sitting between $90,000 and $100,000. More surprising than that is that dozens of used Cybertrucks still have asking prices over the original MSRP, despite having several thousand miles under their belts. The single most expensive AWD Foundation Series we could find has been listed for sale by Celebrity Auto Group for a frankly ridiculous $189,900. That’s pricier than even the most expensive Cyberbeast Foundation Series on the market, most of which are for sale for between $100,000 and $130,000.

It’s worth mentioning that these are simply asking prices and aren’t completely reflective of what Cybertrucks are currently trading hands for. A look at Bring a Trailer reveals that in November, two Cyberbeast Foundation Series examples were sold for $96,500 and $99,500, respectively. In October, an AWD Foundation Series traded hands for just $75,000.

Image Credit: AutoTrader

We’re constantly hearing about an EV downturn and how automakers are changing their electrification strategies because consumers aren’t consuming. And sure, sales of electric cars are down in countries like Germany, but in the US people are still buying EVs, and they’re buying more of them than they did 12 months ago.

EV registrations climbed 5 percent in October versus the same month in 2023, topping out at 101,403, according to data from S&P Global Mobility. And it wasn’t Tesla driving that growth, but legacy automakers.

Related: Global EV Sales Shatter Records In November Thanks To China’s Unstoppable Growth

Chevrolet’s EV sales jumped 38 percent to 6,741 helped by demand for the Blazer and Equinox, while Cadillac Lyriq registrations grew threefold to 2,489 and the Hummer shifted 1,015 electric trucks, four times as many as it did last October. 

Like the Equinox, Honda’s Prologue, which is built on the same GM platform and in the same Mexican GM plant, wasn’t available in 2023, but made its presence felt this year. It found 4,168 homes, only 12 fewer than Chevy did of its version. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 facelift also gave its sales numbers the desired nip and tuck, boosting registrations from 3,555 to 4,485.

Although the overall number of EV sales is up, the rate of growth has slowed and some models registered fewer deliveries than previously. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, for instance, was down from 3,949 to 3,479 according to S&P Global Mobility’s spreadsheet and Rivian R1S sales dropped by more than 500 to 2,456. There are also fears that the EV segment relies heavily on tax credit availability to boost demand, and public interest could wane if Trump pulls the plug on the incentives when he takes office.

BEST SELLING EVs USA

Tesla’s registration numbers actually fell by 1.8 percent, and if you remove Tesla from the equation, EV sales increased not by 5 percent, but by 11 percent. And this isn’t a blip for Tesla: the automaker’s numbers have fallen in seven of the first 10 months of 2024, Auto News reports, and that’s despite the facelifted Model 3 and Cybertruck being new for this year. While the Model 3 gained ground, the Model Y fell back, sales tumbling from more than 25,000 to under 22,000.

But before anyone gets the idea that Tesla is falling behind in the EV race, we should make clear that it still outperformed the second best-selling brand’s EV models six times over. Or every single brand in the 2nd to 12th spots combined.

EV REGISTRATIONS USA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed it’s looking into a recent fatal crash involving a Tesla Cybertruck that killed three teenagers in California late last month.

The accident occurred in the early hours of November 27 in Piedmont. Local police officers quickly responded to the scene and found the Cybertruck engulfed in flames. A witness pulled the sole survivor from the truck. All four occupants were 2023 graduates of the Piedmont High School who had returned home to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Watch: Tesla Cybertruck Crash Leaves Three Dead After Catching Fire

While recently speaking with Business Insider, a spokesperson from the NHTSA said the agency “is aware of the crash and is gathering information from the manufacturer and law enforcement.” The official noted that no formal investigation has been launched at this stage.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, both the Piedmont Police Department and California Highway Patrol said they were looking into the cause of the crash. Piedmont police chief Jeremy Bowers suggested that speed likely played a role.

“It’s safe to say that speed was a factor. Now, are there other factors associated? That is certainly possible, but speed is likely a contributing factor to this collision,” he said. Police added there were no immediate signs that mechanical problems with the Cybertruck had contributed to the crash.

The Tesla caught fire soon after colliding with a cement wall and getting wedged between it and a large tree, but it’s currently unknown whether its high-voltage battery pack was the cause. While Piedmont fire chief Dave Brannigan said that it resembled a “typical car fire”, Bowers commented that it was “too intense” and the police officers, who tried to extinguish it, couldn’t. Eventually, fire crews put out the blaze.

This was the second fatal accident involving a Tesla Cybertruck in the US. The first occurred in early August when a man driving his electric pickup crashed near Beach City in Chambers County, Texas, slamming into a concrete culvert and triggering a fire.

Lead screenshot ABC7/YouTube

In the ever-expanding universe of Tesla accessories, some are genuinely useful, and then there’s this—a bizarre steering wheel tray for the Cybertruck. It’s not just oddly specific; it’s oddly expensive too, leaving you to wonder: Who and why exactly asked for this?

What you’re looking at is a weird steering wheel tray designed specifically for the electric pickup and being sold by Teslaunch, a website specializing in aftermarket accessories for Tesla’s full range of EVs. The tray, which appears to be made from a combination of plastic and rubber, slides around the center of the steering wheel and locks into place.

Read: Tesla Cuts Cybertruck Leasing To $899 Just Weeks After Launching Lease Options

One photo published by the seller shows a coffee and a McDonald’s McMuffin and a cup sitting on the tray. It’s also been shown helping to prop up a phone. The description adds the tray “transforms your Cybertruck into a functional workspace” (presumably when not driving), although it doesn’t appear strong or large enough to support a laptop of a large tablet, so we don’t think many buyers will use it for work. Instead, it’d probably be best used for dining while owners sit at a public charging station and wonder why they didn’t buy a hybrid or why they’re not charging at home.

Pricey for Plastic and Rubber

At $78, this oddball accessory is surprisingly expensive for what is essentially a curved piece of plastic with a rubber base. But, as any Tesla owner knows, accessorizing your ride is never a budget-friendly affair.

Teslaunch isn’t just selling steering wheel trays. The site also offers a range of other aftermarket parts for the Cybertruck, including carbon fiber interior trims, under-seat storage boxes, and a center console organizing tray—items that might actually make the truck a bit more functional. But if you’re looking for accessories that are a little more practical than a steering wheel tray, Tesla itself has plenty of options.

From pet liners for the back seat to a massive cooler box for the frunk and a sunshade for the massive panoramic glass roof panel, Tesla’s official accessory line is stocked with items. And for more serious gear, like tailgate ramps or bumper protectors, it’s probably best to go straight to the source. After all, you don’t want to be caught charging your Cybertruck with nothing but a McMuffin and an overpriced plastic tray.

Tesla’s Cybertruck has only been available for lease for a few weeks, yet the company is already slashing prices. Along with the newly announced cuts, Tesla is now offering shoppers the option to purchase the electric pickup at the end of the lease, though it comes with a hefty price tag. However, while these new terms might seem appealing at first glance, a closer look at the numbers reveals a more nuanced picture.

Leases for the base all-wheel-drive Cybertruck now start at $899 per month for 36 months with a 10,000-mile annual limit, down from the previous $999 per month. However, to get that number, Tesla requires a $7,500 downpayment upfront. If you include this, then the effective monthly cost rises to $1,107, totaling $39,864 over three years.

Read: Tesla Finally Offers Lease Buyout Option, But Is It Really Worth It?

For those avoiding the downpayment, which we always advise buyers to consider, the monthly cost jumps to $1,142, with the lease totaling $41,112 over its term.

Leasing to Owning: The High-Stakes Math

Late last month, Tesla also introduced lease buyouts for the first time in years. In the case of the Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive, the buyout totals a hefty $54,930 plus taxes, fees, and a $350 purchase fee. Add that to the $41,112 you could pay over the life of the lease if opting for no downpayment, and you’ll end up spending $96,392 before unspecified taxes and fees. To put that into perspective, it costs $79,990 to buy the same Cybertruck model outright.

The story is similar for the flagship Cyberbeast model, which Tesla now offers for $999 per month on a 36-month lease with the same $7,500 downpayment. That equates to an effective $1,207 per month, or $43,464 over the term of the lease.

Skipping the downpayment increases monthly payments to $1,277, for a total of $45,972. Want to keep the Cyberbeast at the end of your lease? Be ready to shell out $67,510 for the buyout, bringing the grand total to $113,832—nearly $14,000 more than the $99,990 sticker price.

The Real Cost of Flexibility

Tesla’s revised leasing deals and buyout options give customers more flexibility, but they also come with significant trade-offs. While the lower monthly payments may attract more drivers, the long-term math strongly favors buying the Cybertruck outright if ownership is the goal.

The holiday season is upon us, and Tesla has announced a slew of new features that will be included in its annual holiday update. These new features will roll out as part of an over-the-air update starting next week.

Perhaps the most important inclusion in the update is a rear cross-traffic alert feature. In recent years, rear cross-traffic alert has become a standard safety feature across much of the industry but up until now, no Tesla has had it – likely in part due to their reliance on cameras rather than radars. While there’s still no radar, Tesla has enabled the system to alert drivers of pedestrians or vehicles crossing behind while in reverse.

Read: Viral Cybertruck Coated In $60,000 Of 24K Gold Hits the Auction Block

Other handy features are being added. For example, there’s a new Tesla App for the Apple Watch, meaning owners can use their watch to lock/unlock their EVs, view the battery charge, open the frunk, and turn on the climate control. It’ll also now be possible to save dashcam and Sentry Mode clips directly from the Tesla app. Tesla Model 3’s without stalks can also now automatically shift between Drive & Reverse in parking lots and during multi-point turns.

Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck owners will be pleased to hear that SiriusXM is included in the holiday update, too. It’s now also possible to set a preferred battery charge level when arriving at a destination and a rain radar has been added to the navigation system.

https://t.co/X58n3u0vMM

— Tesla (@Tesla) December 2, 2024

BREAKING: Tesla has announced its annual 2024 Holiday Update.

Here's what's new:
• Tesla App on Apple Watch
• Save Dashcam & Sentry Mode clips to phone
• Autoshift between Drive & Reverse on stalkless Model 3
• Maintenance Summary: You can now view & track maintenance items… https://t.co/u1UexGtvUo pic.twitter.com/54Hj25MPzI

— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) December 2, 2024

Most of the other updates are minor, including new wraps and license plates available for the avatars used in the Cybertruck’s infotainment system, an improved rear camera feed for the pickup, and the ability for rear-seat passengers in the Cybertruck to play games on the small screen. Fart On Contact is another small update, which will play a fart sound through the speakers as soon as a passenger sits down.

Say what you will about the age of influencers or the divisive Tesla Cybertruck, but this story has both—plus a generous dose of feel-good energy. Meet the golden Cybertruck, a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Foundation Series plated in real 24-karat gold and owned by Zack Nelson, the YouTuber behind JerryRigEverything. Now, this viral truck is up for auction, with all proceeds heading to charity.

This is a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Foundation Series and it’s very famous. Yes, the model has in general made a name for itself but this truck in particular is more well-known than most. Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), TheStradman, Doug DeMuro, and JerryRigEverything (Zack Nelson) have all reviewed this example.

More: Seattle’s Viral Tesla Cybertruck Heads To Auction After Months Of Internet Fame

IIn fact, it was JerryRigEverything that handled the real gold plating on the truck, applying some $60,000 worth of gold to its bodywork. Once finished, Ridge Wallet, who owns the truck, intended to give it to a contest winner. That winner instead opted for a cash prize. Now, the truck is officially on sale with all the proceeds, including the buyer’s fee, going to the Not A Wheelchair Foundation. That means that whoever buys this truck will not only have a unique item but they’ll do some good in the process.

Nelson posted a video about the no-reserve auction and his wheelchair business. He calls it the least expensive manual wheelchair made in the USA. “Making inexpensive wheelchairs is actually pretty expensive,” he says in the video.

The truck bears signatures from several high-profile people who have reviewed it. Nelson estimates its value at around $200,000, primarily due to the 24K gold plating. However, as any car enthusiast knows, mods rarely pay off when it comes time to sell. Without the flashy plating, it’s just another Cybertruck—and one with a few flaws.

In any case, this is a dual-motor version of the truck with 600 horsepower. It also features 20-inch wheels, an 18.5-inch infotainment system, and a four-wheel steering system.

Whoever buys it will have to settle for a few imperfections. There are a few scratches and dings on the passenger bedside. In addition, the A-pillar panel on the passenger side is loose. Nelson says he’ll gold plate the replacement for the new owner when the part arrives.

As of this writing, bidding on Cars&Bids has already past $86,000, with several days left on the clock. Of all the Cybertrucks out there, this one might turn the most heads. Love it or hate it, this truck is a symbol of internet fame and philanthropy wrapped into one glittering, angular package.

Image Credit: Cars&Bids

Ten years ago, the idea that two startups would be producing the two most compelling electric pickup trucks on the market would have been inconceivable. However, here we are in 2024 with the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T leading the charge in the electrification of one of America’s most iconic and popular vehicle segments. But, which of the two is best?

Both the Cybertruck and R1T have their own unique pros and cons so when Motor Trend recently got its hands on the duo, it decided to focus purely on pulling power, arranging the trucks together for a tug of war. However, this tug of war was not performed on the pavement where the Tesla and Rivian would have the best opportunity to put their power to the ground. Instead, it was done on dirt.

Read: Rivian Wants To Give You 3,000 Reasons To Move On From Gasoline

On paper, the flagship Cyberbeast and Rivian R1T Tri-Motor are very evenly matched. A pair of powerful electric motors give the Tesla 845 hp and 864 lb-ft (1,171 Nm) of torque, whereas the trio of motors in the R1T combine to churn out 850 hp and 1,103 lb-ft (1,495 Nm). Both also have max claimed towing capacities of 11,000 lbs (4,989 kg).

As the drivers of the two trucks plant down on the throttles, the two cars start to dig holes in the dirt and pull each other slightly back and forth. The Rivian ultimately does a little better and pulls the Cybertruck a little closer to the line.

A second tug-of-war was also performed. Once again, the Tesla and Rivian performed just as well as each other. Both were ferociously spinning up their wheels as the drivers attempted to gain an advantage. Ultimately, the R1T was awarded the victory, although it only had the slightest of advantages over the Cyberbeast.

Few cars have ever divided opinions quite like the Tesla Cybertruck. Its polarizing design isn’t even up for debate—some love its sci-fi aesthetic, while others can’t stand its unpolished looks comparing it with a child’s drawing brought to life. Regardless of which side you’re on, there’s no denying that it has helped pave the way for other electric pickups. However, it’s also proven to be riddled with problems and videos recently shared to TikTok appear to suggest the wheels might be more fragile than expected.

Earlier in the year, Tesla had to fix the standard aero covers on the Cybertruck’s wheels after it was revealed they were chewing into the tire sidewall. However, this latest potential problem isn’t related to the wheel covers, but instead the alloy rims themselves. More specifically, the wheels of this Cybertruck have shattered in a rather bizarre way, leading to speculation that they may not be as durable as they should be.

Read: Sixth Time The Charm? Tesla Cybertruck Recalled Over Loss Of Drive Power

It’s unclear what exactly caused the wheels to snap off like that. Some believe it could have been caused by a pothole, though this type of damage seems unlikely to result from something so minor. Other viewers speculate that the impact may have been with the concrete wall visible in the videos, but one would have expected more damage to the side of the car if this was the case.

@jordan8tatum

Even in a crash the Cybertruck Rims shouldn’t crumble 🤷🏾‍♂️🤔 #cybertruck #JordanNTatum #fail

♬ original sound – Jordan & Tatum

What’s clear is the extent of the damage. Many of the spokes on the front wheel have broken off and cracks are visible around the central part that connects to the hub. The damage done to the rear wheel is even more extensive, as the entire rim has broken off from the hub, except for some material around the lug nuts.

It could be that the wheels of the Cybertruck are made from cast aluminum. Most cars on the market leave the factory with cast aluminum wheels as they are relatively inexpensive, but inconsistencies in the materials used during the manufacturing process can make them weak. More premium rims are forged and, in addition to being much stronger, are also significantly lighter.

Perhaps one of the reasons why the rims of this Cybertruck failed so spectacularly is because the electric pickup weighs over 6,600 lbs in its lightest configuration, or more than 3,000 kg, which puts extra stress on some components, such as the wheels and tires.

The person who posted the two videos on TikTok writes that the Tesla has a problem and should be recalled. However, without any more info, it’s impossible to determine whether this is a widespread issue impacting other Cybertrucks too or not.

@jordan8tatum

I seriously think the Cybertruck Rims need a recall! Have yall ever seen a rim snap off in a perfect circle? #cybertruck #fail #explore

♬ original sound – Jordan & Tatum

Image Credit: jordan8tatum / TikTok

One of the benefits of owning an EV is that they consist of fewer moving parts so should be less expensive to service and maintain. But as one Tesla owner discovered, EV hardware isn’t invincible, and it’s still expensive when it breaks.

This reminder comes from Cybertruck owner Joey Arrowood, who is staring down the barrel of an $8k bill after finding an oil leak on his electric pickup. That’s right, an oil leak – EVs use oil, too. As he shared in a post on the Facebook Cybertruck group, as he returned to his truck one day, he noticed a pool of oil under the rear motor, closer inspection revealing that a small, sharp rock had ground a hole in the motor housing.

Related: Sixth Time The Charm? Tesla Cybertruck Recalled Over Loss Of Drive Power

“At some point a small rock bounced over the belly pans and covers and wedged itself between the rear subframe and gearbox wearing a small hole into the aluminum case,” Arrowood wrote on Facebook. “I find it absurd to comprehend that such a small rock can cause this kind of damage.”

The Tesla is coming up to 9,000 miles (14,500 km) and the owner says the little action its seen away from paved surfaces was restricted to some driving on local dirt roads. But Arrowood’s local service center in Clarkston, MI, claims the proper fix is a new drive unit at a cost of $7,660.55, and says it won’t cover the cost, and will only repair it if Arrowood pays up himself or files an insurance claim.

“I love the truck and driving it, but come on Tesla… a little help here is needed please,” the owner wrote.

Commenters on the thread don’t all agree on the correct course of action: some suggest fixing the hole with JB Weld; others claim a genuine aluminum welding job would be better. But none of them thinks Arrowood should shell out for a brand new motor and most believe this isn’t a warranty situation, just an unfortunate freak accident, possibly made worse by poor design and thin castings on Tesla’s part.

Who do you think should pay, and what kind of fix would you recommend? Leave a comment and let us know.

A crash involving a Tesla Cybertruck has left three people dead and one seriously injured in the northern Californian city of Piedmont

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Police were first alerted to the accident when the iPhone of one of the occupants automatically sent out an SOS at 3:08 a.m., pinpointing the crash’s coordinates. Just two minutes later, officers arrived on the scene to find the electric truck completely engulfed in flames. Local fire crews were quick to respond, arriving at 3:16 a.m., but the damage was already catastrophic.

Read: Elon Musk Boasts About Tesla Cybertruck’s Strength After Devastating Crash

While speaking with the media, Piedmont fire chief Dave Brannigan said that a witness managed to pull the sole survivor from the wrecked Cybertruck before flames consumed the vehicle. The survivor was transported to the hospital, where they remain in critical condition after undergoing surgery. While the extent of their injuries has not been disclosed, their survival is nothing short of remarkable given the destruction at the scene.

The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but Piedmont police chief Jeremy Bowers hinted that speed likely played a central role.

“It’s safe to say that speed was a factor. Now, are there other factors associated? That is certainly possible, but speed is likely a contributing factor to this collision,” he said, adding there were currently no signs mechanical problems caused the crash.

“We’re very new into this investigation – the California Highway Patrol, us, the Piedmont Fire Department – so there’s no indication that there were mechanical effects that were the primary cause for the collision,” Bowers added. “All that is still very much under investigation at this point.”

The Cybertruck veered off the road, jumped a curb, and smashed into a cement wall before becoming wedged between the wall and a large tree. The impact was so severe that the vehicle caught fire shortly after. Despite initial speculation about Tesla’s lithium-ion battery packs being the cause, Brannigan noted that the blaze resembled a “typical car fire” and was extinguished quickly by local firefighters.

Police have not yet released the names of the victims, but local news outlets, including CBS News Bay Area, have reported that all four occupants were 2023 graduates of Piedmont High School. The group was home for Thanksgiving, visiting family and friends during the holiday break.

Lead screenshot ABC7/YouTube

Tesla has made its popular referral program in the US and Canada a little more generous, benefiting both new and existing owners.

The changes start with the Tesla Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck. Those who purchase one of these EVs using an existing owner’s referral will get a hefty $2,000 discount. This is double the $1,000 discount that had been provided previously. Tesla has also increased the discount for the Model 3 and Model Y from $500 to $1,000.

Read: California To Reinstate EV Rebates If Trump Scraps Tax Credit, Just Not For Tesla

Canadian buyers can also benefit from new discounts. Those who place an order for a Model S, Model X, and Model Y, will all receive a CAD$2,600 discount, double what it used to be. That discount is particularly generous for the Model Y as it’s significantly cheaper than both the Model S and Model X.

Existing Tesla owners who provide their referral codes are also being rewarded more. In the US, each successful referral an owner makes will receive $1,000, while in Canada, they’ll get CAD$1,300. This money can be used at the Tesla Shop to buy accessories, for Supercharging, or at Tesla Service centers. Each referrer is capped at ten referrals before it resets. This means owners in the US can stack them and get up to $10,000 off their next vehicle purchase or CAD$13,000 in the Great White North.

The referrals work for newly-ordered vehicles, as well as those in Tesla’s existing inventory.

In September, Rivian launched a Tesla-inspired referral program for its owners. The electric startup offers 750 points ($1 point equals a $1 credit) for an owner who makes a referral and another 750 points to a new buyer who uses that referral code. Both parties also receive six months of free charging at the Rivian Adventure Network. The 750 points can be redeemed for a future vehicle purchase or spent on Rivian’s online stores.

The Tesla Cybertruck has been no stranger to controversy, but a crashed example that gained viral fame is now taking on a new role—as an auction lot. The battered EV will need some repairs, but it could return to the roads, provided someone is willing to foot the bill for the undoubtedly costly and lengthy repairs.

This particular Cybertruck first made headlines a few months ago when it was spotted abandoned on the side of a road in Seattle, sporting significant damage to its driver’s side rear wheel. What followed was a mix of digital and real-world antics: Reddit threads, a short-lived stint as a tourist attraction on Google Maps, and even local residents leaving flowers at its forlorn resting place.

Read: Sixth Time The Charm? Tesla Cybertruck Recalled Over Loss Of Drive Power

The viral moment ended in September when the vehicle was towed away, and now, as Jalopnik first uncovered, it’s landed at Copart’s North Seattle location, awaiting its next chapter.

What’s the Damage?

Details about the crash that sidelined this Cybertruck remain elusive, but the aftermath tells its own story. Evidently, one of the rear wheels has taken quite a hefty hit, and it’s been bent out of position, indicating there’s some serious suspension issues hidden from view. The accompanying fender has also been ripped from the car, leaving the charging port exposed.

Anyone interested in placing a bid on this Cybertruck would be wise to check it out in person beforehand. It’s possible that the vulnerable cast aluminum frame of the Tesla may have sustained structural compromise from the collision, and if that’s the case, it may be extremely costly to repair or replace.

Image Credit: Copart

A Growing Graveyard of Cybertrucks

Interestingly, this isn’t the only mangled Cybertruck up for grabs. Copart currently lists 11 other examples scattered across the U.S., many of which appear to have fared even worse than this Seattle star. Some of them appear to have more extensive damage than this one and yet are already attracting bids. One particular rough example (below) with severe structural compromise to the front, rear, and sides after a punishing crash had attracted a bid of over $20,000 at the time of writing.

Image Credit: Copart

Plenty of Tesla Cybertrucks descended upon Las Vegas last week for SEMA, but the most dramatic of them all was brought to life by a Florida-based shop you’ve likely never heard of: Reds Miami. It has built what appears to be the world’s first Cybertruck dually, and it’s bound to divide opinions.

More often than not, dually setups are limited to hefty Heavy Duty pickups, but given all the buzz around the Cybertruck, it was only a matter of time before someone decided to bolt on two extra wheels at the rear. Tesla’s polarizing pickup truck was converted into a dually just a few days before SEMA.

Read: You Can Lease A Tesla Cybertruck For $1,249 A Month, But Would You?

The new wheels chosen for the Tesla were produced by Diesel Wheels and measure a huge 26-inch at the rear while wrapped in 35-inch tires. A set of bespoke fender flares then had to be crafted for the EV and much to our surprise, they actually suit the design of the Tesla quite well.

This project wasn’t simply a matter of bolting on the extra wheels and the new arches, however. As standard, the Cybertruck’s charging port is located on the driver’s side rear wheel arch, so new cabling had to be run to accommodate the flared fenders. The Tesla is also equipped with rear-wheel steering. Apparently, this functionality has been retained, although we suspect the extra weight of the two additional 26-inch wheels may put a little bit of extra strain on the system.

Then there’s the range. Fitting huge wheels on an EV can have a noticeable impact on the driving range, as can all-terrain tires. There’s no word on how much this Cybertruck’s range has been cut by, but for some, any reduction in range will be more than worth it for the wild looks.

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Everyone who has got their hands on a Tesla Cybertruck since it launched last December has had to buy one. But this month Tesla is opening up a lease option, giving fans of the angular pickup the chance to drive one for as low as $999 per month.

That’s the advertised figure for a three-year, 10,000-mile (16,000 km) lease deal on a Dual Motor. But, as is often the case with these deals, the reality isn’t quite so rosy. By the time you include the $7,500 down payment required at signing, the actual cost works out at more like $1,180 per month before taxes. Alternatively, you can skip the upfront payment entirely and pay $1,249 a month instead, again without taxes—which, let’s be clear, is the smarter move.

Related: Florida Man Smashes Porch Pirate’s Getaway Car With Rental Cybertruck

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: putting money down on a lease is a bad move. In fact, it’s one of the easiest mistakes to avoid when leasing a car. The reasoning is brutally simple. That cash you hand over upfront? It can disappear faster than a donut in the break room if your car gets stolen or totaled. Why hand over thousands of dollars up front just to risk losing it?

In any case, that’s not small change, but we can imagine the new offer tempting a few people who previously didn’t think they could afford to put a Cybertruck on their driveway.

The Dual Motor truck is already pretty brisk, its 600 hp (608 PS), all-wheel drive powertrain getting it to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.1 seconds. But if that’s not enough, there’s also a lease deal available on the top-spec Cyberbeast, whose 834 hp (846 PS) triple-motor drivetrain punches it to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds.

Put the same $7,500 down but tick the Cyberbeast box on the order form and you’ll need to find $1,204 every month ($1,379 factoring in deposit). Or you can skip the down payment, but you’ll need to part with $1,439 from every paycheck to keep the repo man away. Reduce the rental term to 24 months and extend the annual mileage allowance to 15,000 (24,000 km) and the monthly payment rises to almost $1,800.

The Cyberbeast currently costs $99,990 for those paying with cash or via a loan, and the Dual Motor stickers at $79,990, more than double the $39k Elon Musk promised Americans would be able to get into a Cybertuck for a few years back. An entry-level, rear-wheel drive truck is scheduled for launch next year with a price of just over $60k.

But those prices and lack of a lease option until now haven’t prevented the Cybertruck racking up some strong sales results this year. Tesla sold 16,692 of the trucks in Q3, helping it overtake the Ford Mustang Mach-E to become the third-best selling EV in America after the Model Y and Model 3. Ford sold just 7,162 F-150 Lightnings in the same period.

Is $999 (plus $7,500 down) per month to drive a Cybertruck a good deal? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.

NEWS: The Cybertruck is now available to lease in the U.S.

AWD with $0 down:
• 36 month: $1,249/month
• 24 month: $1,568/month
Cyberbeast with $0 down:
• 36 month: $1,439/month
• 24 month: $1,715/month

AWD with $7,500 down:
• 36 month: $999/month
• 24 month: $1,199/month… pic.twitter.com/fr14LanfGI

— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) November 8, 2024

Since customer deliveries of the Tesla Cybertruck started late last year, we’ve seen photos and videos of a number of examples involved in crashes. However, other than an incident from a few months ago when a Cybertruck crashed and caught fire, we haven’t seen one that’s been as badly damaged as this one. If you’ve ever wondered what a smashed Cybertruck looks like, well, this is it.

This Tesla was destroyed in Guadalajara, Mexico, over the weekend after reportedly crashing into a statue. No exact cause for the crash has been confirmed, although local media suggests that speeding was probably a factor. The extent of the damage speaks to this.

Read: Florida Man Smashes Porch Pirate’s Getaway Car With Rental Cybertruck

Photos shared to social media show the Cybertruck sitting on its roof in the middle of the road with extensive damage to the front and rear fascias, as well as both sides. It’s been so badly damaged that it’s almost unrecognizable and shockingly, three of the wheels and hubs have been torn from the truck, giving us some idea of the forces that must have been involved.

Even Tesla chief executive Elon Musk caught wind of the crash, and shared photos of the destroyed Tesla to X, proclaiming the “Cybertruck is tougher than a bag of nails.”

Cybertruck is tougher than a bag of nails https://t.co/vEHBjSpgE7

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 2, 2024

This Cybertruck is almost unrecognizable. It saved three people’s lives. pic.twitter.com/70jyNJQJ4s

— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) November 2, 2024

Local outlet Monclova reports that there were four people inside the Cybertruck at the time of the crash. One of them, an 18-year-old woman, was thrown from the Tesla and found lying on the pavement. She was taken to hospital in a critical condition. The three other occupants avoided serious injuries, but were also rushed to the hospital.

This isn’t the only recent Mexican crash involving the Cybertruck. A few days ago, a 23-year-old driving the futuristic-looking EV slammed into the wall of a property in San Miguel, Chapultepec. The force of the impact crumpled the front end of the Tesla. Fortunately, the driver did not suffer any significant injuries.

For those counting, that’s two major Mexican mishaps in as many weeks for Tesla’s toughest vehicle.

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Image Credit: LilHumansBigImpact@X

SEMA never fails to attract a wide array of vehicles, and at this year’s event, modified Tesla Cybertrucks are expected to gather en masse. Unplugged Performance has become a leader in Tesla upgrades and has just previewed most of the 12 modified Cybertrucks it’s bringing to Las Vegas.

Each one stands out with a special exterior finish, and many of them have been fitted with an array of accessories, turning what is already an eye-catching pickup into one that looks absolutely bonkers.

Read: Cybertruck Unleashed – Unplugged Performance Injects Steroids Into Tesla’s Truck

The most dramatic of them will be showcased at the Mothers Polish booth and comes equipped with Unplugged’s full line-up of ‘Invincible’ parts. These upgrades and accessories were previewed in December last year and include new heavy-duty steel front and rear bumpers that’ll set back buyers $2,995 and $3,995. That’s a lot of money for some new bumpers, but as we’ve learned over the last year, most Cybertruck owners aren’t short on cash.

Several other upgrades are available through the Invincible line-up. These include a $9,995 lift kit that boosts the ride height by 2.5 inches (63.5 mm), uprated bushings and joints, a slew of new LED light bars, custom wheels, a rear tire carrier, and even a carbon fiber hood.

Other Cybertrucks built by Unplugged Performance showcase other accessories, including steel panels sitting over the rear haunches of the truck that can be used to carry things like shovels and off-road tracks. Several brightly-colored wraps are also on display, alongside carbon fiber fender flares and different roof racks.

Unplugged UP.FIT division is also bringing along a fully-equipped Cybertruck police cruiser to SEMA. The patrol-ready Tesla was previewed back in June and sits on 18-inch wheels with pursuit-rated tires and features flashing red and blue lights. It’ll be showcased at the SEMA FutureTech Studio.