This new battery sits in the truck bed and promises to boost the driving range to 470 miles (756 km). That's a big jump from the 318 miles (512 km) you'd get with a regular all-wheel-drive Cybertruck. But there's a catch - it'll take up about a third of the truck bed space.
To get one of these range extenders, Cybertruck owners need to put down a $500 deposit. Tesla plans to start making them in early 2025. When they're ready, owners will need to take their trucks to a Tesla service center to have the battery installed.
The range extender might help address some concerns about the Cybertruck's driving range. Despite its futuristic looks, the truck's range hasn't been as impressive as some hoped. Independent tests found that the top-of-the-line tri-motor Cyberbeast model only managed about 250 miles (402 km) on a charge, falling short of Tesla's claim of 301 miles (484 km).
This new battery pack could be especially useful for the all-wheel-drive model. With it installed, Tesla says the range jumps from 318 miles (511 km) to 470 miles (756 km). For the Cyberbeast version, the range goes up to 440 miles (708 km).
But the extra range comes at a cost. At $16,000 for 152 additional miles (245 km), it works out to about $105 per extra mile of range. And let's not forget the weight - experts think the range extender could weigh between 550 and 600 pounds (250 to 272 kg).
Tesla's move to offer this range extender is interesting, especially considering the company's history with the Cybertruck. When it was first announced, Tesla had talked about versions that could go 500 miles (804 km) on a charge. The company has also raised prices from its original estimates.
For Cybertruck owners who need the extra range and don't mind giving up some cargo space, this new battery pack could be a game-changer. But it's a solution that comes with trade-offs in terms of cost, weight, and usable truck bed space.
Source: Carscoops