A Tesla Cybertruck prototype was recently found abandoned by the roadside, providing an unexpected opportunity to peek under the proverbial hood. A passerby named Wayne shared images of the Cybertruck's suspension with Electrek, giving us a clearer picture of Tesla's plans for the much-anticipated electric pickup. We will couple Electrek's takeaways with an analysis by the renowned automotive experts at Munro Live.
Bastien Theron, CEO of Theron, a manufacturer of electric ATVs, told Electrek Tesla seems to be embracing a straightforward design, focusing on robustness rather than complex hydraulic solutions like some competitors, such as Rivian.
A close-up look at the Cybertruck's suspension
Electrek
The images reveal the presence of an anti-roll bar and an actuator to modify damping dynamically. Interestingly, the Cybertruck's rear lower A-arm is constructed from two pieces of welded steel, contrasting the casting at the front. This, however, could be specific to the prototype.
Munro Live's Insightful Breakdown
Munro Live's in-depth analysis (video below) of these pictures adds layers of understanding to the bare components. Led by Sandy Munro, an automotive engineering expert with years of experience, the team dissected the images, providing detailed insights into materials, design, and potential performance.
According to Munro Live, the Cybertruck's suspension employs high-strength materials carefully selected to balance weight and durability. The control arms, in particular, appear engineered using top-notch metals that promise resilience without excess bulk.
The suspension's design also stands out. Munro notes the unique geometry and layout, emphasizing Tesla's approach to efficiency and performance. This innovative design could be key to delivering the Cybertruck's promised capabilities.
Munro Live's examination of the Cybertruck's suspension suggests it's crafted for both on-road comfort and off-road prowess. The team believes the substantial shock absorbers and precisely engineered control arms may provide a smooth highway experience and rugged trail performance.
Innovations Behind the Suspensions
Tesla is no stranger to innovation, with every model pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The Cybertruck is shaping up to be no exception. Beyond just the obvious strong and simple design spotted by Electrek, the Cybertruck's suspension system hints at more beneath the surface.
Tesla's decision to avoid the hydraulic solutions of its competitors may seem counter-intuitive. However, Munro Live's deep dive suggests this is a deliberate choice, perhaps favoring long-term reliability over complexity.
Weight and Efficiency
Tesla ensures that the vehicle remains efficient without compromising durability by choosing high-strength, lightweight materials for the Cybertruck's suspension, as Munro Live indicates.
Rivian's complex hydraulic suspension offers impressive adaptive capabilities but might present long-term reliability issues. Tesla's more straightforward approach could be advantageous in such scenarios.
Cybertruck recently exposed suspension system, scrutinized by outlets like Electrek and industry experts like Munro Live, is just one of many innovative aspects of this futuristic pickup. As we move closer to its official release, the Cybertruck promises to redefine what electric vehicles—and pickups—are capable of.
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The greatly anticipated FSD v12.4 is around the corner, with Elon Musk mentioning that it will be going to employees this weekend, with limited external testers next week.
Several significant improvements are coming with V12.4, which is being compared to the leap in performance that was previously seen between V12 and V11.
Improved Comfort and Reduced Interventions
There are quite a few improvements expected with V12.4, which Musk has said will be focused on user comfort by reducing hard accelerations and sudden braking. According to Musk, FSD v12.4 is also expected to have a 5-10x improvement in time between user interventions, which means that Tesla is rapidly approaching its goal for the Robotaxi announcement on August 8, 2024.
Steering Wheel Nag Removal
FSD V12.4 is expected to eliminate the steering wheel nag, as Musk confirmed its removal last week. The camera-based driver monitoring system will be taking over, providing a hands-free experience. These improvements will most likely benefit owners who have cabin cameras with infrared lights the most, while Tesla may continue to use steering wheel nag as a fallback mechanism.
Driverless Autopark
The second key feature that may be included in v12.4 will be Banish Autopark, previously known as Reverse Summon, allowing you to choose a parking spot, exit the vehicle and have the car park itself. Whether this feature makes it in v12.4 is yet to be seen, but Musk has mentioned that parking without a driver is coming soon.
Automatically Seek Parking Spot at Destination
Finally, your Tesla will now traverse a parking lot and automatically enter Autopark mode when arriving at a destination, according to a post from Musk.
Eligibility and Branch
Tesla recently added FSD v12.3.6 to the 2024.14 branch with updates 2024.14.5 and 2024.14.6. This makes it very likely that Tesla’s next FSD version will also be based on 2024.14, meaning that it will be available to any vehicle on 2024.14.x.
For users on update 2024.3.25, this means that they’ll receive all of the features included in updates 2024.8 and 2024.14, which should make it a massive update.
Release Date
Musk has mentioned that FSD V12.4 is going out to employee vehicles for internal testing this weekend, with external testing starting next week. The rollouts typically go slower than predicted but looks like we may see this begin shipping to customers by the end of the month.
Today, as part of a broader change of tariff rates on Chinese goods, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that he’ll raise tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China, increasing the rate from 25% to 100%, effective this year.
This increase won’t just impact the import of vehicles, but also the rate for lithium-ion batteries produced in China, which will be moving from 7.5% to 25%.
Impact on Competition
The immediate impact of this new regulation is significant for Chinese manufacturers, who have been regarded as Tesla’s largest and greatest competition. Given the tariff hike, this means that new Chinese manufacturers, such as Nio, XPeng, or BYD, will either need to set up production in North America, or be subject to the increased import tariff.
Nio’s vehicles cost between $40,000 USD to $70,000 USD in China based on today’s conversion rates, and with an import tariff of 100%, an imported vehicle’s price would be doubled to $80,000 USD to $140,000 USD, not including other fees. Chinese manufacturers will have to closely weigh the advantages and disadvantages of opening up the North American market, with challenges including vehicle homologation, new tariffs, and a difficult EV market.
Tesla and Chinese Tariffs
Elon Musk recently visited China, engaging with officials to build a foundation for what is currently the world’s largest electric vehicle market. With the potential import of Chinese EVs becoming restricted to the United States, this places Tesla in an advantageous position over its Chinese competitors who have yet to establish their brands in North America.
On the other hand, this could also impact Tesla, as they import Chinese batteries for usage in some vehicles in the United States.
Tesla does not import Gigafactory Shanghai vehicles to the US, but has been increasing North American battery production lately, with expansions in Lathrop, California and a new facility in Sparks, Nevada.
Canadian Tariffs
In Canada, the Model 3 and Model Y are currently being imported from Gigafactory Shanghai. Given Canada’s close following of US foreign policy, this could impact either the prices of Tesla vehicles in Canada or have Tesla shipping vehicles from Fremont and Texas to the United States once again, should Canada also adopt a similar tariff policy.
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