Deliveries for the Tesla Cybertruck will begin within the next three months. Apparently, some people have been able to test drive the stainless steel beast and wanted to share it with the world.
The truck's performance is said to rival the Plaid Model X, with several insiders confirming the performance Cybertruck will harness the same tri-motor setup as the Plaid. That would explain why Elon Musk posted that the Performance version of Cybertruck kicks ass. This is thrilling news for those who've felt the power of the Plaid Model X.
Bi-directional Charging & 240v Outlet
One of the most intriguing features is its bi-directional charging, meaning it can receive and give back energy. This is paired with the inclusion of a 240v outlet. The utility implications here are vast, potentially allowing the Cybertruck to act as a power bank during blackouts or camping.
When quizzed about the range, details remain tight-lipped. However, Donegan-Ryan speculates the battery size could lie between 120 and 140 kWh, with a range slightly below the 500 miles announced during the prototype unveiling.
Powered Frunk
The frunk is so spacious that a man standing at 5'7" can lie down in it. This detail alone showcases the immense storage capacity the Cybertruck offers. And if you're wondering about its design, Donegan-Ryan mentions the frunk's power open/close mechanism, suggesting that it will be utilized far more often than in other Tesla models.
Rear Glass and Separate Bluetooth Audio
One feature for adventurers is that the mid-gate glass opens, although there are no HVAC ports in the bed. Although not ideal, this design makes camping in the bed viable with climate control. For those with families, a new feature that connects audio from the rear screen entertainment to Bluetooth headphones promises to be a game changer.
No Bullet Proof Windows
The interiors also don't disappoint. The seats in the Cybertruck are described as broader and more plush than the Model X Plaid's. With the floor carpeted like other Teslas, there's a distinct touch of luxury. We did notice that on a recent bizarre video shared online. Notably, the windows aren't bulletproof but feature double-glazed quiet windows like the new Model 3 for a serene driving experience.
Tailgate Ramp Gets Dropped
However, contrary to some rumors, the tailgate has no built-in ramp. The suspension promises to be more comfortable than the S/X models, and the turning radius is reported to be outstanding. In a nod to its rugged appeal, the Cybertruck's clearance levels on the suspension show the actual height instead of the typical low/medium/high settings. For example, the high setting stands at 14.5 inches.
Spare Tire
Finally, a nod to traditional truck features: the Cybertruck will be equipped with a spare wheel, an array of tow and trailer modes, and a bed equipped with three outlets.
Delivery Event
One last tidbit: the Cybertruck delivery event has been set. However, when it is remains a mystery. Tesla holds its third-quarter earnings call on October 18, which would provide a perfect audience to make the delivery date public.
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For the first time in quite a while, Tesla has increased the price of one of its vehicle offerings. The Model S Long Range and the Model S Plaid have both received a hefty price increase. However, not all is bad - as Tesla also added a new benefit for buyers.
Price Increase
The price increase for the Model S is $5,000 - currently only in the United States. This price increase will likely impact other markets, including Canada, in the coming days.
The Model S Long Range now starts at $79,990, while the Model S Plaid now starts at $94,990. The Model S and Model X now have the same starting price. Interestingly, that’s also the same pricing point for the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast Trimotor non-Foundation Series.
The vehicle configuration does not appear to have changed, so the new pricing is simply an increase rather than the addition or removal of features. Tesla previously cut the price of the Model S and Model X by 15% in 2023, so this could simply be an adjustment to ensure that the vehicle pricing stays in line with inflation and other factors.
Free Lifetime Supercharging
For those on the fence about ordering a Model S, Tesla has brought back Free Lifetime Supercharging when you order a new Model S on or after December 13, 2024. As always, Free Lifetime Supercharging is restricted to the buyer’s Tesla account and to that specific vehicle. It cannot be transferred to another vehicle or another owner after ownership transfer. It’s worth noting, that it also doesn’t exclude the owner from receiving Supercharger idle fees or congestion fees. There is currently no end date for this promotion.
There are currently no changes to the Model X, neither a price increase nor the addition of Lifetime Superchargering. However, when Tesla makes changes to one of their premium vehicles, it usually affects the other one as well. So be on the lookout for potential changes to the Model X offering in the coming days.
We’ve seen Tesla value Lifetime Supercharging at $5,000, so this falls in line with the price increase we’re seeing. It’s possible that Tesla will begin to bring back Lifetime Supercharging as a perk for buying into their more premium Model S and Model X cars, or this could be another temporary promotion to get buyers who are on the fence to go ahead and make their purchase while this promotion lasts.
Tesla recently showed off a demo of Optimus, its humanoid robot, walking around in moderately challenging terrain—not on a flat surface but on dirt and slopes. These things can be difficult for a humanoid robot, especially during the training cycle.
Most interestingly, Milan Kovac, VP of Engineering for Optimus, clarified what it takes to get Optimus to this stage. Let’s break down what he said.
Optimus is Blind
Optimus is getting seriously good at walking now - it can keep its balance over uneven ground - even while walking blind. Tesla is currently using just the sensors, all powered by a neural net running on the embedded computer.
Essentially, Tesla is building Optimus from the ground up, relying on as much additional data as possible while it trains vision. This is similar to how they train FSD on vehicles, using LiDAR rigs to validate the vision system’s accuracy. While Optimus doesn’t have LiDAR, it relies on all those other sensors on board, many of which will likely become simplified as vision takes over as the primary sensor.
Today, Optimus is walking blind, but it’s able to react almost instantly to changes in the terrain underneath it, even if it falls or slips.
What’s Next?
Next up, Tesla AI will be adding vision to Optimus - helping complete the neural net. Remember, Optimus runs on the same overall AI stack as FSD - in fact, Optimus uses an FSD computer and an offshoot of the FSD stack for vision-based tasks.
Milan mentions they’re planning on adding vision to help the robot plan ahead and improve its walking gait. While the zombie shuffle is iconic and a little bit amusing, getting humanoid robots to walk like humans is actually difficult.
There’s plenty more, too - including better responsiveness to velocity and direction commands and learning to fall and stand back up. Falling while protecting yourself to minimize damage is something natural to humans - but not exactly natural to something like a robot. Training it to do so is essential in keeping the robot, the environment around it, and the people it is interacting with safe.
We’re excited to see what’s coming with Optimus next because it is already getting started in some fashion in Tesla’s factories.
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