New Tesla Cybertruck Details Emerge: Bi-Directional Charging, Powered Frunk and More

By Kevin Armstrong
More details emerge on the Cybertruck
More details emerge on the Cybertruck
Ryan Zohoury

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.

Matthew Donegan-Ryan, an active X.com user following Cybertruck closely, shared a treasure trove of details he claims came from someone who test-drove the Cybertruck earlier in the week.

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.

Tesla Kicks Off Orders for AWD New Model Y in North America, Unveils New Color

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Three months after launching the Refreshed Model Y in North America, Tesla has finally ended the Launch Edition of the new vehicle. In addition, Tesla has also launched a new paint color for North America.

April has been the month of a lot of positive news, and it is great to see Tesla going beyond the Launch Edition of the Model Y and making it available to more customers immediately.

Launch Edition

The Launch Edition of the Model Y included the following extra features, bundled into the package cost.

  • Any paint choice (up to $1,500 USD value)

  • 20” Helix 2.0 wheels ($2,000 USD)

  • Tow package ($1,000 USD)

  • Any interior color ($1,000 USD)

  • FSD ($8,000)

  • Acceleration Boost ($2,000)

The Launch Edition Model Y also included some other subtle changes like Launch Edition badging and trim, which you can read about here. Everything but the badging and Launch Edition trim can be bought for other Model Y trim levels.

Updated Pricing

The pricing has changed quite a bit from the Launch Edition, and it turns out the Launch Edition was also a pretty good deal if you were planning to buy most or all the extra features, which could save you almost $5,000 US. This is in sharp contrast to the Foundation-Series Cybertrucks, where there was very little to no difference in terms of price between a Foundation-Series truck and the AWD version with all the paid extras. Of course, not everyone may be interested in all features of the Launch Edition, so waiting for the AWD Model Y will save most people some cash.

Here’s a chart with the launch pricing and the updated pricing. Of note, the Refreshed Model Y Long Range AWD is $1,000 USD ($1,000 CAD as well) more expensive than the first-gen Model Y.

Model Y LR AWD 

Price (USD)

Price (CAD)

Launch Edition

$59,990

$84,990

AWD Model Y

$48,990

$69,990

AWD Model Y With Paid Options

$64,490

$90,790

Interestingly, at least for now, Tesla is still including the Mobile Connector with the Model Y. We’re not sure how long that will last, but that’s a pretty nice little boost since Tesla stopped including the Mobile Connector with vehicles back in 2022.

New Paint Color

Last, but not least, Tesla has brought a brand new paint color into the fold. Last month, we heard Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s Chief Vehicle Designer, discuss paint colors - and the possibility of a new paint color on the horizon.

This has materialized with the launch of the brand new Diamond Black color option, which is replacing the old standard Black that Tesla used to offer. Diamond Black is a premium paint option and will cost $1,500 USD.

Diamond Black is a multicoat black paint with embedded sparkles and flakes, giving it a very fresh and unique look. We’re excited to see it in person, as it looks like a big step up from the solid black paint that Tesla was previously using. Several years ago, black was the standard color included in most new Teslas, so it’s also fairly common.

Paints like the new Diamond Black tend to glimmer and slightly shift colors based on the angle, so this one will be an eyecatcher, just like Quicksilver.

For now, Diamond Black is only available in the United States - it isn’t available in Canada or Mexico just yet. Since both countries receive vehicles from Giga Texas and Fremont, we expect this color to be made available in the coming days.

Tesla to Display Emergency Vehicle Alert When Vehicle Hears Siren

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has been making steady progress on adding the second of FSD’s “senses” — hearing. Since some FSD updates in late 2024, Tesla has been collecting audio input to help FSD recognize and respond to emergency vehicle sirens. Tesla’s VP of AI, Ashok Elluswamy, previously confirmed that improved handling of emergency vehicles would be coming to a future FSD update.

Now, it looks like Tesla is also introducing a feature to alert drivers when the vehicle detects an emergency vehicle. This change was found by @greentheonly in a production version of update 2025.8, which means that it may not be long before it’s enabled for everyone.

Emergency Siren Detection

In a future update, Tesla will enable the vehicle to alert the driver whenever it detects an emergency vehicle, either through sirens or visually. This is assuming the owner has given the vehicle permission to use the internal microphone. While the new Model Y features multiple internal microphones for better noise isolation, most Teslas only feature a single internal microphone, which is used for features such as voice commands and talking through Bluetooth.

Since the vehicle can see in all directions and is actively paying attention, it will likely detect an emergency vehicle even before the driver, so this is much more than a feature for FSD.

According to Green, Tesla included text in the vehicle software that describes the new emergency vehicle detection as:

“Automatically detects and alerts the driver to nearby sirens, helping you or Autopilot recognize and yield to approaching emergency vehicles. When a siren is detected, the media volume lowers, and an alert appears on the display. Sound detection data stays within the car and is not saved or transmitted unless data sharing is enabled.”

While on FSD, the in-vehicle microphone can help to detect and allow the vehicle to yield to approaching emergency vehicles. In addition, whether you’re using FSD or not, your media volume will be lowered, and an alert will be displayed on your vehicle’s display.

We’re not exactly sure what this alert will look like, but it could look similar to today’s “Keep your eyes on the road” alert, which displays over the center of the display with a blue hue over the screen to catch your attention.

This is an eye-catching alert, and in combination with the media volume being lowered, this should help to grab the attention of a driver in a safe and unobtrusive way.

We love these types of updates that not only improve FSD but also improve safety when drivers don’t have Autopilot enabled.

While Tesla hasn’t enabled this feature just yet, we should expect it soon since it lies dormant in update 2025.8. It could be enabled through a server-side configuration or in Tesla’s upcoming 2025 Spring Update.

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