Tesla is expected to offer wraps for the Cybertruck
SawyerMerritt/X
Tesla's long-awaited Cybertruck is finally set to make its debut, but expectations may need to be adjusted. After years of anticipation and delays, the Cybertruck is scheduled for its first deliveries at an event on November 30th. However, the volume of these initial deliveries is notably small, with only 10 units slated to be handed over.
Limited Initial Deliveries: A Familiar Strategy
Tesla's approach with the Cybertruck is reminiscent of its past product launches. For example, the Model 3's initial delivery event in 2017 saw just 30 cars being delivered, primarily to company employees. This pattern seems to be repeating with the Cybertruck, as Tesla Product Design Director Javier Verdura confirmed that 10 units will be delivered at Tesla's upcoming event.
While some fans and reservation holders might find this number disappointing, it's important to note that this approach allows the company to manage production challenges and quality control issues more effectively before ramping up to larger volumes.
Production Challenges
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously warned about the "enormous challenges" facing the Cybertruck, particularly in terms of production and profitability. The vehicle's stainless-steel body, a unique feature of the Cybertruck, poses significant production challenges. Musk has indicated that it could take up to 18 months for the Cybertruck to reach a production rate of 5,000 units per week, targeting volume production by 2025.Tesla has faced production challenges in the past with its other models, and the Cybertruck might not be an exception.
What Lies Ahead for the Cybertruck?
Despite these challenges, Tesla is known for its ability to navigate complex manufacturing hurdles. The Cybertruck, with its futuristic design and promised capabilities, remains one of the most anticipated electric vehicles of the decade. However, with such low volume being handed over to employees on November 30th, it may be a while longer before all of our Cybertruck questions get answered. As Tesla prepares for the delivery event, it's clear that the journey of the Cybertruck from a concept to a mass-produced vehicle will be closely watched. The event will take place in just 10 days, and is expected to be live streamed on Tesla's website and YouTube.
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Elon Musk has always maintained that he wants a Tesla to be the most fun you can have in a car. During the holiday season, Tesla is by far the most festive automobile on the road. Tesla owners are a little more festive this time of year as well because we all know the best update of the year will soon be downloaded to all the good Teslas.
This article, the third in our series on the Holiday Update Wish List, focuses on advancements in in-car entertainment and digital connectivity.
App Store for Third-Party Apps
A significant leap in Tesla's software offering would be an official App Store. We’ve seen a few hints of this, but clearly, owners want it as this feature would open a new realm of possibilities, allowing drivers and passengers to download and use third-party apps directly on the vehicle's interface.
Integrating an App Store could bring various applications, from navigation aids to productivity tools, and more entertainment options. This move would actually help free up Tesla engineers from the continuous cycle of developing and integrating additional streaming services, such as SiriusXM, YouTube TV, Fubo, Amazon Music, and many others.
Games would also be a major attraction to Tesla’s App Store. With an App Store, Tesla could rely on game publishers and other third-party developers for porting andn developing games that could be played in the vehicle. This move would shift how we perceive car infotainment systems, turning Tesla's impressive touchscreens into hubs of personalization and utility.
Elevating the Music Experience with Spotify
The Tesla community has long requested improved Spotify integration, particularly regarding streaming quality. With the potential increase in Spotify's streaming bitrate to 320 kbps, Tesla could offer an audiophile-grade listening experience, leveraging the vehicle's premium sound system to deliver rich, high-fidelity audio. Such an upgrade would not only please music enthusiasts but also reinforce Tesla's commitment to offering premium, cutting-edge vehicle features.
A realistic possibility is the inclusion of Apple Music podcasts which has been hinted at by Greentheonly after finding some references to them in one of Tesla’s recent software updates.
Advanced Bluetooth Audio Support
In line with enhancing audio experiences, Tesla owners are asking Santa Musk to support higher-quality Bluetooth audio. This improvement would cater to an increasingly discerning customer base that values superior sound quality for their media consumption. Musk previously hinted at lossless audio and AirPlay integration in Tesla vehicles, but its not clear whether Tesla ever started development on these features.
By introducing an App Store, enhancing streaming quality, and upgrading Bluetooth audio support, Tesla would build upon its already good set of entertainment offerings. These features are not just about providing entertainment though; they're about creating an immersive experience that resonates with the lifestyles and preferences of Tesla drivers, who are often at the forefront of technology. Are these items on Santa’s shopping list? We will have to wait until the holiday update is released.
Tesla is offering the Cybertruck Foundation Series to its first customers
Paul / niccruzpatane/X
The first Cybertrucks will be part of a limited edition called the Cybertruck Foundation Series. Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane), unearthed source code showing that this limited edition, fully optioned series will offer a suite of premium accessories and features.
According to some early Cybertruck reservation holders, they’re now being invited to configure their Cybertruck Foundation Series at a price of $119,990.
Lifetime Premium Connectivity and Accessories
One of the most notable inclusions in the Foundation Series is the lifetime premium connectivity. This feature currently costs $99 a year. The only other vehicles that include free premium connectivity for the life of the vehicle are vehicles ordered before June 2018. After this date Tesla introduced the premium connectivity package for $10/month or $99/year. By reintroducing it as a lifetime offering, Tesla is enhancing the value proposition of the Cybertruck, possibly saving owners $1,000 or more over the vehicle’s life.
PowerShare: The Next Level in EV Technology
In addition to this, the series comes with an updated universal wall connector with “PowerShare” capabilities. It also includes a new PowerShare mobile connector, which Tesla has yet to unveil.
The new universal wall connector with PowerShare capabilities is a standout feature. This innovative technology allows the Cybertruck to receive power and send it back to the home. It transforms the vehicle into a mobile power source, a concept that blurs the lines between automotive and home energy solutions.
Similarly, the new PowerShare mobile connector is a step forward in bi-directional charging technology. There’s little that’s known about this new mobile connector, but some text on Tesla’s site reveals that there will be outlets on the connector itself. This will allow owners can hook up devices directly, using the Cybertruck as an alternative to traditional generators. This feature particularly appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and professionals requiring portable power solutions.
Although details are scarce, the PowerShare home backup seems to be the final piece in Tesla's puzzle to enable the Cybertruck to power a home. This feature would control and limit when the Cybertruck could feed energy back into the house. These new features could position the Cybertruck as a critical component in home energy management, especially in emergencies or off-grid living.
The exclusive badging on the Cybertruck Foundation Series and Cyberbeast
Also, there is a mention of Exclusive badges, which seems a little off-brand considering there are no logos or badging on the vehicle, as the Cybertruck doesn’t need it. Foundation Series trucks will have the words Foundation Series in a Cybertruck-typical font displayed on the vehicle’s fender. There will also be a special “badge” for Cyberbeast on the bottom right of the tailgate, which will three wolf-like heads joined together.
Community Response
The announcements has many enthusiasts expressing eagerness to configure their truck; however, others are understandably shocked at the price and are ready to wait for prices to fall in the future.
TeslaFi logs your drives and charging sessions, letting you keep a log of your vehice's activity. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. Visit their site and see everything they have to offer!
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