Tesla Cybertruck's Beast Mode, BaseCamp, Lightbar, and Wheel Options Revealed

By Kevin Armstrong
A 3D model of the Cybertruck's interior
A 3D model of the Cybertruck's interior
olympusdev_

Anticipation for the Cybertruck has reached new heights with the latest iOS app update, discreetly unveiling some of the vehicle's most awaited features. The highlight is 'Beast Mode,' a feature Elon Musk had hinted at earlier. This mode is one of many new features discovered through the latest app update.

Beast Mode: Unleashing the Power

One of the most captivating discoveries within the app update is 'Beast Mode.' While the app update doesn't divulge many details, a visualization hints at its impressive capabilities. With a design reminiscent of the Plaid model's visualization, it's safe to assume that 'Beast Mode' will be exclusive to the tri-motor or Performance variant of the Cybertruck, promising exhilarating acceleration.

Musk confirmed Beast Mode during his previous appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience. Musk said the company aimed for a 0-to-60 mph time of less than 3 seconds. If this holds, the Cybertruck might outrun some of the industry's most coveted sports cars.

Wheels for Every Terrain

Tesla is set to offer three different wheels for the Cybertruck
Tesla is set to offer three different wheels for the Cybertruck
Tesla_app_iOS

The Cybertruck is set to cater to diverse preferences with its wheel options. The app update reveals at least three wheel choices. First, there is an 18-inch wheel equipped with standard all-season tires and smaller wheel covers. Next, a robust 20-inch wheel is adorned with all-terrain tires and larger wheel covers, which are commonly seen on test vehicles and showroom displays. The twist comes with the mention of "Premium" wheels, suggesting that the Performance variant might offer its unique set of wheels, yet to be unveiled.

BaseCamp: Adventure Awaits

A 3D model of a tent, called BaseCamp was found in the Tesla app
A 3D model of a tent, called BaseCamp was found in the Tesla app
olympusdev_

Among the standout features exposed by the app update is 'BaseCamp,' an accessory that promises to enhance the Cybertruck's versatility. 'BaseCamp' appears to be a tent that attaches to the Cybertruck's vault, with tantalizing hints that it will include a mattress, creating a comfortable and rugged camping experience. While pricing details remain elusive, this accessory will appeal to those seeking outdoor adventures with their Cybertruck.

Updated User Interface

A closer look at the Cybertruck's UI
A closer look at the Cybertruck's UI
olympusdev_

Tesla appears to have created a user interface specifically for the Cybertruck and its massive screen.

In an image included in the app update, we get a good view at the Cybertruck's new UI. Earlier today, we broke down all the features of the new Cybertruck UI, from its 3D terrain to the multiple app columns.

Optional Light Bar

Many Cybertruck enthusiasts had hoped for an integrated light bar at the top of the windshield. While it didn't make it to production, Tesla appears ready to offer it as an optional accessory. The app update shows the availability of this much-anticipated feature, which has been spotted on some test Cybertrucks. Whether navigating off-road terrain or simply looking to make a statement, the optional light bar adds an exciting touch to the Cybertruck's exterior.

This wealth of information stemmed from the keen observations of X users @Tesla_App_iOS and @olympusdev_, who shared insights from the app update. As we approach its launch, these revelations underscore Tesla's commitment to innovation, versatility, and a forward-thinking approach to automotive design and functionality. The Cybertruck is not just a vehicle; it's a symbol of the future of transportation, and Tesla continues to lead the charge.

Tesla Denies WSJ Report Claiming Board is Replacing Elon Musk

By Karan Singh
YouTube/NYT Events

Tesla has issued a strong denial in response to a Wall Street Journal report (Paywall) which claimed that Tesla’s Board of Directors had initiated a search for a new CEO.

In a statement posted directly on Tesla’s X account, Board Chair Robyn Denholm denied the report unequivocally. As per the statement, Tesla’s board did not reach out to recruiting firms in search of a new CEO.

Board Supports Elon

The statement reaffirmed the board’s position on Tesla’s current leadership and that the board is highly confident in Elon’s ability to continue executing Tesla’s plans and future growth.

This confidence behind Elon follows his recent statements made during the Q1 2025 Earnings Call that he would be stepping back from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the coming days and significantly reducing time spent there. Instead, he would be returning to focus on Tesla’s operations and the upcoming deployment of Robotaxi.

Shortly after the denial was posted, Elon Musk also commented on the report, specifically tagging the Wall Street Journal and criticizing their handling of the report.

We’re glad to see Tesla and Elon set the matter straight, but there could have been a better way to spread this message and maybe even prevent the report from WSJ from going out.

We recently published an opinion piece on why Tesla needs its PR team back, and this specific incident is a good example. Relying solely on platforms like X for critical corporate communications - and in this case, late at night (1 AM EST), with limited reach outside the existing follower base seems like an ineffective way of communicating important company information.

We’d love to see Tesla really put some thought into managing its image, as it seems that several recent reports from major financial news organizations have apparently been wrong.

Either way, the board’s stance is clear - there is no active search underway, and Elon has the full backing and support of the board to lead Tesla toward the future.

Tesla Megapack: How Tesla Is Reinventing Global Energy Infrastructure

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla’s Megapack is rapidly becoming a key component in energy storage and grid modernization efforts worldwide. Though often associated with powering AI infrastructure or industrial operations, Megapack’s true strength lies in its ability to stabilize electrical grids during blackouts and brownouts.

In a recent behind-the-scenes reveal, Tesla showcased the impressive scale of Megapack production at its Mega Lathrop facility, along with real-world examples of how these systems are already transforming energy resilience across the globe.

Mega-Scale Megapack

Tesla is operating the largest utility-scale battery manufacturing facility in North America at Mega Lathrop, which has the capacity to produce 10,000 Megapacks annually. Thanks to a highly automated assembly process that uses over 30 welding robots to assemble the core Megapack structure. This is the largest manufacturing fixture Tesla uses— likely to only be matched by future developments at Mega Shanghai.

Tesla uses a highly automated powder coating process, utilizing over 90 robotic paint atomizers to apply more than 140 pounds of powder coat to each Megapack. This process delivers Tesla’s signature white reflective finish, engineered for long-term durability and corrosion resistance that lasts up to 20 years, even in harsh coastal or high-heat environments.

All of Megapack’s power electronics are designed and built in-house. Each Megapack uses 24 battery modules, electrical busing, and thermal management systems to ensure grid reliability and help to maximize energy density. The architecture pairs each inverter with a battery module to maximize energy availability and overall uptime. Plus, before each Megapack ships its way across the world, Tesla performs rigorous on-site quality control to ensure that the installation process is as seamless as possible.

Watch Tesla’s video of the manufacturing process below:

Megapack’s Real-World Impact: Hawaii

The core purpose of Megapack is to make power grids more stable and resilient while also reducing reliance on dirty peak power plants like coal. They achieve this by balancing energy supply and demand in real-time, smoothing out fluctuations from variable renewable sources like solar and wind, which helps to prevent grid shortages.

Hawaii actually provides the most real and down-to-earth example of Megapack’s impact. In mid-2024, the Kapolei Energy Storage facility in Hawaii came online. Hawaii utilized 258 Megapacks with a combined capacity of 565 MWh, successfully replacing the state’s last coal-fired power plant. This single facility can power approximately 20% of Oahu’s peak electricity needs by itself for approximately 4 hours.

The project is more than just removing coal plants, though. It serves as an example of Megapack’s grid integration and grid forming technology. The Kapolei Energy Storage facility can manage grid fluctuations caused by weather changes impacting renewable energy, improving stability and preventing blackouts. Thanks to their rapid inverter response times of under a millisecond, Megapacks participate in complex grid balancing activities, including fast frequency and voltage support, which helps to maintain grid balance throughout the day. Beyond that, Kapolei also allows Hawaii to black-start the grid in case of a major power outage that takes out a large section of the grid.

This functionality would be especially useful in Spain, where black-starting the grid took over eight hours recently and is still disrupting the day-to-day life of people there.

You can check out Megapack’s real-world impact in this video from Tesla below:

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