- Automotive purchasing and opinions web site Edmunds not too long ago bought its Tesla Cybertruck after ready for 4 years.
- It carried out standardized vary, efficiency and effectivity exams on the electrical truck, prefer it does for all different EVs.
- However the truck broke down throughout testing, flashing pink warnings on the display screen, indicating a number of system failures.
The Tesla Cybertruck could have ushered in a brand new period of electrical truck design and manufacturing, however in relation to basic items like reliability, it has loads of room for enchancment.Â
Automotive purchasing and opinions web site Edmunds not too long ago purchased a model new Cybertruck for long run testing. Over the previous month, the Cybertruck underwent standardized testing that the outlet performs with each new EV. The Cybertruck wasn’t getting any particular remedy or further consideration that it in any other case instructions on the highway.
Earlier than we get to what went fallacious, Edmunds carried out some exams the place the truck labored as meant. The twin-motor Cybertruck Basis Sequence sprinted from a standstill to a 60 miles per hour in 4.0 seconds, about 0.1 seconds faster than Tesla’s estimate. It accomplished the quarter mile dash in 12.3 seconds at 110.2 mph—that is lots fast for a truck that suggestions the size at over 6,600 kilos. By comparability, the prolonged vary Ford F-150 Lightning has a curb weight of 6,361 lbs.
Within the mixed metropolis and freeway vary check the electrical truck coated 334 miles on a single cost, barely outperforming Tesla’s personal 318-mile estimate. Driving vary could fluctuate from area to area and is influenced by climate, driving model, highway situations and extra.Â
When testing was practically full, issues went downhill. The Cybertruck’s display screen flashed pink, detecting a “lack of system redundancy.” This is what the message on the display screen learn: “When out of park, the car could all of a sudden lose electrical energy, steering and propulsion and could also be unable to use parking brake. It could be potential to get well the system by performing a car energy cycle: Exit the car, shut all doorways, re-enter the car and try and drive…”
The outlet’s Senior Evaluations Editor Brian Wong adopted the on display screen directions, however that did not assist. Except for blowing scorching air on a scorching summer season day, the car displayed extra warnings, together with rear steering failure, low-voltage battery warning and lowered energy and pace. After working a “energy cycle,” it began transferring, however solely in limp mode at 4 mph. About an hour later, the Cybertruck drove simply effective and acted like nothing had occurred. Wong drove it again residence.
The earliest service appointment Wong may get was two weeks after the incident occurred (August 20). The service particular person mentioned these points could possibly be stemming from considered one of three sources: the entrance wiring harness, 48-volt battery or rear steering system. This is not the primary time we have seen a Cybertruck break down. House owners have confronted drive unit failures, malfunctioning windshield wipers and several other different points. InsideEVs compiled a complete listing of issues house owners have been dealing with since deliveries began on the finish of final 12 months.
This appears to the recurring theme at Tesla. Even the early manufacturing variations of the Mannequin 3 and Mannequin Y confronted debilitating high quality and reliability points, however Tesla ironed them out over time. Nonetheless, when these fashions have been having teething points, the world was a unique place. Tesla wasn’t within the place it’s in in the present day. Its gross sales are declining, rivals seems to be extra strong than ever earlier than and CEO Elon Musk’s controversies and tradition wars are turning some consumers off. If Tesla desires to proceed main America’s electrification journey, it wants to repair the Cybertruck first.