After years of anticipation and a series of setbacks, Tesla has finally built its first production-ready Cybertruck at its factory in Texas. The debut comes four years after the initial prototype was unveiled in November 2019, where Tesla CEO Elon Musk famously shattered the supposedly bullet-proof glass with a metal ball.

Since its prototype was showcased, the Cybertruck has been the subject of significant scrutiny and delays. Initially, the Cybertruck was expected to enter production in 2021. With Tesla’s recent progress from production candidate to customer vehicles taking around three months, the first customer cars may arrive before the end of the year, with volume output set for 2024.

Elon Musk has previously said that he believes the Cybertruck could sell between 250,000 and 500,000 units, indicating a strong demand for the electric full-size pickup truck. In 2022, 10.9 million light trucks were sold in the United States.

First production candidate Tesla Cybertruck electric pickup
Image: Tesla

The Cybertruck’s entry into the electric pickup market sets the stage for head-to-head competition with Ford’s F-150 Lightning, Rivian’s R1T and RAM’s 1500 REV, all three of which have garnered significant attention. The Ford F-150 Lightning and RAM 1500 REV appeal to pickup loyalists, while Rivian’s R1T attracts a newer, environmentally conscious demographic. Tesla’s Cybertruck, with its sci-fi aesthetics and state-of-the-art technology, aims to carve out a niche of its own.

“This is a pivotal moment in the electric vehicle market, and the pickup segment is particularly significant because it’s a symbol of American automotive culture,” says Professional Pickup editor, Phil Huff. “Tesla’s Cybertruck, with its unconventional design and innovative features, could shake up the market in a way that forces traditional automakers to accelerate their transitions to electric.”

There’s still no word on the pricing of the Tesla Cybertruck. Originally slated to go on sale starting from $39,900 (£31,800), it’s unlikely that the final price will be anywhere near that figure unless the Tesla corporation heavily subsidises it.

Phil Huff
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