Is the Tesla Cybertruck Facing Serious Challenges?

Hey everyone, DennisCW here! Today, I want to dive into some concerning developments surrounding the Tesla Cybertruck that have got me—and many others—worried. From the removal of Autopilot as a standard feature to the cancellation of the much-anticipated range extender, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s break it down and discuss what this means for current and potential Cybertruck owners.

Autopilot No Longer Standard on Cybertruck

If you’re familiar with Tesla, you know that Autopilot—a feature that keeps your car in its lane and manages acceleration and deceleration on highways—has been a standard inclusion on models like the Model 3, Model Y, and others. It’s a game-changer for long drives, and honestly, I used to think it was all I needed. But after experiencing Full Self-Driving (FSD), I’ve been spoiled by its advanced capabilities.

Here’s the kicker: the Cybertruck, Tesla’s futuristic beast of a vehicle, is reportedly no longer coming with Autopilot as a standard feature. That’s right—even the base $70,000 version and the premium $100,000 version lack basic lane-centering functionality out of the box. This has left many early adopters and potential buyers frustrated, and I can’t blame them. If I shelled out that kind of money for a Cybertruck, I’d expect at least the basic driver-assist features Tesla is known for.

To ease the backlash, Tesla is offering a one-year free trial of Full Self-Driving to early Cybertruck adopters. According to an email sent to owners, to qualify for this trial, you need to subscribe to FSD by June 6th using a provided link, and you can cancel anytime during the trial period. It’s a nice gesture, but is it enough to make up for the absence of standard Autopilot? I’m not so sure.

Some speculate this move might be a preemptive apology for something bigger—like a significant price cut on the Cybertruck. As Ryan pointed out on social media, with Cybertruck inventory piling up, Tesla might roll out major incentives like 0% financing, free Supercharging, or extended FSD trials to boost sales. I’m inclined to agree that something big is on the horizon, especially since there are doubts about how well even the rear-wheel-drive version is selling.

There’s also an interesting theory from Christopher Dungeon suggesting that Tesla might be lacking sufficient Cybertruck-specific FSD data. With only about 50,000 units sold compared to the massive numbers of Model 3 and Model Y on the road, Tesla may need more real-world data to refine Autopilot for the Cybertruck’s unique design. It’s a plausible explanation, but it doesn’t make the situation any less disappointing for owners.

What do you think? Would a 12-month free trial of FSD with every new Tesla purchase push you to buy? Personally, I think FSD is one of those features you need to experience to truly appreciate. Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take!

Cybertruck Range Extender Cancelled: A Major Setback

The second major issue plaguing the Cybertruck is the cancellation of the highly anticipated range extender. This add-on was supposed to boost the Cybertruck’s range to an impressive 445 miles, a significant jump from its base range. Priced at around $16,000, it was set to release later this year, but Tesla has officially pulled the plug.

In a statement to deposit holders, Tesla said, “We are no longer planning to sell the range extender for the Cybertruck. As a result, we will be refunding your deposit in full.” While I wasn’t personally on board with the range extender—mainly because it took up a chunk of the truck bed and came with a hefty price tag—this is still a blow to those who were counting on it to make the Cybertruck a long-range powerhouse.

So, how will Tesla address the range issue now? Competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ are packing massive 200-300 kWh batteries to achieve extended ranges. Could Tesla be planning a similar move with a beefier battery for the Cybertruck? Only time will tell, but for now, this cancellation is another dent in the Cybertruck’s reputation.

What’s Next for the Cybertruck?

With Autopilot stripped from the standard package and the range extender off the table, the Cybertruck is facing some serious challenges. Tesla seems to be scrambling to keep early adopters happy with FSD trials, but these moves raise questions about the vehicle’s long-term appeal. Are we looking at deeper price cuts or more incentives to clear inventory? Or is Tesla rethinking the Cybertruck’s strategy entirely?

I’m curious to see how this plays out, especially with the next earnings call in mid-July. As always, I’ll keep you updated with the latest news and insights. In the meantime, let me know what you think about these developments. Are you still excited about the Cybertruck, or are these setbacks dealbreakers for you?

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Wrapping Up

The Tesla Cybertruck is at a crossroads. The removal of Autopilot and the cancellation of the range extender are significant hurdles that Tesla needs to address to maintain trust and excitement around this vehicle. While the free FSD trial is a step in the right direction, it might not be enough to win over everyone. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to follow this story closely.

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Tesla and EV content. If you’re shopping for Tesla accessories, support the channel by using my Jowua promo code. See you in the next post!

— DennisCW