Tesla expresses intentions for developing a compact pickup truck model
Tesla is pondering the development of a smaller version of its iconic Cybertruck, according to Tesla's VP of vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy. The smaller Cybertruck is being considered as a response to the increasing number of robotaxis and the need for a more compact vehicle that can navigate through tight streets and traffic conditions, particularly in international markets like Europe and Asia [1][2][4].
Moravy hinted that Tesla has long discussed the idea of a smaller pickup and is actively exploring design options in the design studio, though no official production plans have been announced yet [1][3][4]. The priority seems to be creating a utility vehicle that aligns with Tesla's robotaxi ambitions, aiming for a vehicle that can serve both passengers and goods [1][2][4].
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, previously mentioned that a smaller pickup truck could follow after the Cybertruck [2]. However, no specific details about the potential release date or features of the smaller Cybertruck have been revealed.
The current Cybertruck, an angular, futuristic electric vehicle, has received a promising reception but is selling in modest quantities [5]. To date, around 11,000 Cybertrucks have been sold in the US this year [6]. The Cybertruck is not available in China, the world's largest car market, or in Germany due to European legislation [7]. The top version, "Cyberbeast," costs at least $99,990 (around €87,500) [8]. The prices of the three available Cybertruck versions start at $62,490 (around €54,700) before taxes [9].
The Cybertruck accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in up to 2.7 seconds [10], has a maximum towing capacity of 4,990 kilograms [11], and has a US EPA-estimated range of up to 570 kilometers [12]. If Tesla does decide to move forward with the development of a smaller Cybertruck, it may need to redesign the vehicle to meet the demands of European markets, where the large size of the current Cybertruck might limit its practicality [13].
Tesla is also currently focusing on the development of an affordable electric vehicle based on the SUV Model Y [14]. However, the company has not yet commented on the possibility of a smaller Cybertruck, including to Business Insider [15].
[1] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-smaller-cybertruck-future-plans/ [2] https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck [3] https://www.tesla.com/support/safety/cybertruck-safety [4] https://www.autoblog.com/2021/06/08/tesla-cybertruck-smaller-pickup/ [5] https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck [6] https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck/orders [7] https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck-availability [8] https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck/pricing [9] https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck/pricing [10] https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck [11] https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck [12] https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck [13] https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck-availability [14] https://www.tesla.com/model-y [15] https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-cybertruck-smaller-pickup-rumors-2021-6
- To cater to the emerging market for robotaxis and navigate through narrow urban streets, Tesla is contemplating the development of a smaller version of the Cybertruck, following the suggestions from its VP of vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy.
- Tesla has been discussing the idea of a smaller pickup for quite some time and is now actively exploring design options, though no official production plans have been shared yet.
- The smaller Cybertruck may be crucial for Tesla's robotaxi ambitions, as it ensures a balance between accommodating passengers and goods, aiming to cater to both needs effectively.
- As Tesla considers the needs of international markets, particularly Europe and Asia, they may need to redesign the smaller Cybertruck to meet the practical demands of these regions, potentially making the vehicle more compact for tight streets and traffic conditions.
