The Tesla Cybertruck was first revealed in concept form in 2019 and has been repeatedly delayed, and leaked documents may reveal why.
Internal report, dated January 25, 2022, first reported by Handelsblatt and then by wiredrevealed the pre-production “alpha” version of the Tesla Cybertruck is still struggling with issues surrounding its body sealing, noise levels, handling, suspension and brakes.
On the same day as this report, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted that he had been “driving [the] latest Cybertruck prototype around Giga Texas”, adding that “it’s awesome”.
Brakes were one of the worst areas in the leaked report, which saw the alpha version of the Cybertruck achieve a four, or “poor” rating on the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) rating scale. Tesla engineers are aiming for a rating of seven, or “fair”.
According to the leaked report, Cybertruck’s brake pedal pressure pads were not finalized, and the alpha version suffered from “excessive pedal travel and inconsistent stops”, “excessive pitch during friction braking”, as well as issues during cornering and brake power instability.
An alpha version of the Cybertruck was hand-sealed, but the report revealed “there are some areas we don’t have a clear path to avoid” in the production vehicle.
The seal not only prevents rain from the vehicle, but also noise in the cabin. Data in the report shows the alpha version is significantly noisier than engineers projected, with testers identifying 21 potential sound leaks in the body.
Handling was another issue for the Cybertruck alpha version, with leaked reports stating “excessive mid-speed acceleration and cutting”, “high head acceleration” and “structural shake”.
There was also “excessive side jerk during low-speed maneuvers”, as well as problems with steering refinement and body roll.
Cybertruck’s “crab walk” function appears to display “basic functionality only”.
A leaked report revealed the front end of the vehicle has a number of issues where “there is no solution without modifying the suspension design”.
Other issues include “adding too much camber”, resulting in tire wear and alignment changes with ride height. As for the solution to this problem, the report says “probably none”.
“It’s an alpha-level vehicle, so it’s no surprise that it’s a bit off the mark,” former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer said. wiredadding that he was surprised by the openness of the report.
“You’re going to give the engineer who wrote this a good deal. You don’t usually write this.”
Given that this report details an early prototype from over 12 months ago and that Tesla has significant financial resources, it is likely that many, perhaps all, of these key issues have been addressed.
Tesla has confirmed the Cybertruck is on track for production starting later this year, with mass production starting in 2024.
Mr. Musk recently told investors that “handover” for the first shipment is planned for the third quarter of 2023.
The brand is expected to confirm final pricing and specifications closer to the date.
MORE: Everything Tesla Cybertruck