After initially unveiling the electric pickup truck in 2019, Tesla has delayed production several times due to supply chain challenges among other economic issues.
While the Cybertruck is going to be built at Giga Texas, Tesla plans to start manufacturing battery packs for the upcoming truck at its Fremont factory, according to Teslarati. It was previously expected that the batteries would be manufactured at Giga Texas, the same factory where the Cybertruck will be assembled however, battery cells and cell pack manufacturing are not yet ready to begin mass production at its newly constructed Gigafactory in Austin, Texas.
Earlier this year, Tesla applied to build a battery and cathode manufacturing facility at Gigafactory Texas. Construction has started but it likely will not be ready in time for the Cybertruck’s projected launch in mid-2023.
Tesla is set to use IDRA's new Giga Press with a clamping force of 9,000 tons to produce the Cybertruck. The new Giga press is comprised of 54 pieces, weighing approximately 170,995 pounds. The Giga Press arrived in Houston, Texas last week and can be expected to reach the Gigafactory in Austin, Texas soon.
IDRA Group is one of Tesla's key suppliers that provide the automaker with giant manufacturing machines. The 6,000-ton Giga Press they constructed gives Tesla the ability to manufacture single-piece ends for the Model Y. Giga Texas will soon receive a 9,000-ton Giga press to manufacture the Cybertruck.
The Q3 earnings release revealed that the Cybertruck is now in the ‘Tooling’ phase of production. The tooling phase is where Tesla starts setting up the machines and production line before a vehicle enters full production. Although production is not fully underway, this is a good sign that Tesla is on track to begin production mid-2023.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news, upcoming features and software updates.
Tesla and Uber are partnering to offer a new discount for Uber drivers. The offer is similar to one that was offered earlier in the year. Uber and Tesla previously offered a $2,000 USD purchase incentive under a special Uber referral code. That offer ended in March, and Tesla is now offering a new, similar offer.
Both the previous incentive as well as this new offer are only available in the United States.
Offer Conditions
The new offer is simple: If you’re an Uber Driver, you’ll be able to get $1,000 in Tesla credits upon taking delivery and another $1,000 in Uber Cash after completing 100 rideshare trips. You’ll need to purchase either a new Model 3 or Model Y—any variant, including the Performance versions, is acceptable. The program is not available for used or demo vehicles.
For anyone interested in trying out being an Uber driver, this is also a nice way to get $2,000 off a new Tesla. While the discount is no longer a purchase incentive, you can use the $1,000 in Tesla credits towards accessories, service, Supercharging, swag, or another vehicle. The Uber Cash, on the other hand, will be paid out alongside your 100th trip.
The offer is combinable with the Military Purchase Program, but you can’t use the Tesla referral program to get $500 off. If you’ve already got referral credits, though, you can use them toward the purchase of the vehicle.
Finally, you’ll need to take delivery before the end of the year (December 31st) and complete your 100th trip before February 15, 2025.
How to Use It
To take advantage of the offer, go to Tesla’s Uber page and log in via Uber. Both companies will verify that you’re eligible for the discount. You’ll also have to be in good standing as an Uber driver - if you’re not, no discount.
Tesla has released updated specifications and a revised timeline for the Cybertruck’s Range Extender. Originally launched alongside the Cybertruck last year, the Range Extender offered a significant boost in range along with a notable price tag—requiring a $2,000 reservation deposit and an estimated price of $16,000.
Updated Specs
Tesla has updated the Ranger Extender's range, now increasing the vehicle’s range from 340 miles to 445 miles on the Dual Motor variant and from 320 miles to 440 miles on the Cyberbeast.
The updated specifications reduce the vehicle’s total range with the Range Extender by about 6% compared to the original specs, while the Range Extender itself sees a 20% reduction in range. This is a substantial reduction, and Tesla has yet to explain the change. It’s likely that they’ve started testing Cybertrucks with Range Extenders under EPA test conditions, which may have adjusted the initial range estimates.
Truck
Range
Original Range Extender
Updated Range Extender
Dual Motor AWD
325 mi
470 mi
445 mi +
Cyberbeast
301 mi
440 mi
415 mi +
Delayed Timeline
The Range Extender was originally supposed to be available for those who pre-ordered sometime in early-2025. That timeline has now been pushed back to mid-2025. However, given Tesla’s lackluster attempts at maintaining timelines, we could fully expect this timeline to continue to slip closer to 2026, but we remain hopeful that it’ll arrive on time.
Tesla has been working towards perfecting its dry-cathode process, which could also be a likely cause of the delays. Tesla may want to ship the Range Extenders as dry-cathode—it's a small batch product and one that’s easier to replace or repair than an entire truck.
Overall, the Range Extender itself is an interesting item. While it does provide a small range increase—one that’s necessary for towing—it has its fair share of demerits. It takes up a considerable amount of bed space and must be installed and uninstalled by Tesla Service. Additionally, the weight in the bed will result in a change in the center of gravity.
We’re interested to see what Tesla does with the Range Extender - we’ve only seen a few pictures of engineering samples on Tesla’s site, but it could come with considerable changes when it launches.
![Tesla Display Alternative: Everything the Tesla OS Should Be [VIDEO]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/2024/screenmate.jpg/94e00b1eb97fe30c9f522aeb3e94e4af/screenmate.jpg)
![Tesla Safety Numbers Continue to Improve Alongside Feature Advancements [Vehicle Safety Report]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/2021/emergency-braking.jpg/fa9cced4bf8348db88679602faa5dae5.jpg)
