Tesla's Cybertruck is not for everyone. Tesla's Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen has admitted as much several times. With its unorthodox design and cutting-edge technology, this pickup continues to generate buzz as its expected release date nears. Recent sightings have unveiled intriguing insights and sparked a candid reaction from an Instagram user known as @triggertx.
A Refrigerator on Wheels? A Unique Discovery
While stopping by @petrol_lounge in Austin, Texas, to drop off something, @triggertx was invited to witness what was humorously described as "peak vaporwave." Expecting to see something cool, like a "Vector W8," @triggertx was momentarily perplexed, comparing the Cybertruck to a refrigerator on its side. This unexpected metaphor serves as a fitting reflection of Cybertruck's unapologetically unconventional appearance.
Beyond the initial humorous observation, @triggertx posted more about the Cybertruck, particularly the tire size. Noting the 285/65R20 dimensions, he observed that this translated to about a 35" tire on a 20" rim, with a considerable amount of sidewall. The six lug nuts spotted suggested a vehicle ready to handle robust use.
These discoveries were augmented by the new wheel design recently observed, featuring thicker black spokes and a square shape near the center. The visible tire air nozzle hints at Tesla's patented automatic tire inflation system, further emphasizing the blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
A Game-Changer with Mixed Reactions
The less-than-polished appearance of the Cybertruck, coupled with these design quirks, has created a portrait of a vehicle that’s been tested hard, yet may still have some aesthetic challenges to overcome - mainly the gigantic wiper.
The Cybertruck's design and features have sparked contrasting opinions, with some praising its innovation and others expressing reservations. Though likely tongue-in-cheek, the comment about the Cybertruck resembling a refrigerator indicates the vehicle's divisive appearance.
As Tesla remains tight-lipped about the exact specs, even as the start of deliveries looms, we are left to glean insights from sightings and speculations.
Tesla's Cybertruck is certainly not for everyone, and its groundbreaking design has inspired both awe and skepticism. The Instagram posts by @triggertx, candidly capturing his surprise and confusion, encapsulate the ongoing dialogue surrounding this futuristic vehicle.
The unique blend of rugged wheels, innovative technology, and an appearance that leaves no one indifferent demonstrates Tesla's commitment to pushing the envelope in automotive design.
Whether it becomes a revered icon or continues to remind some of a household appliance, one thing is clear: the Cybertruck is set to redefine pickups and perhaps even the automotive landscape.
After launching puddle lights that spell out ‘Tesla’ in China several months ago, Tesla has finally added the add-on Projection Puddle Lights to the North American store. Before launching them worldwide, Tesla appears to have been using China as a testing ground for its accessories. This is an interesting move, and it's not the first product we’ve seen soft launch in China before a North American and European launch. Tesla did the same with the Caraoke Mic it launched in the U.S. back in July.
Puddle Lights
This pair of puddle lights costs $65 USD or $90 CAD at the Tesla Store right now and is available for the Model Y, as well as all versions of the Model 3. This includes the 2024 Model 3 Highland Refresh, as well as older Model 3s built before 2024. Currently, these are not available for the Model X and Model S.
The lights themselves present a high-definition Tesla wordmark – text only, no logo – of Tesla onto the ground whenever the driver and front passenger doors are opened. While these would technically be compatible with the rear two doors as well, Tesla doesn’t state this.
Third-party options that include the rear two doors often mention that they suffer from reduced brightness as the wiring harness in the rear door doesn’t bring as much power to the rear door puddle lights.
Installation is done by the customer, and isn’t covered by Tesla – but they do offer a page on their DIY service manual on how to get them installed. Installation is straightforward, but you'll need a blunt plastic tool to remove them from the door and to detach the power adapter from the original puddle lights.
We recently discussed a bunch of features that the Tesla Android App is missing in comparison to the Tesla iOS App, but we didn’t look at the other side.
If you’ve got an NFC-capable Android phone and a Tesla, you actually have a feature that’s not available on iPhones. You can tap your phone on Tesla’s NFC card reader to unlock or lock your car, just like you can with your keycard. Tap to Unlock is enabled by default on Android and cannot be turned off on NFC-capable phones unless you disable NFC in your system settings.
Tap to Unlock
Android provides Tesla with access to the API necessary for Tap to Unlock to function over Near-Field Communications (NFC). This means that the Tesla app can serve as a backup keycard if, for some reason, your Phone-as-a-Key (PAAK) doesn’t immediately unlock the car upon waking it.
You’ll need to be a bit precise with this, as most phones have a small NFC location near the center on the back of the phone. You’ll also want to place it slightly under the B-pillar camera, where the car’s NFC reader is.
When you’re successful, the car will honk twice and unlock. Of note, this will not load your pre-set profiles as if you’re unlocking using your phone key, as the car treats this as a unique key. You will not be able to set up Tap to Unlock to load a particular profile – it seems to load a “default” profile every time. This also means that if you’ve got your mirrors set to unfold or your seats to move back, this will also not happen.
However, once you hop in, you can select your profile and everything will adjust to you. Your phone will continue to work as a phone key to keep you authenticated so that you can start your car.
Unlock Car Even If Phone Battery is Drained
This feature serves as a convenient way to get your car open and unlocked if your phone won’t power on or if the car doesn’t recognize your phone key, which can sometimes happen. On newer Android phones, NFC remains on even if your phone battery has run out since NFC uses so little power.
If you disable Bluetooth on your phone or your phone battery is on empty, your phone key won’t work, so you’ll need to authenticate again inside the vehicle to start the car. You can place your phone on either the Wireless Charger (for newer vehicles) or in the NFC slot between the cup holders and the center armrest to authenticate.
Other NFC Devices
For those more adventurous, you can also use other NFC-capable devices as Tesla keycards. Personally, the author uses an NFC-capable ring, as well as a third-party app on an Android Watch as backups. They serve solely as backups in the case of a lost phone rather than my primary keys.
![Video Reveals the Cybertruck's Unique User Interface [Video]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/images/news/2023/cybertruck-ui-1_300w.jpg)
