Tesla's Cybertruck after a suspected ditch rollover test
Cybertruck Owners Club
Tesla's highly anticipated Cybertruck continues to be put through the paces, and while security around the vehicle has been tightened, video and images are still popping up.
The latest is a Cybertruck that was involved in testing a ditch rollover. The source of this insider glimpse came from a modest TikTok account @ctllogisticsinc, belonging to trucking company CTL Logistics. Despite the video vanishing from the account, the ever-vigilant Tesla community comes through again. Stills and video footage have been preserved on the cybertruckownersclub forum, giving us deeper insight into the truck's performance in the challenging situation.
The images reveal a Cybertruck that has been through a rigorous ordeal, yet its cabin remained notably intact, shielding what is inside with a remarkable degree of safety. Even the glass roof, although smashed, withstood shattering — a promising indication of its protection to the vehicle's occupants from flying shards in the event of a rollover.
Standing Firm Amid the Test
While the details of the ditch rollover test's parameters remain unknown, the preserved visuals affirm the Cybertruck's substantial build and its resiliency in safeguarding its interior. This is a testament to Tesla's continued emphasis on vehicle safety, prevailing yet again with the Cybertruck, contrary to the early speculations regarding the steel frame's safety attributes.
Behind the Exoskeleton
As we further dissect the visuals, a discussion surrounding the Cybertruck's exoskeleton construction arises. Initially promoted as a breakthrough in vehicle manufacturing technology, recent sightings have portrayed it leaning towards a traditional unibody frame with flat panels instead of the customary curved ones.
This recent crash test sighting lends weight to this perspective, showcasing how the external panels bore the brunt of the impact, indicating a departure from the originally touted exoskeleton concept. Nonetheless, the Cybertruck exhibited less deformation than what one would expect from a vehicle enduring such a crash, attesting to the durability of its ultra-hard stainless steel body panels.
Inside the Unyielding Fortress
Despite the damage to the outside, the interior looked nearly untouched; indeed, there were signs of debris with airbag deployment and broken side windows, but it was not bad. The revealed rear seat showcased an 8-inch rear screen that stood unharmed amidst the chaos. Also, similar to those found in the new Model 3, the unique ambient light strips embedded in the door emphasize Tesla's consistent dedication to a harmonious blend of safety and luxury.
The Cybertruck's release looms closer, and this inadvertent reveal casts a promising light on its safety features and interior amenities. While we wait for Tesla to send the official delivery invites, the Cybertruck seems to have passed the ditch rollover relatively unscathed.
Thank you to Tesla enthusiasts who contribute to the Cybertruck Owners Club and the unwavering Tesla community that consistently has eyes everywhere, ensuring no moment passes undocumented in the Tesla universe.
In Tesla’s upcoming update, 2024.32.3, Tesla has added hands-free support for opening the vehicle’s frunk. This follows the Spring Update (2024.14), which added Hands-Free Trunk support for certain vehicles.
When hands-free trunk support was added earlier this year, it was supported on vehicles that include an ultra wideband chip, which includes the refresh Model S, new Model X, and the 2024 Model 3. Due to the hardware requirement, these will be the same vehicles that support the new Hands-Free Frunk feature. Legacy vehicles without UWB will unfortunately not support either feature due to the hardware requirement. UWB enables far more accurate tracking of the phone key, allowing Tesla to pinpoint its exact location relative to the vehicle.
The Cybertruck interestingly also includes an ultra wideband chip, however, it didn’t include the automatic opening of the gate earlier this year. However, we expect the Cybertruck to also receive the hands-free frunk opening in this 2024.32.3 update or relatively soon afterward.
Update: The Cybertruck is receiving hands-free frunk support in the 2024.32 update as well.
Hands-Free Frunk
The Hands-Free Frunk works similarly to the trunk feature – with an iPhone 11+ and a recent version of the app, you’ll be able to stand in front of your vehicle, and the Frunk will unlatch after sounding a chime. On some vehicles, the frunk will immediately open after being unlatched, however, you’ll need to manually close it.
This new feature isn’t enabled by default – you’ll need to go to Settings > Locks > Hands-Free Frunk to enable it.
At this time, Tesla doesn’t support UWB on Android devices, though both the Hands-Free Trunk and Hands-Free Frunk support will come to Android users in a future app update, according to Tesla.
Exclude Home
With the addition of the hands-free frunk opening, Tesla has also added a new option. You can now choose to disable the automatic opening when your vehicle is located at home to prevent you from accidentally opening. This will apply to the automatic frunk and trunk. In addition, in the Model X, you’ll also be able to disable the self-presenting doors at home. This is a great addition as many people have kept the hands-free feature disabled due to it awkwardly opening in the garage.
In the 2024.32.3 update, Tesla also mentions that they’ve improved the detection of the phone key, which should make the feature more reliable and faster when approaching the vehicle from the front or rear.
Following its recent launch in the United States and Canada, Tesla has launched their referral program in several European countries as well.
The program is available in Germany, Norway, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and possibly others. The program is almost the same as the one available today in North America, with rewards for each referral and a discount for those referred. The cap in Europe is also ten per year.
This program comes right on the heels of a 0% financing offer for the Model Y in Sweden and France. While referrals aren't currently available in Sweden, the 0% financing still is.
European Referrals
The European Referral program accounts for country and local currency, where applicable.
Country
Referral Discount
Referral Award
UK
£1,000
£500
Germany, France, Netherlands
€1,000
€500
Norway
kr11,500
kr5,750
The referral reward program is comparable to the one available in North America. After exchange rates, there is only an approximately 10% difference between the available rewards in the US and EU.
Other Countries
We expect this program to start rolling out to other European countries over the next few days or weeks, as Tesla continues to expand its referral program.
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Tesla Android Project enables you to run Android apps in your Tesla. The platform is Open Source and you can deploy it on your own Raspberry Pi 4. Consider supporting the initiative by donating or purchasing the Compute Module 4 Bundle that delivers the best experience. Get $20 off by using the code: NotATeslaApp
The official Tesla app only notifies you if your car is broken into. By installing Sentry Pro on your phone, you will be notified for all Sentry Mode events. Stay connected and avoid potential surprises by receiving notifications. Stop constantly checking the cameras to ensure safety. Check only when necessary, save battery and get peace of mind. Get a 7 day free trial here!
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