This is without a doubt one of the most anticipated vehicles of the moment. Tesla will deliver this Thursday afternoon (9:00 p.m. in France, 2:00 p.m. in Texas) the first 10 examples of its Cybertruck, its first pick-up, to American customers.
More than 2 million pre-orders since the end of 2019
Elon Musk should, as usual, present this keynote broadcast on X (Twitter)the opportunity to know a little more about this model that, despite its success, remains quite mysterious.
This pick-up straight out of a science fiction movie was presented at the end of 2019. Its appearance immediately caught attention, as did the joking demonstration of the strength of the windows. Comments both positive and negative that fueled the buzz around this vehicle and, in the process, an impressive number of pre-orders.
In total, this model would have registered more than 2 million reservations: Tesla does not give figures, but an unofficial count surpassed this symbolic milestone last September.
What is the reason for such success? The pick-up continues to be a very popular format in the United States, where Tesla also rivals other national champions in the category, such as Ford with its F-150, or the Renault Clio/Peugeot 208 from the United States. as the best-selling model for several years.
Above all, you only had to pay 100 dollars (and 100 euros in Europe) to reserve it. Therefore, this place in the refund queue did not really attract potential customers. Obviously, it is difficult to know how many of these “interested parties” will actually confirm their purchase.
A purchase that does not seem surreal either… at least from the point of view of its price. Tesla announced a starting price of 39,900 euros, barely more than what you currently have to pay in the United States for a Model 3 (from 38,990 euros). Elon Musk, however, warned that this price will surely increase with the setbacks encountered in the production of the first copies; We are awaiting clarification on this point during today’s event.
A heavy vehicle license to drive it in France.
Given the influx of orders and doubts about Tesla’s ability to produce this vehicle in large quantities in the short term, Tesla stopped registering reservations outside of North America in May 2022. It is also not possible to reserve one on the other side of the Atlantic as of yesterday and the launch of the countdown to the event on the dedicated page of the official website.
Except customers in Europe may have to wait a long time or request a refund for their purchase order. With a weight (GMP, total authorized mass) of at least 3.6 tonnes and 5.9 meters in length, a heavy vehicle license is required to travel on our roads.
The only possibilities of seeing it one day be marketed in Europe: that Tesla approves it as a C1 class truck or that it offers a less heavy version, Caradisiac recently highlighted. Matter to follow…
Questions also persisted about the Cybertruck’s bodywork and compliance with safety standards in the event of an impact with pedestrians or cyclists. This afternoon’s event will undoubtedly allow us to learn more, but also answer this fundamental question: will the Cybertruck be waterproof?
In September 2022In fact, Elon Musk had announced this possibility of “briefly serving as a boat, to cross rivers, lakes and even not too rough seas.” We will without any problem let the first American customers try this feature if it is confirmed.
Source: BFM TV
