Tesla Cybertruck History & Model Overview

If there ever was a car that looked like it drove straight out of a sci-fi movie, it’s gotta be the Tesla Cybertruck. A pickup truck that's either the coolest thing on four wheels or an angular metal dumpster, depending on who you ask. Unveiled in 2019, the Cybertruck promised to revolutionize the pickup market with its bulletproof exoskeleton, insane performance, and a design that… Well, let's just say it doesn't blend in. It quickly amassed a dedicated following, with thousands placing preorders. After years of delays, production finally began in late 2023.

Coming up, we'll learn:

• About the history and specifications of the Tesla Cybertruck.
  
• The differences between Cybertruck variants and Foundation Series.
  
• If the Tesla Cybertruck is reliable.
  
• Whether this polarizing pickup is worth the price.

Enjoy the reading!

Note: article photos courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

A brief history of the Tesla Cybertruck

The idea for the Cybertruck started brewing in Elon Musk's mind as far back as 2012, when he first mentioned Tesla developing a pickup truck. He envisioned something that would have "crazy torque, dynamic air suspension, and corner like it's on rails" – basically a truck that didn't drive like a truck.

Fast forward to 2017 and Musk teased what would become the Cybertruck during the Tesla Semi & Roadster reveal. The hype started building, with speculation running wild about what Tesla's take on a pickup would look like. Spoiler alert: nobody guessed correctly.

The infamous 2019 unveiling

On November 21, 2019, Tesla officially unveiled the Cybertruck prototype at an event in Los Angeles. The truck rolled out looking like a low-polygon 3D model that hadn't finished rendering. Its distinctive angular design featured flat, unpainted stainless steel body panels that drew instant comparisons to everything from '80s concept cars to kitchen appliances.

But the real viral moment? Tesla designer Franz von Holzhausen threw a metal ball at the supposedly bulletproof "Armor Glass" windows, which shattered prompting Musk to exclaim "Oh my f***ing god.” The demonstration became an instant meme, cementing the Cybertruck's place in automotive history before a single unit was sold.

Despite, or perhaps because of, the broken windows, the response was massive. Less than 24 hours after the reveal, Tesla announced it had received 146,000 reservations, each requiring a $100 refundable deposit. By the end of 2019, that number had grown to 250,000.

The long road to production

Originally scheduled for production in late 2021, the Cybertruck faced multiple delays. The COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, and the sheer complexity of manufacturing a stainless steel exoskeleton all contributed to pushing the timeline back repeatedly.

Tesla also faced serious challenges during development. These would include severe braking issues with excessive pedal travel, trouble with the air suspension setup, and body construction that wasn't initially as stiff as anticipated. The stainless steel panels couldn't be stamped like conventional parts – they had to be laser-cut and bent along straight lines using a manufacturing process called "air bending."

Finally, production began in November 2023, but it didn’t reach high volume until 2025. 

Tesla Cybertruck variants & specifications

The Cybertruck lineup changed over the years, but before we got to this point, there was also one limited edition sold for a short time, called Foundation Series. Details about it are difficult to find, but it was basically a fully-loaded Tesla Cybertruck, available earlier to those who preordered instead of just placing a reservation. 

Anyway, what trims of the boxytruck are there currently?

Current Cybertruck trims

As of January 2026, the Cybertruck lineup consists of only two variants, cut down from the three versions offered right after launch.

• Tesla Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive

The dual-motor AWD model starts at $79,990 and produces 600 horsepower. This is currently the base configuration, offering 325 miles of EPA-estimated range and a 0–60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. The AWD uses a 123 kWh battery pack and develops 743.5 lb-ft of torque.

• Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast

At the top sits the tri-motor Cyberbeast variant, priced at $114,990 and producing 845 horsepower with 1,029.6 lb-ft of torque. It rockets to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds – faster than most supercars, which is absolutely ridiculous for something weighing nearly 7,000 pounds.

Range drops to 320 miles in this instance, but let's be honest: if you're buying the Cyberbeast, you're prioritizing acceleration over efficiency. Additional features include launch control, unique interior trimmings, and rear-wheel torque-vectoring.

Here's a quick comparison of the current Cybertruck lineup:

Regardless of all the other things, that’s one hell of a fast truck!

The range extender saga

Tesla originally announced a range extender battery pack that would add 120–130 miles of range, mounted in the truck bed. However, by May 2025, Tesla removed the option from its website and notified customers that it no longer planned to offer the range extender, refunding deposits.

So if you were counting on that extra range, well… surprise?

Tesla Cybertruck reliability & maintenance – The recall parade

Here's where things get complicated. The Cybertruck's reliability story is, to put it mildly, a work in progress. It has faced multiple recalls since launch, addressing issues ranging from minor to potentially dangerous. Let's briefly run through these…

1. Accelerator pedal fiasco – in April 2024, Tesla recalled some Cybertrucks due to a metal plate glued to the accelerator pedal that could come loose and get stuck under the floor mat, causing unintended acceleration. The fix? Tesla service centers replaced pedal assembly. 
2. Windshield wiper failure – in June 2024, more Cybertrucks were recalled because the wiper motor controller could receive too much electrical current, causing wipers to fail. Not ideal when you're driving in the rain.
3. Too-bright parking lights – Tesla recalled around 63,619 Cybertrucks because of a software issue that made their parking lights too bright, exceeding federal standards and potentially blinding other drivers. This one was fixed via an over-the-air software update.

Apart from these, there were also numerous other recalls due to software and electrical issues, but the best way to check if they also concern your car is by contacting Tesla with your VIN. As to the owner's experience, it ranges from "best vehicle ever" to "constant service visits." Common complaints include rattling panels, inconsistent trim alignment, malfunctioning tailgates, and defective glass, with some vehicles spending weeks in service.

On the flip side, one high-mileage owner who surpassed 50,000 miles reports the Cybertruck has been more reliable than any Ford, Chevy, or GMC truck he's owned. Many owners report zero service issues and smile every day they drive their truck.

Maintenance requirements

Despite reliability concerns, the Cybertruck requires significantly less maintenance than gas trucks. There are no oil changes needed and regenerative braking means brake components last longer, even with the added weight.

Similar to Tesla Model Y, the manufacturer recommends:

• Tire rotation every 10,000-12,000 miles
  
• Cabin air filter replacement every 2 years
  
• Brake fluid check every 4 years

One quirk to note: the stainless steel finish is prone to rust spots and requires special care, such as avoiding washing the vehicle in direct sunlight. So much for that "bulletproof" marketing…

Is the Tesla Cybertruck worth it?

The Cybertruck is perhaps the most polarizing vehicle ever produced. It's simultaneously impressive and frustrating, innovative and problematic, practical and completely absurd.

If you want an electric pickup that performs traditional truck duties reliably, the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, or Chevrolet Silverado EV feel more like conventional pickups and cost significantly less. If you want to make a statement and don't mind being an early adopter dealing with quality control issues, the Cybertruck delivers that in spades.

Just maybe wait a few more months for Tesla to work out the remaining bugs. Or don't – apparently plenty of people are willing to take that gamble.