Elon Musk has a reputation for taking risks. And his Tesla Cybertruck is no exception. The all-electric pickup promises plenty of power, towing capacity, and payload. With a price that starts at just under $40,000 USD, it should be competitive—that is, if you don’t mind the way it looks. This is not your average-looking truck. But is the Tesla Cybertruck a good choice for anglers? Here’s what you need to know.
Electric Truck Like No Other
The Tesla Cybertruck is a pickup truck like no other. To say the truck is futuristic looking is almost an understatement. At first glance, it doesn’t even look like a truck. That may be due to the truck’s aerodynamic shape combined with the stainless steel skin and the tinted, triangular side windows. Or it might be because of its sliding cover that completely hides the bed when it’s closed.
You will surely get some looks from the other anglers if you roll up to the dock in this truck. The angular profile and minimalist design is a head-turner.
Inside the Tesla Cybertruck is just as minimalist. A large touchscreen display on the dash is the flashiest thing in the cab unless you count the futuristic, squared-off steering wheel. Tesla says it seats six comfortably, but images of the truck interior they’ve released make it look more like a five-seater.
With all its modern features and design, the Tesla promises its electric truck delivers the stamina, power, and payload you’re looking for in a pickup truck. That remains to be seen since the first truck has yet to be delivered.
Tesla Cybertruck Specs
Once production begins, the Tesla Cybertruck will be available in one-motor, two-motor, and three-motor models. The one-motor Cybertruck has rear-wheel drive. The two- and three-motor versions come with all-wheel drive. There are other differences between the three. The key distinctions are in acceleration, range, and towing capacity.
Acceleration
Why does great acceleration matter? Because it gets your truck and the boat you’re towing onto the highway more quickly. Better acceleration helps out during merging and evasive maneuvering.
The single-engine Tesla Cybertruck isn’t going to win a race against full-sized petrol or diesel-powered pickup. According to Tesla, it can do 0–60 mph (0-96 kmh) in just under 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 110 mph (177 kmh). That’s about average for four-cylinder pickups like the Ford Ranger.
The dual-engine Cybertruck has more power. According to Tesla, it has a top speed of 120 mph (193 kmh), and it can achieve 0–60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. That’s faster than the average pickup truck on the quarter-mile. It’s on par with Ford’s new electric pickup.
Add a third engine, and the Cybertruck takes acceleration to a whole new level. It has a top speed of 130 mph (209 kmh). And if the estimate of 0–60 mph in 2.1 seconds is accurate, the tri-motor Tesla Cybertruck will be the faster pickup truck of all time. It would far outpace the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX. At 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, Motortrend had called the Ram “the fastest production truck of all time.”
Driving Range Between Charges
The eternal question about electric vehicles is always about how far they can go between charges. And the range of the Tesla Cybertruck shifts, depending on how many motors it has. The more motors it has, the farther it can travel.
The single-motor Cybertruck has an EPA estimated range of at least 250 miles (402 km). Tesla reports the dual-motor version can go at least 300 miles (482 km) (EPA est.). And the tri-motor’s EPA estimated range is at least 500 miles (804 km). That’s not too shabby, but the range does diminish some when hauling a heavy load or towing a boat or camper. Still, Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck, can charge anywhere there’s an outlet with standard equipment.
Plus, Tesla’s global charging networks offer affordable (about $0.25c US per KW) charging stations. They’re located across North America, most of Europe, East Asia, and parts of Australia, mainly in New South Wales.
Towing Capacity
All three Tesla Cybertrucks can tow a small trailer. The single-motor has a towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs (about 3,400 kg). That’s enough to easily tow a nice bass boat or a fun little centre console, like the Edgewater 1700cc. Add another motor or two, and the size of the boat you can pull increases accordingly. The dual-motor Cybertruck can handle up to 10,000 lbs (just over 4,500 kg). And the tri-motor model can tow a whopping 15,000 lbs (about 6,800 kg).
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Load Capacity
The Tesla Cybertrunk has ample storage—100 cubic feet of exterior, lockable storage space. Storage is tucked all over the vehicle, including the bed, under-bed, frunk (front trunk), and sail pillars. The Cybertruck has a total payload capacity of 3,500 lbs (1588 kgs). That surpasses the 2021 Ram 1500 and it’s on par with a Ford F-250.
Safety Features
The Tesla Cybertruck offers the safety features you’ve come to expect in a new car. There are seatbelts and airbags, antilock brakes, and a backup camera. But there’s more.
There’s also a nearly impenetrable exoskeleton that’s designed to protect you, your passengers, your cargo, and the truck’s components. The Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel structural skin also helps eliminate dings, dents, and long-term corrosion.
Then, there’s Tesla’s armour glass. It’s an ultra-strong glass and polymer-layered composite that can absorb and redirect impacts. It’s also bulletproof. That might come in handy if your fishing trip overlaps with hunting season.
And autopilot comes standard. The active safety features that come with it include forward collision warning, blindspot collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure avoidance. Autopilot receives automatic software updates to ensure drivers have the best software version as soon as its available.
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Can the Cybertruck Handle Any Environment?
Fishing doesn’t always happen along a well-paved road. Sometimes getting to the best fishing hole is an adventure all its own. So, can the Tesla Cybertruck get you to where the fish are biting? The short answer is probably.
How It Should Handle
The Cybertruck has a low centre of gravity. That should give it good traction control. Traction improves vehicle stability. Tesla claims the electric truck will have the utility of a truck with sportscar performance.
Off-Road Capability
Electric vehicles have instant torque. That’s why they accelerate so quickly. Instant access to 100% of its available torque should give Tesla Cybertruck great trail performance. The demo version of the Tesla Cybertruck is outfitted with 35×12.50 all-terrain tires. That’s a nice compromise for a truck that will likely be driven both on and off-road.
The Cybertruck comes with adjustable air suspension that can provide up to 16 inches of ground clearance. Plus, it can be raised or lowered on the go. Add an approach angle of 35 degrees and a departure angle of 28 degrees, and there’s plenty of clearance for rough terrain.
It’ll Float!
According to Elon Musk, the Tesla Cybertruck can float. At least, it’ll “float for a while,” according to Musk. It’s not clear how long it will stay afloat or how you’d drive it in the water. So, it probably won’t replace your fishing boat.
“…It will even float for a while”
Elon Musk.
Features/Accessories Anglers Will Like
There are some practical features on the Tesla Cybertruck that anglers will appreciate. That includes the electric outlet in the bed. The slide-out tailgate can be used as a ramp to roll ATVs and motorcycles into the bed.
You can turn your Cybertruck into a standup camper from Cyberlandr. The camper fits in the truck bed and folds down to maintain the Cybertruck’s aerodynamic form while travelling. It includes a shower and dry toilet, a kitchen with a large sink and induction cooktop, foldaway tables, and two chairs that convert into a queen-size bed. It might be great for a fishing trip if you can cover the $50,000 US price tag. Cyberlandr is accepting orders now and promising delivery when your Cybertruck arrives.
Cybertruck Promises A Lot
The Tesla Cybertruck has a lot to offer an avid angler looking to switch to an electric vehicle. Initially, it was due to roll off the assembly lines starting in 2021. That’s now pushed back to late 2022. Delays are due to several factors, including developing all-new manufacturing processes for features such as the steel exoskeleton body. But Tesla still expects to build 100,000 units per year by 2025. We’ll have to wait and see.
