- Automotive purchasing and evaluations web site Edmunds just lately bought its Tesla Cybertruck after ready for 4 years.
- It carried out standardized vary, efficiency and effectivity checks on the electrical truck, prefer it does for all different EVs.
- However the truck broke down throughout testing, flashing purple warnings on the display screen, indicating a number of system failures.
The Tesla Cybertruck could have ushered in a brand new period of electrical truck design and manufacturing, however in terms of staple items like reliability, it has loads of room for enchancment.
Automotive purchasing and evaluations web site Edmunds just lately purchased a model new Cybertruck for long run testing. Over the previous month, the Cybertruck underwent standardized testing that the outlet performs with each new EV. The Cybertruck wasn’t getting any particular therapy or further consideration that it in any other case instructions on the highway.
Earlier than we get to what went flawed, Edmunds carried out some checks the place the truck labored as supposed. The twin-motor Cybertruck Basis Collection sprinted from a standstill to a 60 miles per hour in 4.0 seconds, about 0.1 seconds faster than Tesla’s estimate. It accomplished the quarter mile dash in 12.3 seconds at 110.2 mph—that is loads fast for a truck that ideas the size at over 6,600 kilos. By comparability, the prolonged vary Ford F-150 Lightning has a curb weight of 6,361 lbs.
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Within the mixed metropolis and freeway vary check the electrical truck coated 334 miles on a single cost, barely outperforming Tesla’s personal 318-mile estimate. Driving vary could differ from area to area and is influenced by climate, driving model, highway situations and extra.
When testing was practically full, issues went downhill. The Cybertruck’s display screen flashed purple, detecting a “lack of system redundancy.” This is what the message on the display screen learn: “When out of park, the automobile could abruptly lose electrical energy, steering and propulsion and could also be unable to use parking brake. It might be attainable to get well the system by performing a automobile energy cycle: Exit the automobile, shut all doorways, re-enter the automobile and try to drive…”
The outlet’s Senior Critiques Editor Brian Wong adopted the on display screen directions, however that did not assist. Other than blowing sizzling air on a scorching summer time day, the automobile displayed extra warnings, together with rear steering failure, low-voltage battery warning and decreased energy and velocity. After operating a “energy cycle,” it began shifting, however solely in limp mode at 4 mph. About an hour later, the Cybertruck drove simply effective and acted like nothing had occurred. Wong drove it again dwelling.
The earliest service appointment Wong may get was two weeks after the incident occurred (August 20). The service individual mentioned these points may very well be stemming from certainly one of three sources: the entrance wiring harness, 48-volt battery or rear steering system. This is not the primary time we have seen a Cybertruck break down. Homeowners have confronted drive unit failures, malfunctioning windshield wipers and several other different points. InsideEVs compiled a complete record of issues house owners have been dealing with since deliveries began on the finish of final yr.
This appears to the recurring theme at Tesla. Even the early manufacturing variations of the Mannequin 3 and Mannequin Y confronted debilitating high quality and reliability points, however Tesla ironed them out over time. Nevertheless, when these fashions have been having teething points, the world was a special place. Tesla wasn’t within the place it’s in at present. Its gross sales are declining, rivals appears extra strong than ever earlier than and CEO Elon Musk’s controversies and tradition wars are turning some patrons off. If Tesla desires to proceed main America’s electrification journey, it wants to repair the Cybertruck first.
