Tesla’s Cybertruck Long Range RWD was a far cry from what Musk initially promised
The Tesla Cybertruck Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), the model’s least-expensive variant and the one most troubled from the start, has disappeared from the automaker’s online configurator. When Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the Cybertruck in 2019, he stated that drivers could soon purchase a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version of the model for a starting price of $39,900, without any incentives or discounts. However, that dream never came to fruition, despite Tesla introducing the RWD grade in April.
Tesla
The Tesla Cybertruck Long Range RWD had a starting price of $69,990 without the $7,500 federal electric vehicle (EV) incentive. While $62,490 after the EV tax credit is hardly inexpensive for a pickup, the federal incentive is set to expire after September 30. While the public knew they’d be getting a Cybertruck Long Range RWD that was more expensive than $39,900, the model arrived five months ago with a price tag that was still $10,000 more expensive than Reuters’ price report from late 2023. On top of the significantly higher-than-expected price tag, the Cybertruck Long Range RWD required buyers to sacrifice several key features found in the dual-motor AWD grade, starting at $79,990.
Would you have been willing to sacrifice these Cybertruck features to save $10,000?
A Cybertruck Long Range RWD produced 315 horsepower and 364 lb-ft of torque from its single motor, translating to a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time and 112 mph top speed. In comparison, the Cybertruck AWD delivers 600 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds and a near-equivalent top speed. Buyers of a Cybertruck Long Range RWD also had to sacrifice the powered tonneau cover (though an optional soft tonneau cover was available), bed power outlets, and adaptive air suspension in favor of coil springs that reduced payload capacity from 2,500 lbs in the AWD to 2,007 lbs, and towing capacity that was 3,500 lbs less than its AWD counterpart’s 7,500 lbs. Inside, the Cybertruck Long Range RWD featured cloth seats instead of the AWD’s synthetic leather upholstery, heated seats in the front row rather than both rows, no front seat ventilation, no rear passenger display, and a seven-speaker audio system despite the AWD sporting eight additional speakers.
Jetcity image – Adobe Stock Images
Final thoughts
While Elon Musk accurately previewed the Cybertruck RWD in 2019 as offering over 250 miles of range (the Long Range RWD’s range was 350-362 miles), a maximum 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, a top speed of at least 110 mph, and a 7,500-lb tow rating, the initial projection of a 3,500-lb payload was way off, along with the $39,900 starting price.
Additionally, despite following through on the Cybertruck RWD’s promised range, 0-60 mph time, top speed, and tow rating, one would likely expect some of these features — such as 0-60 mph time and towing — to be better for a starting price of $69,990. At least the release Cybertrucks had armored glass that withstood the steel ball test that Tesla famously failed during the model’s 2019 unveiling. Tesla hasn’t made any public announcement about the Cybertruck Long Range RWD’s removal from its online configurator, but the decision could be related to the federal EV tax credit’s expiration that’s right around the corner.
