Tesla has officially released details about the Cybertruck range extender, including its pricing and availability, as the electric vehicle manufacturer ramps up production of its first electric pickup truck. Customers will soon be able to purchase the Tesla Cybertruck, with deliveries of the premium $100,000 Foundation Series beginning within the month.
Additionally, those interested in extending their Cybertruck’s range can now reserve the much-anticipated range extender accessory for an additional $500. Originally slated for a release later this year, Tesla has rescheduled the launch of the Cybertruck Range Extender to early 2025, aligning with prior speculations.
Priced at $16,000, the official range extender promises to add an extra 130 miles to the Cybertruck’s battery life, effectively costing $123 per additional mile of range. The added capacity is expected to yield about 2.6 miles per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh), slightly lower than the 2.8 mi/kWh efficiency of the Cybertruck’s main battery. This difference in efficiency accounts for the range extender’s requirement for additional installation, which naturally incurs some loss of efficiency.
Tesla is offering priority installation to those who reserve the range extender now, anticipating the launch to occur sometime in the first quarter of 2025. The design of the extender allows it to function as either a toolbox or a bench within the truck bed, with its placement expected to take up about a third of that space. This is an important consideration for potential buyers mulling over the reservation of this accessory.
Tesla’s ambition to improve the Cybertruck’s energy efficiency was highlighted when Drew Baglino, a former key figure in Tesla’s battery division, expressed the company’s long-term goal. The aim is to enhance either the vehicle’s efficiency or the energy density of the 4680 battery, so that with the aid of the range extender, it can achieve the 500 miles of range that was initially promised.
Elon Musk has indicated that the range extender would particularly benefit Cybertruck owners who anticipate embarking on significantly extended journeys or who may need to tow substantial loads up steep inclines. By choosing to offer a range extender as an optional accessory rather than installing a larger, more expensive battery, Tesla could maintain the base price of its non-Foundation Cybertruck models more affordably, potentially within the limits for tax credits, while still approaching the 500-mile range target.
However, Tesla enthusiasts eager for more accessible pricing may need to wait, as the Cybertruck’s price currently starts at $99,990 and the less expensive trim is not yet available for direct order.
Users interested in enhancing their EV charging setup can look for the Tesla Universal Wall Connector EV Charger with a Dual Plug, which is available for purchase online and suits a range of charging needs for electric vehicles.
Tesla continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology and accessories, catering to the demands of customers who seek extended range capabilities without compromising on price or efficiency. With these latest updates to the Tesla Cybertruck and its range extender accessory, the future of electric pickups looks robust and ready to tackle longer roads and tougher terrains.
