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One unexpected feature Tesla added late in the Cybertruck design process is the truck’s range extender battery pack.
This is a 50KWh battery pack that will increase the Cybertruck’s top range from 340 miles to 470 miles.
Unlike other Tesla vehicles with longer range, the Cybertruck’s range extender battery pack does not neatly integrate into the skateboard battery pack design.
On the Cybertruck, the 50KWh battery pack takes up one-third of the truck bed and will essentially be carried around as cargo. This is in contrast to the batteries situated on the floor, which serve as structural pieces.
This idea was rather surprising, and until very recently, Tesla was saying production of the range extender battery pack would begin before the end of the year.
However, along with other major changes Tesla made to the Cybertruck order page, including removing the reservation process for the vehicle, the EV maker has updated the production date for the range extender battery pack.
According to Tesla’s website, if you go to the Cybertruck order page, you can see that the range extender production has been pushed to 2025.
Tesla writes, “Enable more than 450 miles of range without impacting accessory compatibility. You will be notified when the Range Extender is ready for installation after production begins, which is planned for early 2025.”
Other information Tesla provides includes…
- 470+ total mi. range (est.)
- Requires installation at a Tesla service center
- Production is planned to begin in early 2025
- Priority installation
Given Tesla and Elon Musk’s history with schedules, a production date shift from late 2024 to early 2025 is not that big of a deal as long as it does not lead to further delays.
Another thing Tesla confirmed on the redesigned Cybertruck order page is the range extender’s price.
Eagled-eyed, Tesla white hat hackers had already spotted some code inside Tesla’s website hinting at the range extender’s price.
However, Tesla has officially confirmed the Cybertruck range extender will cost $16,000. This price for a 50KWh pack translates to $320/KWh.
The average price for battery cells is hovering around $60/KWh and around $140/KWh for integrated battery packs. At $320/KWh, Tesla will make a good profit margin from selling the range extender battery pack.
Tesla also confirmed that the range extender battery pack must be installed at a Tesla Service Center. Before Tesla confirmed this information, people were hoping the range extender would be easily removable.
This means Cybertruck owners with the extra battery pack will be able to remove it for day-to-day drives but install it back on when they need to travel long distances.
However, according to Tesla’s lead Cybertruck engineer, Wes Morrill, the range extender will need to be structurally mounted for safety reasons in the event of a crash.
Another change Tesla made with the range extender battery pack is that it now requires a $500 deposit to reserve the product.
From Tesla’s wording, the $500 will give you priority range extender installation when the product is hopefully released in early 2025.
However, from all available information, it doesn’t appear that ordering the range extender beforehand is required, and all Cybertruck owners can get the extra battery pack installed at any time.
Overall, although it’s disappointing that Tesla has delayed the production of the Cybertruck range extender battery pack, it’s still nice to see the EV maker confirm several details about the product.
Currently, this is all the information we have. However, we’ll be sure to keep you posted when we learn more about Tesla’s plans. Until then, visit our site, torquenews.com/Tesla, regularly for the latest updates.
So, what do you think? Are you disappointed to learn Tesla has delayed the Cybertruck range extender? Also, at $16,000, do you think it’s a good value? Let us know your thoughts in the comments by clicking the red “Add new comment” button below.
Image: Courtesy of Tesla, inc.
For more information, check out: A Honda T-Boned My Tesla Cybertruck & Got Peeled Like a Shrimp; My Cybertruck Kept a Piece of the Honda Stuck Between Its Stainless Steel Panels as a Souvenir of Its Triumph
Tinsae Aregay has been following Tesla and the evolution of the EV space daily for several years. He covers everything about Tesla, from the cars to Elon Musk, the energy business, and autonomy. Follow Tinsae on Twitter at @TinsaeAregay for daily Tesla news.
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