The 2026 Tesla Cyber SUV?

When Will Tesla Launch

CyberVAN/CyberSUV

A vehicle that can resurrect the Cyber Platform

I cannot emphasize strongly enough how significant this revelation is. It appears that the truth about this enigmatic vehicle is about to be revealed, and if not, it should be developed and brought to market as soon as possible. Why? Everything wrong with the CyberTruck is right with the CyberVan.

This CyberVAN surpasses the CyberTruck in every way, shape, and form, delivering far more on its promise than the CyberTruck itself. Moreover, it successfully addresses and overcomes every drawback and shortcoming of the CyberTruck. Tesla’s introduction of this new form factor also presents an opportunity for them to not only reinvent the CyberTruck but also rectify the mistakes, failed promises, and delayed launch of the CyberTruck, while exceedingly delivering on their original Cyber platform promises. I would go so far as to say when history looks back on this time, it will be recognized that the CyberTruck was a beta test for the CyberVan.

Initially, I thought Tesla’s recently leaked vehicle from Tesla Master Plan 4 might be a Cyber SUV. However, after examining the leaked image and taking a closer look, I believe it might be a CyberVan with sliding doors! To illustrate this concept, I’ve created a graphic depicting what a Tesla CyberVan with sliding doors might look like (as pictured above). I find it to be extremely intriguing and compelling! Please note that ll my renderings of a CyberVAN make it IDENTICAL in all dimensions to a standard CyberTruck, so it's the exact same length, width and height, and would essentially be identical in every way with the exception sliding doors and rear wagon form factor.

Above, we get a glimpse of what an upcoming Tesla CyberVan might look like. Below, we see it as a Tesla CyberSUV with doors that could be either traditional swinging doors or sliding doors. Personally, I would prefer powered sliding mini-van-style doors, which would truly make it a complete replacement for the Model X.

My Dream Tesla SUV is a LUCID

Kind of, Sort of, but not really...

Sophia Loren once famously and profoundly quipped "You can't have it all—at the same time." My understanding is she wasn't saying you can't have it all. She was just saying, you can't have everything perfect at the same time, and that is kind of what this story reminds me of.

I originally published this story back on May 16, of 2025, and it was titled "What I Want in a 2026 Tesla Model X", and I included the original story lower down in this story to add context. 

Today, I watched the video review of the new LUCID GRAVITY SUV reviewed by MKBHD (seen below), and I couldn’t help but think, “That car is almost exactly what I want in an SUV. However, it sadly lacks Tesla FSD, which is a major dealbreaker for me. I would love it even more if there were built-in screens in the backs of the front seats instead of the lower single screen that all Teslas have.”  

In essence, I would like Tesla to replace the Model X with a form-factor similar to the LUCID vehicle depicted above. My preference would even extend to the idea of having sliding rear doors, reminiscent of a mini-van.

Maybe My Dream Tesla SUV May Come True?

Something really interesting and unusual just occurred when Tesla apparently leaked a potential new Cyber SUV or CyberVan in the screenshot pictured below which was originally discovered and published by Torquenews.com. 

This is a screenshot from a Tesla video that revealed their Tesla Master Plan 4, which came out a few days ago. Notice in the background, up on a shelf, we see small scale models of what definitely appear to be a Tesla CyberSUV or CyberVAN people mover.

In a recent interview on Jay Leno’s Garage, Tesla lead designer Franz von Holzhausen discussed the recently updated Tesla Plaid Model S. He casually mentioned, in what appears to be an off-hand remark, Tesla has been working on several new products that evolve their design language and should be released soon. This raises the question: is he referring to the Tesla CyberSUV or CyberVAN pictured above?

On a side note, this is a good interview, but Jay Leno's SOFTBALL QUESTIONS on the new Model S PLAID are TOTALLY LAME. The first question I would have asked, is "How is it the new Model S Plaid is $110K before taxes, and still lacks a power FRUNK?????? After all, the $80K CyberTruck comes standard with a power frunk?"

In my recent review of the newly updated Model S and X I point out how disappointed I am that what historically were the most technologically advanced vehicles on earth, have NOT added any real or meaningful innovation in years.

Flat Roof Top CyberSUV would make it easy to put a folding Camper shell on top. I think this render is very close to the one seen in the Tesla design studio.

I can't help but wonder if the Tesla Cyber SUV concepts  pictured above and below is what Franz was talking about, when he said Tesla would soon be introducing new products? If Tesla introduces this vehicle soon, it would likely overcome the two Achilles heal issues that currently plague the CyberTruck, which are Low Range with only 325 miles, and a horrendous/nonsensical rear view mirror system. 

If the second and third row of seats in this vehicle were designed in such a way that they could easily fold flat like in the new Chinese market only Tesla Model YL, it would result in a much larger usable bed area than a CyberTruck. For instance, it should be able to hold 4x8 sheets of plywood easily, without having to stick out the back, where the CyberTruck bed is only 4x6 feet. If done correctly, this could also create a huge sleeping area in the back for camping, which can't be done in the CyberTruck.

Pictured above we see a photo of the second and third row seats in the Chinese market only Tesla Model YL, which are folded down. If the Tesla CyberVan has a similar seating configuration, it would open up a world of opportunities for storage and camping.

The CyberTruck uses a video camera on the back of the CyberTruck that easily becomes unusable when it drives in rain, but a CyberSUV could use a real standard rear view mirror, like a Model S, 3, X or Y does. Also, if this vehicle were to have at least 400 miles of range, that would make it infinitely better. 500 miles of range would be far more ideal, and I think that is within the realm of possibility.

As a designer, I seriously can't figure out what the hell happened to Tesla design recently. Yes, the Model Y, is amazing, and the best selling car on earth, but the S and X and CyberTruck have had no love over the past year and a half or more. 

My intuition suggests that Tesla has a secret weapon up its sleeve, and my best guess is that they will soon launch the CyberSUV or CyberVan. These vehicles will essentially be CyberTrucks, but instead of a bed with a sliding tonneau cover, they will feature a lift-back with a large third-row seat. 

If Tesla designs this vehicle well, it will also provide owners with a convenient way to camp in their vehicle. 

Additionally, with its flat roof, it will allow them to easily set up a large foldable tent on top if they wish.    

After I wrote this story I noticed the image below that shows a Urander Tent on top of a CyberTruck, along with the support system that creates a flat top surface for the tent to rest upon and I would not help but notice it's profile/silhouette/shape was remarkably similar to the one pictured above.

Just for fun, I made the following renders that would show what my now classic JAKEe CyberTruck Wrap style might look like on the CyberSUV, and it looks pretty good. I wrapped the bottom and extended the window to give it more of a dramatic and framed look.

I couldn't make up my mind which way I liked the window shape better, so I tried both ways: I think the version above with the added window wrap extension make it look more like a police truck, and the version below looks more modern, directional and geometrical.

Below is my original article I mentioned earlier (Originally published in May of 2025) on what I want in an ultimate Tesla SUV, that ideally will replace their Model X:

What I Want In a 2026 Tesla Model X

In the past I've written about how I would love to see a Tesla CyberVan based upon the Model X platform.

Below is an image I put together that shows what I was hoping we will see with the next generation Tesla Model X. This vehicle can comfortably seat 6 passengers, or could also come in a seven seater model. This Model X is 1.5 feet longer than the current Model X in order to accommodate the third row occupants by giving them plenty of legroom. It also replaces the ridiculously ill-designed Falcon wing doors with sliding rear side doors like you would find a standard minivan.

NOTE: Just for frame-of-reference I am adding this paragraph and the hero shot below from the beginning of this story, as it appears Tesla might essentially make my dream SUV or VAN, but using the CyberTruck design language, which would be awesome!!!

I would like to see this model feature 4-wheel steering like the CyberTruck, which should result in an overall decreased turning radius when compared to the current standard wheelbase Model X, along with bi-directional charging and steer-by-wire. Tesla is planning on coming out with a revised new Model S and X pretty soon, and I hope they make these updates. Also, I hope wireless charing will be standard on the new Tesla Models.

This is essentially like a Model X had a baby with a CyberTruck. While a current Model X can accommodate 2 adults in the front, the back seats are too narrow and too close to the doors, so they feel claustrophobic. 

The current 6 seater is nice as it has the center walkway located between the 2 rear captains chairs, but the third row seats only work for small children. By making an elongated Model X, with a much larger third row seats, which could comfortably accommodate 2 or 3 adults, would be ideal, and would also add much more rear cargo space.

Li Auto Figured it out with their new i8

After I wrote this entire article, I discovered that the Chinese company, Li Auto had essentially taken the Tesla Model X to the next level and perfected it. The Chinese Li Auto i8 is pictured below next to a Tesla Model X. 

As we see in the image below, the i8 is basically a longer Model X, which a wagon back that increases cargo space and ads a much larger and useful third row that can comfortably sit 2 adults. Also, the Li Auto has a more cab forward design, which contributes to its useful cabin space area. Overall the Li Auto i8 is:

Tesla Model X  dimensions v. Li Auto i8

Length: Li i8 is 1.9 inches (~5 cm) longer.

Width: The Model X is 1.5 inches (~4cm) wider without mirrors. 

Height: Li i8 is 2.2 inches (~5.6 cm) taller (offering better headroom).

Wheelbase Li i8 is 5.5 inches (~14 cm) longer. 

I find it to be embarrassing that a Chinese company could essentially copy the Model X and make it way better, but Tesla themselves are stuck on stupid and can't figure out how to easily improve the Model X? I mean this is NOT rocket science...Also, Tesla seriously needs to get rid of the falcon wing door, which are a complete nightmare. Yes, they make it easier to put a small child in their child seat, but they are are ridiculously overpriced and unnecessary, and often function incorrectly, not to mention they are a hazard in many ways.

As we see in the image of i8 interior below, it can comfortably fit 6 full sized adults.

If Tesla is going to keep producing the Model X, they need to completely redesign it from the ground up. If they were to do so, it would make complete sense to make it similar in all dimensions to the Li Auto i8, but swap out the doors with sliding mini-van style doors.

I recently took this photo of this Toyota Sienna Hybrid minivan, and essentially it's pretty close to what I would love to see Tesla make a similar model to as far as form-factor, as it has rear side doors that slide open and closed.

The upcoming LUCID GRAVITY really does kind of look like the Toyota Sienna Minivan pictured above, but way cooler, and it features 4 wheel steering, but for me it's not an option as it lacks FSD. If it had Tesla FSD, I would buy it.

The space for larger Luxury EV SUV's is heating up, and below we see the soon to market South Korean Genesis GV90 made by Hyundai, which looks pretty damed cool. This design also makes it evident that within 5 years, this form-factor with forward facing front seats with a steering wheel will essentially become obsolete, as vehicle form-factor will transform into an autonomous pod on wheels, and then the seats will offer much more extended leg room. If you look at the image below, if somebody was sitting in the front seat when it is reversed like this, their legs will interfere with the person sitting across from them, but if the form-factor were elongated by several feet, this issue would be resolved.

The following is excerpted from an article I published 5 years ago on TeslaMagazine.org titled "Thoughts on the future of Autonomous Vehicles." This section illustrates exactly what I am referring to with the future form-factors of autonomous EV's with wireless charging:

Just to be crystal-clear, my point is automobile form-factors as we have known them for more than the past century with front facing front seats will soon become obsolete and will be replaced with vehicles that have rear facing front seats, are 100% autonomous and feature wireless charing. My assumption is within about 5-7 years, this new form-factor will completely replace vehicles as we have known them. Keep in mind what you are about to read below, I published 5 years ago:

I just completed a fascinating https://t.co/3G7FUCfdyF story which showcases and discusses Tesla’s potentially upcoming CyberVan and/or CyberSUV: https://t.co/LjqxrIQbEI pic.twitter.com/PUInCV9cvm

— Jake Ehrlich (@JakeEhrlich) September 6, 2025

ONE MORE THANG

Sawyer Merritt is my favorite Tesla analyst and journalist, so when he responded with his comment on my story on the "CyberTruck Owners Only" Facebook Group, it made my day. I included Sawyers comment below:

I wrote a detailed response to Sawyer and decided to include it below, as I think it reiterates the essence of my argument for the value proposition behind a Tesla CyberVAN:

Hi Sawyer! 

Thanks for sharing your kind and insightful words. I have long been a fan of your work and amazing research, so I was pleasantly surprised to see your erudite comment. I agree with everything you said, and in my detailed article on TeslaMagazine.org, I mentioned that a CyberVAN with sliding doors could not only resurrect the Cyber Platform, but could also deliver on the original promise of the CyberTruck itself.

Specifically:

-BED STORAGE SPACE: The CyberTruck bed is only 4 x 6 feet, thus it can’t fit a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood or drywall in the bed with the lift gate closed, but a CyberVan could easily fit 4 x 8 sheets as there is no pass-through barrier and nothing to interfere with them.

-CAMPING: Users can’t camp in the CyberTruck as the bed is too small, and most importantly, the bed is not heated or cooled like the cabin of every other Tesla. With the CyberVAN, not only would you have HVAC access to fresh, warm, or cool air, but you could fit a much longer mattress in the back for sleeping. Not to mention, sleeping in a CyberVAN in public places would be much safer and quieter than sleeping in a tent on top of a CyberTruck. Also, the owners would not have to climb up a ladder to reach the tent on top of a CyberTruck. 

-REAR SEAT COMFORT: The CyberTruck is limited to 5 passengers, but the CyberVAN could comfortably seat 8, or even 9 with a front bench seat. Tesla could even make an extended wheelbase model that could fit a total of 12, like a Suburban. The rear seats in the CyberTruck are fixed and cannot recline at all, so for long rides, since they are fixed in a completely upright position, they can get uncomfortable. A CyberVAN could easily allow the second row seats to recline, and even so with the third row of seats.

-NO MORE DEFECTIVE REAR VIEW MIRROR: The design of the CyberTruck rear view mirror system is completely defective. If you drive a CyberTruck on a normal rainy day, the rear camera will easily and regularly get covered so it becomes useless as it will get covered with dirty water that gets kicked up onto the rear camera lens. It’s beyond ironic that the CyberTruck has a washer on the front camera but not on the back camera, where it needs it most. Personally, I am shocked that Tesla has not addressed this by putting a digital rear view mirror in the vehicle with a top mounted rear camera. This would be an easy fix, but as a designer myself, I am extremely frustrated with the fact that Tesla designed such a great vehicle with the CyberTruck, but then seemingly abandoned it by making zero meaningful improvements on it after a year and a half. Ironically, the beauty of a CyberVAN is that it could use a conventional mirrored rear view mirror which should function properly.

-RANGE: Tesla made a HUGE mistake by only putting in a 325-mile range battery. At a minimum, it should have been 400 or 500, as originally promised. That external battery pack that was $15K and destroyed 1/3 of the bed space was an insult to Tesla customers, but with a CyberVAN and the newest 4680 batteries, Tesla could easily hit 400 miles of range, if not 500, which would be ideal.

-NO FALCON WING DOORS: Even Elon admitted the Falcon Wing doors on the Model X were his greatest blunder. I think it’s shocking they still sell the X with these highly defective doors, which are a complete nightmare to live with in the real world. Elon’s original argument for the Falcon Wing Doors was that they would make it easy to remove and place small children in child seats, especially if a car parked too close to your Model X.  So try opening a Falcon Wing door on a taller sidewalk, and try not to have it hit your head or face, even IF it extends all the way. With mini-van style doors on a CyberVAN, it will completely eliminate this challenge. Basically, a CyberVAN would replace the Model X as the ultimate Tesla station wagon for families.

-POWER FRUNK: How ironic is it  the $80K CyberTruck has a power frunk, but the new flagship  Model S and Model X, which are way more expensive, lack this very useful feature? I agree with you that Tesla should keep all the features the CyberTruck offers with the CyberVAN. Franz is a really great designer in many ways, so he has to have been up to something over the past couple of years beyond refreshing the S, 3, X, and Y. Since he has completely ignored updating the CyberTruck, I assume he has been focused on the CyberVAN, which would explain what he was talking about in the recent Jay Leno video interview, when he said he was working on extending Tesla’s design language.

Also, if you take a really close look at the screenshot from the Tesla Master Plan 4 video that shows the models in Franz’s design studio, if you look at them closely, it almost appears they have a longer sliding rear side door.

Many larger families would benefit from a CyberVAN, but I think there are many people who would simply prefer its form factor, as minivans are so useful and utilitarian, not to mention people like command seating where they sit up high when they drive.

Of course, I cover all these details and much more in my TeslaMagazine.org article which I assume you read. If not, here is a direct link to the detailed story: https://www.teslamagazine.org/2025/09/the-2026-tesla-cyber-suv.html

Once again Sawyer, thanks so much for sharing your invaluable insight!

Cheers!

Jake :-)

Tesla Gas Station...

 

Tesla Gas Station

I recently took the supremely ironic photos below of a Tesla Supercharging Station that was placed in the parking lot of what is now an abandoned gas station. When I took this photo, I couldn't believe how profound it was as a symbolic harbinger of things to come.

Video Killed The Radio Star

Taji's Purple Gradient Wrap

 

Taji's Purple Gradient Wrap

This image from Taji Henley is really cool as it shows his purple gradient CyberTruck. Taji said on Facebook: "I never thought I was gonna be an EV kinda guy, but I am loving my truck more than life." Of course, I added my JAKEeWRAP rear pyramid window to give it a finished look...

2025 Tesla CyberTruck Crash Results

2025 Tesla CyberTruck Crash Results

About a month ago I published a story about how the IIHS had completed its first ever Tesla Cybertruck crash test footage, and gave it a 5 star rating, but I had to remove the story as they took down the video for some strange reason. Fast forward to today, and the NHTSA gave the Cybertruck another  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating, and they also came out with updated video as seen below.

 

Additional 5-star ratings for @cybertruck https://t.co/6tzQhXL7NN

— Tesla (@Tesla) August 21, 2025

Tesla Diner Reviews

 

Tesla Diner Reviews

Lambo Orange CyberTruck

 

Lambo Orange CyberTruck

I LOVE color! As a designer, I have always been fascinated by color, and for some reason, I love jewel tones in particular. On TeslaMagazine.org, since the CyberTruck came out, I have posted many cool images of deep red, and cool blue colors, as well as green, and today I am happy to share this image of what I would refer to as a "Matte Lambo Orange" wrapped CyberTruck, which appears courtesy of Setul G. Patel, which he posted on Facebook. I think this is one of the coolest wrapped CyberTrucks I have seen.

The original image from Facebook is pictured below, and of course, I could not resist seeing what it would look like with my JAKEeWRAP rear sail window addition, along with blacking out the window sills in black, which makes it look even more awesome to me. The color wrap is "Satin stunning orange from Avery", which is unfortunately a vinyl wrap, and I only say this as I prefer PPF over Vinyly for its added durability.

Updated Model S and X Extremely Disappointing Upgrades

Updated Model S and X

Extremely Disappointing Upgrades

IN A NUTSHELL: Tesla has taken the 2022 Model S and Model X, spruced them up with festive wrapping, added vibrant RGB LED interior lighting, and placed them back under the Christmas tree as if they were sparkling new presents. Yet, these refreshed models fall short of the Cybertruck’s bold, pioneering spirit, carrying almost none of its innovative DNA, except for a stylish ambient lightbar that serves as a subtle, shimmering nod to its revolutionary design. Also, they raised the price $5k.

A few weeks ago, Tesla announced they would be upgrading the Model S and X, which many people, including myself were looking forward to. I am in the market for a new Tesla Model X, and was so stoked to finally see the new models, which I saw in person last week, and man was it anticlimactic :-(

In a nutshell, Tesla essentially added their linear LED interior ambient lightbar (pictured below), and increased the already high price by an additional $5,000, and they replaced their great blue color with a terrible new sky blue, that might as well be grey.

Tesla claimed "the new Model X has less wind and road noise, as well as more effective Active Noise Cancellation. A smoother ride thanks to new bushings, and suspension design." They also said it has adaptive driving beams, which is strange as I am fairly certain the model it replaced also had adaptive matrix headlights. The kicker is Tesla also said the new Model X features more space for 3rd row occupants and cargo.

Where is the Beef?

When I went to the showroom to check out the new Model X, the Manager was standing next to me, and I opened the rear hatch and said, "I understand the Model X now has more cargo room in the back?" He nodded and said yes. But then I took a careful look and said, "It looks identical to me???" He said, "The new model X is longer than the older model it replaced". I looked it up, and the outgoing model was 199.1 inches long, and the new one is 199.2 inches, which means they increased the length by 1/10th of an inch, which is appalling to me. The fact that Tesla would say the new model has more Space for 3rd row occupants and cargo, when they added 1/10 of an inch is beyond embarrassing, and grasping for straws at best.

I went back to my local Tesla sales center and took this photo, which definitely does NOT look like it's any bigger. I was chatting with the salesperson and mentioned that I thought it was ridiculous that Tesla said the Model X had more room. They responded by sayin they understood that the third row seats were slightly wider than on the outgoing model.

On a positive note, Tesla added a front center camera on the bumper, and filled in the pencil thin mustache area which makes the Model S and X slightly more aerodynamic, which ads 5 miles to the range. They also added more aerodynamic hubcaps which also likely contribute to this increase.

What's Missing?

I would argue this is a fake refresh, or a very minor refresh at best. Below is a list of features I was really hoping to see that Tesla failed to add:

-NO WIRELESS CHARGING 

-No bidirectional charging 

-NO POWER FRUNK [THIS IS BEYOND LAME]

-No Price reduction

-No 4680 Battery chemistry refresh

-No 48v architecture

-No 800v architecture 

-No fast charging

-No meaningful increase in range

-No rear wheel steering

-No steer by wire

-No New Motor

-No New Squircle Steering wheel.

-No HUD

-No Turning Signal Stalk.

-Shade of Blue is awful

-$5K MORE FOR ESSENTIALLY THE SAME VEHICLE.

I can't even put into words how disappointed I am with Tesla's lack of innovation with these models, as well as their lack on improvement on the CyberTruck, which they have essentially done nothing to improve, except come out with a 2WD model that is totally lame.

The X and S still use the same old 18650 battery cells which are far from state of the art. Also, Tesla still offers the Plaid models with the Yoke steering wheel, which is like a bad joke. The lack of a power up and down frunk like the CyberTruck has is also an absurd oversight for a car that costs $100K.

Tesla claims they are different than all other manufacturers who only make yearly updates. In other words, Tesla has long claimed they make improvements all the time, and frequently whenever they discover issues. This is clearly NOT the case with the CyberTruck as they ran the ball down to the 2 yard line and stopped, as it is not done.

Franz von Holzhausen who is the lead designer at Tesla was once hazing Apple for their lack of innovation with their products and said on Spike's Car Radio Podcast on February 9, 2022: 

    "The sad part about Apple products now is like there's nothing to look forward to. I feel like it's just a continuation. It's just a slight refinement on the same thing. Inspirationally, it's been hard to get super motivated by what they're doing."

—Franz von Holzhausen

Tesla Lead Designer [February 9, 2022]

This is supremely ironic, that the company with the best designed vehicles is now resting on it's laurels, and failing to innovate on the interior and exterior.

I am fine with the exterior, but if I am going to pay over $100K for a luxury vehicle, I want luxury features, like massaging seats, and rear screens integrated into the backs of the front seats. Not some goofy single screen that will strain the hell out of your neck if you watch it. Also, the fact the CyberTruck has had a Power UP/Down frunk opener for 1.5 years, and the Model S and X don't have this feature yet makes no sense at all.

Tesla announced its Q2 deliver numbers this week, and they counted all sales of the Model S, Model X and CyberTruck together by offering the number at around 10,000 for the entire world. These numbers are horrendous. Industry pundits have broken it down and their consensus is that Tesla sold around 5,000 CyberTrucks, and around 2,500 Model S and Model X.

By increasing the price of the Model S and X by $5k, after the $7,500 tax credit disappears in a few months, is likely to diminish sales of these models even more. Tesla, is not stupid, but I think we will see price decreases on these models, along with all kinds of incentives, including free supercharging for the life of the vehicle, Free FSD, as well as 0% financing.

So what is going on with Tesla, and should we be worried? I think that Elon decided to put all chips on red with fast tracking FSD, and other projects. The new Model Y is continuing to sell really well, so my best guess is Tesla just doesn't care about the Model S and X, and CyberTruck anymore. Maybe I am wrong, and I hope I am wrong.

I am in the market for a new EV today, and I would LOVE to purchase a competitors vehicle, like a Mercedes, but I can't as no other manufacturers offer FSD. In other words, FSD has FINALLY become such an invaluable benefit, so I am stuck in Tesla land, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Don't get me wrong, the current Model S and X and CyberTruck are amazing cars, that are well designed and innovative in many ways, but I am just disappointed that Tesla has stopped any real and meaningful innovation on the vehicles themselves.

Key Takeaway Point

No Wireless Charging?

I want to make a key point here. There is a confirmed feature that Tesla will be adding to all their vehicles in the future that will be invaluable, and that is wireless charging. I have written about the tremendous benefits of wireless charging in the past. Today, there is only one Tesla vehicle made that already comes standard with the wireless charging pre-wired, and that is the CyberTruck. Tesla obviously has not released their wireless platform and hardware yet, but the CyberTruck comes pre-wired to accept it.

I don't want to spend over $100K for a vehicle that will largely become obsolete once Tesla introduces wireless charging as standard on all their vehicles, which is inevitable, and likely to occur sometime son. Can you image if you were to purchase a Model X for $120K, and a month later, they introduce a new version that comes standard with wireless charging?

Why is wireless charing so important? Every stall in all Tesla Superchargers will feature wireless charging pads, that will automatically drive your car, when in FSD to the actual wireless charger, and charge your vehicle automagically. In other words, you won't have to get out of your vehicle, and plug it in. Also, if you are at a Supercharger today, and your vehicle is plugged in, and there is something sketchy going on, you MUST get out of your vehicle to unplug it. In other words, you can't just drive away, but with wireless charing you will be able to.

If you are on a road trip and take a nap, your Tesla will be able to navigate itself to any superchargers, and charge itself automatically, even while you are sleeping, and then it can continue driving without you having to be awake.

Let's say you travel somewhere, and all the supercharger stalls are being used by others and there is a line, without wireless you will have to wait until a stall opens, so you can plug in your vehicle. With wireless charging, you will be able to get out of your vehicle, while it waits for a charging stall to open up, and then it will just go and charge itself, and when it's full, it will be able to drive away and go park itself so you are not charged extra for occupying a space after you are fully charged.

Also, at home, your Tesla will automatically pull itself in your garage and charge itself, without you having to do anything, including in tight garage spaces. In other words, if you were to park your car in front of your home, and later decided you want to charge it from a while you are away from your home, you can't without being there to plug it in. If you have wireless charging, you will be able to go to the Tesla app and tell Grok,"Pull my car in the garage and charge it". The list of benefits goes on and on and on...

Looks Like I Am Not The Only One

2026 Tesla Model X and S Reviews

The videos below go into great detail on the new X and S, and they basically draw the same conclusion I came to.

Andrew Tate Drives CyberTruck For First Time

Andrew Tate 
Drives CyberTruck For First Time

Andrew Tate received a super fly CyberTruck as a surprise gift, but couldn't figure out who gave it to him. Ironically, before diving his new CyberTruck he has NEVER driven an electric car. The custom back interior with red trim is awesome. How awesome you ask? Sharks with Frickin laser beams awesome!!! I originally posted the video in this story, but the video was removed for some reason.

Polished JAKEe CyberTruck Look...

Polished JAKEe CyberTruck Look

I recently came across a stunning, freshly polished CyberTruck on Facebook, owned by Dave Peck. It already featured a lightbar and running boards, but I couldn’t resist adding my JAKEe touch. I installed my JAKEe Rear Sail Window Panel and framed the bottom window sills in black—and wow, it looks absolutely incredible!

That being said, I am on the fence with the running boards. They look kind of cool, but at the same time conflict with the streamlined look of the CyberTruck by giving it kind of strange looking love handles.

I couldn't help but be curious about what a polished CyberTruck with my original JAKEe two-tone black wrapped bottom design would look like so I created the image below, which looks pretty sick!!!!

Below is the original image Dave Peck shared on Facebook of his CyberTruck, which still looks impressive. However, I believe the sail panels and blacked-out window sill wrap, as shown above, elevate its appearance a million times over. Polishing the CyberTruck’s steel costs a bit more than a PPF wrap, but the result is undeniably worth it. My sail wrap, which should cost around $500 to install, completely transforms the CyberTruck into a breathtaking masterpiece.

Below is another photo of Dave's polished CyberTruck that I added my JAKEe rear sail windows to.

Below is the original photo before I added the JAKEe rear sail window, just for frame of reference.

Pictured below we see a different polished CyberTruck I added my JAKEe Sail window to. I think Tesla should offer a special version of the CyberTruck with the polished mirror finish as it just looks so cool...Note the polished CyberTruck pictured below lacks the top front facing lightbar...

And again, we see the original version before I added my JAKEe Sail panel and black raccoon eye trim. I have to admit I have fallen deeply in love with the chrome look of the polished stainless steel CyberTruck!!!!

My Take on the New 2WD Cybertruck: A HUGE Disappointing Step Backward

My Take on the New Rear Wheel Dive Cybertruck 

A HUGE & PATHETIC Step Backward

"Tesla 2WD CyberTuck is like a Ferrari with Bicycle tires. 

Completely nonsensical and absurd.

It’s a vapid stripped-down hollow poseur, all looks with no substance, comically unfit for the rugged world it claims to own."

After much deliberation, I’ve decided to hold off on purchasing a Cybertruck until Tesla releases an updated/refreshed version. This choice might seem surprising, especially since I was among the first to reserve a Cybertruck during the initial pre-order window at the 2019 launch event. So, why didn’t I follow through when I had the chance to be first in line?

Tesla’s approach with the Foundation Series left such a horrible taste in my mouth! The significant cash-grab price hike, paired with a drastic reduction in range—down to 300 miles from the promised 500 miles—was a major anti-climatic letdown. Talk about overpromising and underdelivering!?!!

I believe Tesla is on the verge of revamping the Cybertruck, likely introducing a second-generation/refreshed model with improved range and fixes for the beta issues that have plagued the first generation. Since I’ve already waited this long, I figure I might as well hold out a bit longer for a better version.

Let’s talk about the new “Long Range” 2WD Cybertruck. Frankly, I think it’s a massive disappointment, and Tesla has dropped the ball by stripping it down so much. Cloth seats with no ventilation, no powered tonneau cover, and a slew of missing features? 

This feels like another cash grab, and I’m deeply disappointed. When my local Tesla dealership reached out to gauge my interest in this new model, my response was blunt: “Even if you offered it to me for free—on the condition that I couldn’t sell it and had to drive it weekly—I’d still pass.” That’s how underwhelming I find this stripped-down CyberTruck. In my view, Tesla will struggle to sell many of these, and I hesitate to even call it a true CyberTruck.

Key Features Missing 

from Long Range 2WD CyberTruck

Let's take a closer look at what Tesla has removed from the 2WD Long Range model CyberTruck compared to the AWD version:

Drivetrain: The 2WD configuration is a major downgrade from the AWD. A rear-wheel-drive truck feels out of place for a vehicle marketed as a rugged, all-purpose machine. 2WD means you can't drive it safely on snow and the performance in rain is degraded, and forget about taking it off-road. To my way of thinking, all vehicles in 2025 should come standard with AWD, kind of like ABS Brakes are standard today.

Performance: The 2WD takes 6.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, compared to the AWD’s 4.1 seconds. For a truck that’s supposed to be a powerhouse, this sluggish acceleration is unacceptable.

Towing Capacity: The 2WD’s towing capacity is reduced to 7,500 pounds, down from the AWD’s 11,000 pounds, limiting its utility for heavy-duty tasks.

Tonneau Cover: The Cybertruck’s iconic powered tonneau cover—known as the sliding “Vault”—stands as a cornerstone of its futuristic design and rugged utility. This robust, seamlessly integrated hard cover is a standard feature on the AWD model, delivering not only a sleek, cohesive aesthetic, but also unmatched security and durability for the truck’s bed. 

However, this hallmark feature is conspicuously absent on the 2WD model, replaced instead with an optional soft tonneau cover priced at $750. While the soft cover offers a modest range increase of up to 12 miles, it pales in comparison to the powered Vault, lacking the strength, protection, and visual impact that define the Cybertruck’s identity.

The omission of the powered tonneau cover in the 2WD variant isn’t just a minor spec difference—it’s a fundamental shift that completely dilutes the CyberTruck’s essence. The AWD’s standard hard cover reinforces the vehicle’s reputation as a bold, all-terrain powerhouse, while the 2WD’s soft alternative feels like a compromise, trading security and style for a marginal efficiency gain. This change not only undermines the 2WD model’s functionality but also strips away a key element that makes the Cybertruck instantly recognizable, leaving it as a less complete expression of Tesla’s groundbreaking vision.

Bed Lighting: The LED lights were removed from the RWD truck bed, which is totally lame.

Interior Quality: The 2WD comes with cloth seats instead of the AWD’s leatherette, and it lacks ventilated seats and rear heated seats, making the cabin feel cheap and uncomfortable. Cloth seats, in 2025!?!? 

Rear Infotainment: The 2WD model skips the rear infotainment screen, reducing its appeal for passengers.

Tire Design: The 2WD is equipped with oversized tires that, in my opinion, look awkward and detract from the vehicle’s aesthetic.

Rear Light Bar: The absence of the rear light bar makes the 2WD look incomplete and far less striking than its AWD counterpart.

HEPA Filter: The 2WD model lacks Tesla’s trademark Bioweapon Defense HEPA filter.

Suspension System: The Long Range RWD is equipped with a non-adjustable coil spring suspension with adaptive dampers, which might deliver a firmer ride and less adaptability for off-road adventures. Its ground clearance tops out at 9.57 inches. In contrast, the AWD boasts an adjustable air suspension, offering up to 16 inches of ground clearance in "Extract" mode, making it far more capable on rugged terrain.

Power Outlets: The RWD lacks the AWD’s bed power outlets (2x 120V and 1x 240V) and cabin outlets (2x 120V), limiting its ability to power tools or devices on the go—a big deal for work or camping scenarios.

A Misstep in the Making

Tesla’s 2WD Cybertruck Pricing Gamble

In summary, the 2WD Long Range Cybertruck feels like a neutered hollow shell of what the Cybertruck was meant to be. Tesla’s decision to cut these features may have lowered the retail price by $10,000, but it has also significantly diminished the vehicle’s appeal. This move feels like a calculated attempt to maximize profit margins by testing the market's willingness to pay for a stripped-down version of the Cybertruck. 

By leaving "zero cash on the table," Tesla is pushing the boundaries of what customers will accept. However, this strategy is likely to backfire. The 2WD model's lack of essential features—like the powered tonneau cover, AWD drivetrain, and premium interior—makes it a tough sell, even for die-hard Tesla fans. I anticipate that sales will be lackluster, forcing Tesla to drop the price by up to $20,000 in the coming months. 

The issue isn’t a lack of demand for the Cybertruck—it’s the glaring disconnect between price and features in this variant, and I see the same misstep looming for the AWD and Tri-Motor Beast. 

Tesla will likely roll out new AWD and Tri-Motor versions with cutting-edge 4680 batteries, keeping those sky-high prices unchanged, testing or monitoring price resistance—the exact same strategy Elon incorporated with the Model S refresh, where over the course of a year, he almost cut the price of the Plaid in half. Spoiler: it won’t work. 

With EV competition ramping up and wallets tightening, buyers won’t stomach paying a fortune for what’s essentially a battery upgrade. I predict this will flop, leaving Tesla no choice but to act fast. Picture Elon Musk hitting the panic button, slashing prices on both models by about $20,000 overnight—like a Cybertruck fire sale. That drastic drop will be the jolt needed to finally kick sales into gear, and ironically force Tesla to deliver on its original promise for the CyberTruck.

Elon’s Pricing Playbook

Maximizing Margins with Cybercab and Beyond

Tesla’s pricing strategy, orchestrated by Elon Musk, operates like a finely tuned supply-and-demand algorithm, with Musk’s intuitive sense of market timing as the critical variable. Take the buzz around Tesla’s upcoming Cybercab, for instance. Many speculate it will disrupt Uber by launching at a fraction of the cost, say $0.50 per mile against Uber’s $2.00. But I predict a different approach. When Cybercab debuts in Austin, its per-mile rate will likely match or exceed Uber’s, capitalizing on early adopter enthusiasm and Tesla’s premium brand. 

Over time—perhaps a decade—Tesla might gradually lower prices, potentially undercutting Uber by 20%, but never to the point of leaving significant profits untapped. This deliberate, high-margin strategy mirrors Tesla’s broader pricing philosophy, ensuring they maximize revenue while testing consumer willingness to pay for innovation. However, this approach misfired with the Cybertruck. 

About 9 months after Tesla began delivering CyberTrucks they boasted about breaking even on the Cybertruck’s entire cost structure, yet their aggressive cash-grab pricing—marked by steep hikes and stripped-down features—has stifled demand, proving that even Musk’s keen market timing can miss the mark when greed overshadows value. Instead, Tesla should have taken the opposite tack: delivering CyberTrucks at the original 2019 announced prices. 

Had Tesla priced the Cybertruck strategically, there would be lines snaking out the door and around the block today, with eager buyers clamoring to claim their futuristic pickup. Elon Musk once boasted of securing nearly 2 million pre-orders, a tidal wave of demand that promised to redefine the electric truck market. Yet, since deliveries began, Tesla has sold fewer than 50,000 CyberTrucks—a damning testament to how their pricing misstep and overzealous hype squandered monumental momentum.

The irony is almost surreal: when Tesla launched Cybertruck deliveries, they mandated that buyers sign an exclusive contract barring resale for a year, ostensibly to curb scalping and protect their vision. Now, a mere eighteen months later, Tesla struggles to move units in any meaningful volume, with unsold inventory piling up and resale values plummeting. This stark reversal—from draconian resale restrictions to a desperate scramble for buyers—lays bare the miscalculation that turned a potential blockbuster into a cautionary tale of hubris in the EV market.

A Theory on the Battery Technology

My hypothesis is that the Long Range 2WD Cybertruck is the first to feature Tesla’s long-awaited new dry battery cathode electrode 4680 cells, which are significantly cheaper to produce than the previous generation used in the Foundation Series. This theory is based on a tweet from Tesla employee Michael Guilfoy, who recently shared:

    "Been waiting to acknowledge this great achievement by Tesla's 4680 Cell Manufacturing team since the end of last year... As Elon announced last night, our Cell Manufacturing team in Texas reached a huge milestone at the end of 2024 with becoming the lowest cost per kWh battery cell producer for Tesla!"

From what I understand, this new battery pack alone reduces the manufacturing cost of the Cybertruck by approximately $12,000. To the best of my knowledge, Tesla has not disclosed the kWh size of this new battery, but I suspect it’s similar to the older models. There’s also significant room in the Cybertruck’s battery pack area for taller batteries, like a 46/110 configuration. 

I believe Tesla will soon launch a refreshed AWD Cybertruck with a range of around 420 miles, retailing for about $10,000 less than the current model. This mid-2025 refresh would address many of the shortcomings of the initial vehicles, which felt like beta testers, while offering better value. 

Tesla Cybertruck 2025

Pioneering Wireless Charging and Refining a Beta Revolution

I believe the updated mid/late-2025 Cybertruck will introduce Tesla’s highly anticipated wireless charging system, a technology refined over years to mirror the seamless efficiency of smartphone wireless chargers. This system will likely be integrated into all Tesla Supercharger stations and offered as a home garage solution. 

The charging process will be fully automated: upon entering a garage or approaching a Supercharger, the Cybertruck will autonomously align itself with pinpoint precision over a charging pad, using advanced sensors to optimize connection with the vehicle’s underbody charging puck. 

Ironically, all Cybertrucks produced to date are reportedly pre-wired for this innovative system, ensuring compatibility and enabling a smooth transition to this game-changing feature, which will enhance convenience and redefine the EV charging experience.

My perspective is that, despite the awe-inspiring innovation of the Foundation Series Cybertruck—which, from personal experience, I’d argue is among the greatest vehicles ever crafted—these early models have effectively served as beta testers for the Cybertruck platform. 

The cutting-edge technologies introduced, such as the dry cathode 4680 cells and pre-wired wireless charging compatibility, are poised to cascade into Tesla’s 2025 Model S and Model X refreshes. These upcoming models are expected to incorporate advanced features like bi-directional charging and all-wheel steering, leveraging the Cybertruck’s pioneering advancements to elevate Tesla’s entire lineup.

Reflecting on advice I received in my early 20s from a friend’s father—“Never buy the first year or two of a new model until the kinks are ironed out”—I find it profoundly relevant to the Cybertruck. This wisdom guided my decision to await the refined 2025 refresh.

Among the Cybertruck’s initial design missteps, the rearview mirror’s woefully inadequate functionality emerges as a glaring flaw, undermining driver safety and situational awareness. A robust solution would be to replace the traditional mirror with a high-resolution rearview camera system, seamlessly integrated into a dynamic video display. Fed by a camera strategically mounted at the Cybertruck’s rear roofline, this system would deliver a crystal-clear, unobstructed view, unaffected by the tonneau cover’s obstruction of the rear window.

Equally perplexing is Tesla’s baffling oversight in equipping the Cybertruck with a front camera complete with a wet washer system, yet neglecting to include a similar washer for the rear camera. The Cybertruck’s rugged design naturally kicks up significant dirt and debris, rendering the rear camera virtually useless on dusty or muddy roads. Drivers are often forced to rely on the central touchscreen for a rearview feed—already a compromise given the tonneau cover’s defeat of the traditional mirror—only to find the display marred by a grime-covered lens, obscuring critical visibility. This inexplicable omission transforms a cutting-edge feature into a frustrating liability, highlighting a critical lapse in Tesla’s attention to real-world usability.

Another telltale sign of the Cybertruck’s early-adopter status is the delayed availability of the signature Lightbar, standard on the Foundation Series “Beast” tri-motor variant. As of late April 2025, Tesla is only now catching up on delivering these Lightbars to original owners, and they remain unavailable for separate purchase for 2025 AWD or 2WD Cybertruck buyers. This lag underscores the platform’s beta nature. Compounding the issue, Tesla plans to offer the Lightbar for all Cybertruck owners starting in June 2025 at a steep $2,500, including installation—a price that feels like an opportunistic cash grab and further highlights the growing pains of this revolutionary yet still-maturing vehicle.

Final Thoughts

As a longtime Tesla enthusiast—and self-proclaimed president of the Tesla fan club—I couldn’t be more disappointed with this model! For now, I’ll keep waiting for a Cybertruck that lives up to the original hype. It’s a complete bummer, but I remain confident that Tesla’s best days are still ahead. However, the way they’ve handled the Cybertruck launch has been a blunder, and I hope they learn from it.

UPDATE August 10, 2025

After having watch this excellent video that compares the AWD CyberTruck to the new 2WD CyberTruck, I must say I am even that more disappointed with Tesla. I love Tesla, but I must admit, that I think Tesla coming out with this complete joke of a car, is an epic blunder. 

Basically, Tesla made a huge mistake with the way they finally priced the CyberTrucks, and it's crystal clear it was just an epic bad-faith, ULTRA greedy cash grab that turned off a great deal of their fanbase. 

I don't mind Tesla being greedy, but when they took 5 years to come out with the CyberTruck, they should have priced it much better, which would have resulted in maintaining demand to this day. Instead, since they were so greedy, their strategy complete backfired on them, and their boomerang hit them in the head. Now that I have seen this video, I think the 2WD is a complete joke, and I think Tesla will sell very, very few of them, which is another catastrophic blunder, that easily could and should have been avoided...

The AWD Cybertruck is a roaring, apocalypse-conquering beast—a stainless-steel juggernaut engineered to dominate off-road hellscapes, haul mountains, and laugh at mud, snow, or steep inclines with its dual-motor grip and unyielding torque. It's the essence of futuristic rebellion: tough, versatile, and undeniably cool, like a Mad Max war rig fused with a spaceship.

In contrast, the 2WD Cybertruck is that same beast castrated into a pathetic mall crawler—a rear-wheel-drive pretender with cloth seats instead of premium leatherette, no ventilated or rear heated comforts, slashed towing capacity, and zero all-wheel traction to back up its angular bravado. Not to mention, the lack of a powered tonneau cover.

It's like putting bicycle ties on a Ferrari: sure, it rolls down paved roads looking vaguely intimidating, but hit a puddle, a hill, or anything resembling real adventure, and it spins out into a comically impotent joke, stripping away every ounce of the Cybertruck's rugged essence and reducing it to an overpriced, feature-stripped poser that no self-respecting off-road warrior would touch.

Not to mention the rear wheel dive Tesla CyberTruck does 0-60MPH in 6.2 seconds!?!!, which completely defeats the purpose and benefit of it being an electric car as its acceleration is totally lame now...

Rear Wheel Dive CyberTruck is

Tesla's Cadillac Cimarron Moment

Just as Cadillac tarnished its legacy of opulent, powerful luxury with the 1982 Cimarron—a hastily rebadged Chevrolet Cavalier masquerading as an entry-level "premium" sedan that nobody demanded, offering subpar performance, cheap underpinnings, and zero prestige—the 2WD Cybertruck dilutes Tesla's bold, all-conquering vision by stripping away the AWD's essence into an unwanted, traction-lacking pretender that mocks the original's rugged cool factor.

What Tesla should have done, was take the same energy they put into creating the super cheap parts for the 2WD CyberTruck, and instead focused on perfecting the standard 4WD CyberTruck, by addressing things like the horrible rear view mirror video display that's unusable in rainy weather. It's literally like Tesla ran the ball down to the 2 yard line and then just stopped. 

This is ironic for a company that claims they continuously refine their cars on a regular basis, which ironically is the opposite with the 2WD drive model in the sense it's like they fumbled the ball, and the other team ran it back from the 2 yard line and scored a touchdown. The 2WD CyberTruck in the Wrong Way Roy of Tesla models.

What Tesla should have done, is add more luxury details that customer want, like offering a larger capacity battery, and I am not talking about one like that goofy abomination they put in the bed. I am saying, they could have easily offered the CyberTruck with a 400+ mile, if not 500 mile range batter, and charged an extra $10K for it. 

Also, they could/should ad rear screens in the back of the front seat headrests, instead of having that goofy single screen that causes whiplash from watching video on it. Also, they should have added massage seats, and a functional rear view mirror. 

In other words, if they wanted to sell more CybertTrucks they should have focused on giving customers the features they actually want at an increased price, as apposed to offering a completely stripped-down model with far LESS FEATURES, that nobody wants. 

I also think the Tesla CyberTuck demand would be really high today if they had launched it far closer in price to what they originally advertised and promised. In the short term they would have made less, but in the long-term would make waaaaay, waaaaay more money. Instead, Tesla went for a greedy cashgrab that completely backfired in their face.

Tesla Cyber Roadster with JAKEe Rear Sail Pyramid Window

 

Tesla Cyber Roadster

With JAKEe Rear Sail Pyramid Window