Last night at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Austin, Texas was the much-anticipated delivery event of its new Cybertruck. Hosted by company owner Elon Musk, the event saw live testing and videos demonstrating its capabilities to a packed crowd.

The Cybertruck has attracted scepticism and intrigue in equal measures since it was first announced in 2019 with sharp angled stainless steel body the subject of much debate. It is certainly unlike anything else on the road at present and according to Musk, about a million potential buyers have already put down a deposit to buy one.

Only 10 trucks were handed over to customers here, however, and due to production difficulties - mainly down to the aforementioned stainless steel body - interested buyers face a wait before finally getting their hands on one themselves. There have been repeated delays throughout the process but according to Musk, the company want to be producing 250,000 Cybertrucks per year by 2025.

The last time the Cybertruck was seen on stage at a Tesla event in 2019, its windows were put through a shatter test ultimately resulting in a smashed window. This time, however, the test was a success and videos were later shown of the truck under heavy machine gun fire to demonstrate and promote its bulletproof claim.

Other videos showed clips of the Cybertruck being loaded with heavy equipment to show its towing ability and it racing a Porsche 911 while towing another.

Motoring YouTube channels have been releasing review videos and the vehicle seems to turn heads more than any supercar or hypercar driven on the roads.

Reaction from critics has been split though and many were left disappointed to find that the promised specs earlier in the vehicle development weren’t what was now the reality. The top-spec Cyberbeast Cybertruck was initially meant to have a 500+ mile range and cost only $70,000. This has now reduced to 320 miles and at a bigger cost of $99,990.

Truck culture in the United States is a booming business and the Cybertruck is likely to be a sales success due to public curiosity and its sheer uniqueness. It will be a while before they become a permanent fixture on UK roads and despite all the criticism, I am keen to see one in the flesh more than any other car.

Spec & Pricing List:

REAR-WHEEL DRIVE
Est. $60,990
- Available in 2025
- 250 mile range
- 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Est. $79,990
- Delivery in 2024
- 340 mile range
- 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds
- 112mph top speed
- 600hp
- 7,435 lb-ft torque
- 11,000 lbs towing capacity

CYBERBEAST
Est. $99,990
- Delivery in 2024
- 320 mile range
- 0-60mph in 2.6 seconds
- 130mph top speed
- 845hp
- 10,296 lb-ft torque
- 11,000 lbs towing capacity

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures & Video: Tesla