The ongoing development of the Tesla Cybertruck has encountered its fair share of challenges, with some prototypes breaking down during testing. These incidents shed light on the complexities of new vehicle development and how even a well-established company like Tesla can face embarrassing situations.
As the Cybertruck prototypes hit the road for final tests and refinements, it’s not uncommon for some of them to experience issues. A recent example took place at a Supercharger station in Mojave, California, where a Tesla Cybertruck failed to charge and had to be towed away. Such events are part and parcel of the automotive industry, with virtually every carmaker having faced similar setbacks.
What makes these breakdowns particularly noteworthy is the attention they receive. In some instances, Tesla has even covered the prototypes with tarps, seemingly embarrassed by the situation. However, these issues are not exclusive to Tesla, and they often occur as part of the rigorous testing phase that precedes vehicle production.
The frequent breakdowns of Cybertruck prototypes are to be expected as Tesla fine-tunes the vehicle’s software and hardware. The unique characteristics of the Cybertruck, which differentiate it from other Tesla models, present challenges in software optimization. In many cases, software glitches have been the primary culprits behind these breakdowns, emphasizing the importance of software development in modern vehicles.
The situation with the Cybertruck recalls a similar pattern seen with the Tesla Semi. Upon its initial delivery to PepsiCo, the Semi encountered problems, with at least nine units breaking down due to a software bug affecting the cockpit screens. Additionally, the first recall of the Tesla Semi was prompted by a faulty parking brake. This highlights how hardware-related issues can also cause complications, particularly in the early production batches of a new vehicle model.
As the delivery event for the Cybertruck draws nearer, these breakdowns have become more frequent. One recent incident involved a Cybertruck breaking down on the I-580 in Richmond, where the driver covered it with a tarp and waited for a platform to arrive for assistance. Such occurrences are becoming more visible as the Cybertruck’s official release approaches.
Another recent incident occurred at a Supercharger station in Mojave, California, where a Cybertruck refused to charge due to a software issue. The vehicle had to be removed from the site on a platform, attracting attention from onlookers and sparking questions about its performance.
During this incident, a forum member known as “CHC” parked his Ford F-150 next to the Cybertruck, allowing for a side-by-side comparison. Although the Cybertruck appeared lower than the F-150, it still stood out as a massive vehicle, larger than it appears in pictures.
CHC also engaged in conversation with the Cybertruck driver, attempting to glean information about the pickup. The exact range remained undisclosed, as the Cybertruck prototypes only displayed the battery percentage on the screen. However, the driver mentioned that it performed as well as, if not better than, a Model X, suggesting a range of approximately 350 miles, akin to a Rivian R1T Dual Motor with a Large battery pack.