Tesla has Canceled the Cybertruck Range Extender

Tesla has canceled its plan to offer a range extender for the Cybertruck and has begun notifying customers who placed a $2,000 reservation for the $16,000 add-on. According to emails shared on social media and forums, the company will issue full refunds. Tesla hasn’t explained the decision, but it follows the quiet removal of the option from its online configurator last month.

The range extender, a battery pack for the Cybertruck’s bed, was Tesla’s solution for its vehicle’s reduced range.When first announced, Tesla claimed some models would reach up to 500 miles per charge. However, the longest-range version now tops out at 350 miles. As Electrek reported, the extender was originally set for early 2025 but was delayed to mid-2025, with its range reduced from 470 miles to 445 miles.

Elon Musk had projected annual sales of 250,000 to 500,000 Cybertrucks, but a recent recall revealed that fewer than 50,000 units were sold over 15 months. It’s uncertain whether Tesla canceled the range extender due to low sales making it unviable or for another undisclosed reason. Regardless, the Cybertruck battery add-on has officially been scrapped and won’t be released.

Tesla has introduced a more affordable version of its updated 2025 Model Y in the U.S.The new Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model Y starts at $37,490 with the $7,500 tax credit or $44,990 without it. Previously, the Long Range All-Wheel Drive model was priced from $48,990 before tax credits.

Refreshed Model Y Gets Sleek Design Updates, Enhanced Features, and Improved Range

The refreshed Model Y maintains its overall shape but adds smoother curves, smaller headlights, and redesigned taillights with a lightbar. Inside, it features ambient lighting, ventilated seats, a 15.4-inch front touchscreen, and an 8-inch display for rear passengers. The rear-wheel drive model offers a 357-mile range, 30 miles more than the all-wheel drive’s 327 miles, with both having a top speed of 125 mph. However, the all-wheel drive accelerates faster, reaching 0–60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the rear-wheel drive takes 5.4 seconds.

Deliveries of the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model Y will begin in the U.S. in three to five weeks. As Electrek pointed out, Tesla has already started shipping the model in China and Europe. However, the company’s sales have been declining across Europe, hitting multi-year lows in some markets like the UK and Germany. Elon Musk’s political views and support for far-right candidates in Europe have sparked controversy and protests against Tesla. The company is also facing growing competition from Chinese automakers like BYD, the top-selling EV brand in China.

Read the original article on: Engadget

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