Disappointed Tesla Cybertruck Owners Learn Range Extender Must Be Installed by Service Technicians

Tesla announced that the Cybertruck’s range extender must be installed by service technicians, disappointing many owners who hoped for more flexibility.

Initial Reactions to Cybertruck’s Range and Price

A range extender for the Cybertruck is on the way, and Tesla has confirmed it. Tesla's technicians will need to mount and remove a battery from the pickup truck's bed.

Many were let down by the Cybertruck's range and price when Tesla introduced the manufacturing version last year.

Electrek shares that many were disappointed by the substantial range shortfall compared to the previously disclosed Cybertruck because Tesla has a history of underdelivering on cost but usually delivers on specs. The carmaker, however, insisted that, with a major qualification, it did deliver on range.

An announcement was made by Tesla on the availability of a "range extender" for the Cybertruck. An additional battery pack, occupying approximately 33% of the truck bed, serves as the range extender for the Cybertruck.

Cybertruck Range Increased by Over 100 Miles

The manufacturer announced that the Cyberbeast's range would be increased from 320 miles to more than 440 miles, while the twin-motor Cybertruck's range would be increased from 340 miles to more than 470 miles, thanks to the battery pack.

Although the range extender has not been officially announced or priced by Tesla, the configurator code on their website briefly displayed a price of $16,000. Whatever the case may be, the fact that the range that Tesla first promised would need more money and less sleeping room was a major letdown for many.

The owner's ability to install and remove the range extender was the sole possible positive. By installing it only when necessary for long-distance driving or towing, Cybertruck owners can avoid carrying the additional weight when the energy isn't needed.

The problem was that a huge battery that could increase a big truck's range by more than 100 miles would be difficult for customers to install and remove, so it was always going to be a long shot.

Owners Disappointed by Service Requirement

Wes Morrill, lead engineer for Tesla's Cybertruck, has now verified that, for safety reasons, Tesla must be the one to install the range extender.

On X, he penned:

Tesla has not confirmed the availability of Cybertruck's range extender.