The Tesla Cybertruck was first revealed in idea type in 2019 and has been repeatedly delayed, and a leaked doc might reveal the rationale why.
The interior report, dated January 25, 2022, first reported by Handelsblatt and later by Wired, reveals a pre-production “alpha” model of the Tesla Cybertruck was nonetheless fighting points surrounding its physique sealing, noise ranges, dealing with, suspension, and braking.
On the identical day as this report, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted that he had been “driving [the] newest Cybertruck prototype round Giga Texas”, including that “it’s superior”.
Braking was one of many worst areas within the leaked report, which noticed the alpha model of the Cybertruck obtain a 4, or “poor” ranking in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) ranking scale. Tesla engineers have been aiming for a seven, or “honest” ranking.
In line with the leaked report, the Cybertruck’s brake pedal stress pad wasn’t finalised, and the alpha model skilled “extreme pedal journey and inconsistent cease”, “extreme pitch throughout friction braking”, in addition to points when braking whereas turning, and energy braking instability.
The alpha model of the Cybertruck was hand-sealed, however the report revealed “there are a selection of areas that we should not have a transparent path to sealing” within the manufacturing automobile.
Sealing doesn’t simply maintain rain out of the automobile, but in addition noise within the cabin. Information within the report confirmed the alpha model was a lot noisier than engineers had projected, with tester figuring out 21 potential noise leaks within the physique.
Dealing with was one other challenge for the alpha model of the Cybertruck, with the leaked report noting “extreme mid-speed abruptness and chop”, “excessive head-toss accelerations”, and “structural shake”.
There was additionally “extreme lateral jerk throughout low-speed manoeuvring”, in addition to issues with steering refinement and physique roll.
The Cybertruck’s “crab stroll” operate apparently displayed “solely fundamental performance”.
The leaked report revealed the entrance of the automobile had some points the place there was “no resolution with out modifying suspension design”.
Different points included “too excessive camber achieve”, leading to tyre put on and alignment change with experience peak. As for options to this downside, the report stated there have been “presumably none”.
“It’s an alpha-stage automobile, so it’s not stunning that it’s a way off its targets,” former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer advised Wired, including he was shocked on the frankness of the report.
“You’d be giving the engineers that wrote these items a very good bollocking. You don’t usually write this down.”
Given this report particulars an early prototype from over 12 months in the past and Tesla has vital monetary sources, it’s fairly seemingly many, maybe all, of those key points have been addressed.
Tesla has confirmed the Cybertruck is on monitor for manufacturing to start later this yr, with mass manufacturing starting throughout 2024.
Mr Musk lately advised buyers {that a} “hand over” for the primary deliveries is deliberate for the third quarter of 2023.
It’s anticipated the model will affirm ultimate pricing and specs nearer to that date.
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