Tesla introduces more affordable rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck

Officially referred to as the ‘Cybertruck Long Range’, the new variant can be ordered in the US for $69,990 – US prices typically don’t include tax, as VAT varies between states. The $7,500 federal tax credit is not yet factored in, meaning the price can drop to as low as $62,490 before optional extras. Deliveries are expected to begin in June or July.

Compared to the ‘Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive’, the new Long Range model is equipped with only one electric motor on the rear axle but is $10,000 cheaper. The top-tier Cyberbeast variant with three motors starts at $99,990 before incentives. Since the Long Range model likely shares the same battery pack as the dual- and tri-motor versions, it currently offers the longest range in the Cybertruck line-up – with 350 miles (approx. 560 kilometres). The dual-motor version is listed at up to 520 kilometres, and the tri-motor version at 513 kilometres. With the ‘Soft Tonneau’ bed cover, up to 362 miles (582 km) are said to be possible.

Thanks to its lower consumption, the Cybertruck Long Range can also add slightly more range – 236 kilometres – in 15 minutes of charging compared to the AWD models at 220 and 217 kilometres, respectively.

This newly launched base version of the Cybertruck deviates from the originally announced specifications. Initially, the rear-wheel drive variant was expected to receive a smaller battery and deliver just 250 miles (402 kilometres) of range. The planned price back then was $60,990. Now it’s $9,000 more – but with a significant increase in range.

Unsurprisingly, the rear-wheel drive version is also the slowest Cybertruck to date, accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph (96 kph) in 6.2 seconds – the Cyberbeast does it in 2.6 seconds, the dual-motor AWD model in 4.1 seconds. However, there are trade-offs when it comes to pickup functionality: towing capacity is limited to 7,500 lbs (3,401 kilograms), compared to 11,000 lbs (4,990 kilograms) for the AWD models. Although it is slightly lighter than the other two versions, the payload is lower as well – 910 kilograms instead of 1,134 kilograms.

The $10,000 price difference is not just due to the missing front motor – Tesla has also adjusted the equipment. The Cybertruck Long Range comes as standard with 18-inch wheels, while the 20-inch ‘Cyber Wheels’ are available for an additional $3,500 – though the AWD model offers 20-inch wheels as part of the standard configuration. Inside, the new base version comes with textile seats, and the 9.4-inch display for rear passengers has been removed. The motorised hardcover for the truck bed does also not come standard – the aforementioned ‘Soft Tonneau’ costs an extra $750.

Further compromises affect onboard power capabilities. According to Teslarati, the base model lacks both 120-volt and 240-volt outlets in the bed, as well as 120-volt sockets inside the cabin. The suspension is reportedly based on steel springs rather than the adaptive air suspension, meaning the Cybertruck Long Range does not offer adjustable ride height. However, the steer-by-wire system, electric frunk, and compatibility with the current Full Self Driving computer (an $8,000 option) remain on the list.

Tesla recently removed the optional ‘Range Extender’ from the Cybertruck website. The unit is not a small combustion generator, but rather an additional battery designed to be mounted in the bed to boost driving range. It remains unclear whether Tesla has shelved the product or simply paused reservations temporarily.

electrek.co, teslarati.com, tesla.com (configurator)