Tesla will build its all-electric Cybertruck ute in Austin, Texas, rather than at the Californian factory it currently uses for the Model S, Model X, and Model 3.
“[The factory is] going to be right near Austin, five minutes from Austin International Airport and about 15 minutes from downtown Austin,” Elon Musk told investors.
Musk has confirmed the angular Cybertruck dual-cab pickup will be assembled alongside the (delayed) Tesla Semi truck.
The new Gigafactory will also be used to build the Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV for the eastern half of the USA. West Coast production will carry on at the existing Tesla factory in Fremont, California.
Tesla is reportedly planning to begin construction of the Texan factory later this year. When it’s complete, Tesla will have vehicle production facilities in California and Texas in the USA, and Berlin and Shanghai overseas.
As for the Cybertruck? From its wrapped stainless steel skin, tempered glass, claimed 800km maximum range, optional triple-motor layout, claimed supercar-like 0-60mp/h sprint time of 2.9 seconds, driver-assist functions, air suspension, and mooted 6.5 tonne tow rating, everything promised is revolutionary.
American production is set to begin in late 2021, while lower-grade single-motor and rear-wheel drive models are expected in late 2022 – globally, that is. Australia will probably need to wait at least an extra year, pointing to a rollout of range-topping models as early as late 2022, and more variants to lob during 2023.
Tesla has said the single-motor Cybertruck will start in the USA at US$40,000, which equates to $60,000. But that figure seems unfeasibly low given Model 3 pricing exceeds that locally. Exchange rates at present are not favourable
