Elon Musk has previewed what he’s calling a “production candidate” version of the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said he drove the vehicle at the company’s Austin, Texas plant where it is being produced.
Those expecting significant changes from the radical concept to the production vehicle may be in for a surprise.
Since the concept made its debut in 2019, the shape has remained the same.
It has sprouted a pair of triangular rear-view mirrors and US-mandated side marker lights but lost its pop-out door handles. The wheel design of this example appears identical to that of the concept, however.
In another set of photos published by Autospy, we can see a couple of other Cybertrucks with different wheel designs.
In July 2023, Tesla produced its first Cybertruck at its Texas plant.
Tesla has previously said it plans to ramp up to full-scale production in 2024, with the first customer deliveries to begin in the third quarter of this year.
Electrek reports Tesla may begin deliveries by the end of September, with the first examples expected to go to employees first.
The news outlet reports it expects Tesla to reveal pricing and full specifications at its official first delivery handover event.
US customers have been able to pre-order the electric pickup for some time.
Tesla claims the electric ute will boast up to 804km of range and be able to achieve a 0-60mph (96km/h) time of 2.9 seconds.
According to the carmaker’s US website, the Cybertruck will feature a 1587kg payload, towing capacity of over 6300kg, and 2831 litres of storage space spread out through the ute including its tub, interior, and frunk.
The latter appears to offer customers less space than the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV, and Rivian R1T.
It’s unclear what the frunk space for the ute will be, however the Cybertruck’s tub is expected to measure around 2.0 metres long.
Due to repeated delays, the Cybertruck is now going on sale after rivals like the R1T and F-150 Lightning.
