Tesla Officially Scraps Cybertruck Range Extender, Repays Deposits
In a recent development, Tesla has officially cancelled the Range Extender for its much-anticipated Cybertruck. The Range Extender, initially slated for release in late 2024, faced several delays and revisions, and was eventually removed from the Cybertruck configurator in early April in both the U.S. and Canada.
The Range Extender, a gas-powered generator intended to boost the electric range, was estimated to increase the Cybertruck's range to 470+ miles (756+ km). However, updated testing and specifications have shown a 6% reduction in total vehicle range and a 20% reduction in Range Extender-specific range. This reduction fell short of the originally announced specs, which promised up to 500 miles (804 km) of range for the Cybertruck.
Tesla sent an email to customers who had placed deposits for the Range Extender, confirming the cancellation. The email stated that Tesla is no longer planning to sell the Range Extender for the Cybertruck. Full refunds will be issued to customers who had deposits for the Range Extender.
The cancellation of the Range Extender comes as a setback for those seeking to improve the Cybertruck's range capabilities. The production version of the Cybertruck, which arrived in late 2023, offers up to 340 miles (547 km) in the best-case configuration, and around 325 miles (523 km) for most All-Wheel Drive models.
The exact reasons for the cancellation have not been officially explained by Tesla, but the revisions suggest difficulties in delivering the initial performance targets under real-world or regulatory testing conditions. Additionally, Tesla has been perfecting a dry-cathode process related to the Range Extender, which has contributed to delays.
The Range Extender occupied roughly a third of the bed space of the Cybertruck, and came at a steep price, estimated at US$16,000 or C$22,000. Critics have pointed out that the design was too intrusive, suggesting a flatter design spanning the full length of the bed would preserve more utility.
The cancellation of the Range Extender marks the end of a solution for the Cybertruck's disappointing range capabilities compared to the originally announced specs. Customers who had deposits for the Range Extender will receive full refunds, and the refunded amount will be returned to the original payment method used for the transaction.
[1] Tesla's dry-cathode process
[3] Cybertruck production challenges and slower-than-expected demand
[5] Tesla's decision to discontinue or delay features like the Range Extender
- Tesla's decision to discontinue the Range Extender for the Cybertruck, which was intended to boost the vehicle's electric range, might signal a shift towards focusing more on electric vehicles and car-maintenance to optimize the Cybertruck's lifestyle and performance.
- Although the cancellation of the Range Extender for the Cybertruck marks a disappointment for those seeking improved range capabilities, the shift towards technology, such as the dry-cathode process, may pave the way for innovative solutions in electric-vehicle car-maintenance in the future.
