With regard to Tesla's "Cybertruck:"

[MineralMan]

Ugly. Weird. Freaky. Stupid. It's very easy to apply adjectives like that to this thing Elon Musk says he's going to be selling. Maybe it's all a practical joke he's playing. I don't know the man.

However, in reading various discussions of his bullet-proof electric pickup, I'm seeing about 1% of responders who claim to like the thing. Now, not all of those would, or could, buy one. No doubt, however, some people actually would plop own between $40-60 thousand for one of them. Some folks like driving vehicles that break the mold.

So, let's assume that Musk actually starts shipping that thing. He'll sell some. Guaranteed. How many? Well, a few thousand, at least. Just for the novelty of it.

It's cheap, really, in that sense. You can't buy the latest Lamborghini or McLaren for that kind of money to make people's jaws drop on the 405 freeway in L.A.. But, you can buy a Tesla "Truckla" for that amount and get the same reaction. I guarantee there are some folks who would buy one just for that.

So, what's his break-even number of trucks? That, I don't know. I do know he'd sell some, to people who don't care about the cost or impracticality of the thing as a pickup truck. It's a gimmick vehicle, designed to turn heads. Some folks want such a car. Some such folks think nothing about dropping five figures on a novelty purchase. Tesla can sell that thing to those people.

[tblue37]

1. The fact that so many bought Hummers suggests you are right. nt

[MineralMan]

3. Exactly. But, you know, I can't remember the last time

I saw a Hummer on the road. Not even an H2.

I did see a Tesla X a couple of months ago, on my way to the supermarket. I didn't recognize it until I got close to it at a traffic light. Then, I saw the Tesla logo and the X. My reaction was, "Hmm...a Tesla X." Then the light changed. No jaw droppage.

[pangaia]

9. I see hummers all the time, unfortunately.... :))))

[PufPuf23]

18. One sees Hummers regularly in Eureka, CA (Humboldt Bay) or in general

in the Humboldt / Mendocino Interstate 101 corridor.

Large 4WD vehicles are referred to locally as "Grow Dozers" (as in marijuana grows).

There is a large yellow Hummer I see almost every time I drive between doctors office and Costco.

[Thomas Hurt]

28. One of my co-workers still has one, other than that, not a one for me either.

[Tumbulu]

32. I see them all time around here as well

I never liked them, it I love that Tesla Truck!

[Midnight Writer]

2. What could be more manly than a bullet proof Mad Max style pickup truck?

Put a cod piece on the front and some swinging balls on the trailer hitch and you got a chick magnet.

[MineralMan]

4. Err...I don't know about that so much.

I don't think that's the market, really. It's not a "he-man" sort of truck, really. It's more a nerdish guy's truck, I think. You're more likely to see a "Yang 2020" bumper sticker on a Tesla pickup than a "MAGA 2020" one, I'm pretty sure.

[Anon-C]

31. Well with my next billion I'm going to custom order the extension with the missile batteries.

[lunatica]

22. LOL!

Chick magnet!!

If that’s what attracts the chicks then the real set will surely disappoint!

[jberryhill]

5. I think if it performs as advertised, it may sell okay

It does have a high ground clearance, impossibly high torque as internal combustion simply can't deliver and a good suspension system.

If it actually performs as hyped, then if you are interested in hauling or pulling heavy stuff over challenging terrain, I could see it.

I wouldn't be caught dead near one, but if it takes a licking and keeps on ticking, that's what really matters.

[5X]

6. if it is bulletproof, some will buy it for that.

Too many of those will try an make an armored vehicle out of it and think they can take on the cops.

[MineralMan]

11. Well, it is bulletproof up to a 9mm pistol bullet, anyhow.

The stainless steel body cladding, however, is only 3mm thick, so other types of bullet might well penetrate its skin.

[Volaris]

23. The fact that it's made out of stainless steel,

Makes me think it will sell about as well as a delorean.

But...if we get a new (good) Back to the Future movie out of this thing at least, then I wholeheartedly approve lol!

[whistler162]

17. Windows just aren't rock proof.

[ismnotwasm]

7. Didn't use just lose a crap ton of money because of this roll out

Not that’s he’d notice, but let me check

Oh yeah, I didn't read this just saw it

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/22/elon-musk-net-worth-tesla-cybertruck

[MineralMan]

13. His stock goes up; his stock goes down.

Elon Musk is a mysterious figure in the business world. One never knows...

[Brother Buzz]

8. In my mind, it's the new green hip Humvee....

and it's a whole lot easier to park on Rodeo Drive

Off topic: Where did all the Humvee's disappear to?

[Codeine]

16. The newest Hummers are about a decade old now,

and the earliest ones over a quarter century. The people who can afford expensive vehicles like that often don’t use a car for that long. I think they’re just aging out of the market.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

10. still waiting for the old Beetle idea in EV form

I'm not interested in turning heads. I'm not interested in how many cupholders or dvd players or 'smart' doodads are crammed into a vehicle. I'm definitely not interested in autopilot.

I want an EV that will do 75 miles during freezing temps with the heater and radio on, or during 100F weather with the A/C, radio, and wipers on. I want a battery pack that can be changed in my garage or any competent shop, not just at the dealer's shop. I want an EV where the heaviest parts are the battery pack and its shielding.

Last time I saw a new car worth its price was 1980.

[WA-03 Democrat]

29. It's called a Leaf

It meets all of your criteria. I bought a 2015 w/ 30k miles for $10k last year. I haven’t been to a gas station since. Spend about $7 per month more on electricity.

The car is wonderful!

[Hermit-The-Prog]

38. Nissan Leaf is close

Still has too many gadgets and it won't do 75 miles in the two extremes I listed. (It will with a new battery pack, but not after a few years on it). They're getting there.

I've looked at a few Leafs.

[WA-03 Democrat]

39. I own one

It does 80 miles without going into Turtle mode with the two conditions you listed. I have taking long road trips with it. It’s a trooper. Try it, you’ll like it. The future is electric and excellent.

[RainCaster]

12. I kinda like it...

If I could get past the "fugly factor", there are some things about this I like. True confession, I have an f150 that I use as a truck--hauling gravel, firewood, trips to the nursery and lumber yard. So for me the cool bits are:

The tailgate acts as a ramp. For all the times my lawn tractor has to go in to the repair shop, that's nice.

It looks like it has a retractable canopy. I find that very convenient. Mine is a PITA to r & r.

It's electric. Mine guzzles gas almost as bad as my LS 430.

It could be a good rock crawler. If they shielded the underside enough.

[MineralMan]

14. See? You're a potential customer, then.

I am not. I own a pickup because, like most homeowners, I somehow accumulate crap that has to be hauled off for disposal. I recognize the value of owning a pickup truck, which is why I recently coughed up $1500 to buy and put new tires on a 1996 Ford Ranger. As the Craigslist ad said, "Starts. Runs. Drives. Stops. Minimal rust. $1200." How could I ask for more than that? That is, more or less, my ideal pickup. I gave the owner $1100 for it and drove it home. It has already hauled many things away from my property.

[RainCaster]

15. If only I could get over that door stop shape

My wife thinks it's terminally fugly.

[Rstrstx]

19. The specs on paper are actually really good

The adjustable height with air suspension, built-in 110 and 220v plugs, retractable bed cover, lowering rear with tailgate extender so you can drive or roll something into the bed, large interior space, 250-500 mile range that will cost a fraction to drive per mile versus a gas truck (with zero emissions), etc. On paper this is the truck I want and the price came in WAY under what I thought, it's the same price as a Model 3!!!

But the looks, ayy ay ayyy, it's a lunar dumpster collection truck. Honestly I don't mind the looks so much as I do the inevitable attention you're going to draw if you drive one. Not everyone notices a Model 3 or even an X; this thing is going to turn heads in a cemetery.

Yet Tesla will sell these, if the preorder numbers are sequential it appears over 150,000 have been preordered already. Granted it's only a $100 refundable down payment, but even if only 10% follow through still that's a lot of trucks.

[Tumbulu]

35. I'm madly in love with the thing. I bought a Toyota pickup in 1991

And am still using it on my farm. In fact it is my only truck. The odometer stopped working at 260k miles, but I just keep it properly maintained and scoffed. But I only get about 18 mpg with it these days. I drive a Prius for most everything and haul a lot in it.i have averaged 68 mpg over 65 k miles, hauling up to 600 lbs of seeds and feed in it.

But this new truck? It is exactly what I want. I will wait for it all right!

[backscatter712]

20. I keep trying to pull up the graphics options...

Every time I see that truck, I think I need to raise the level of detail in my graphics rendering.

[MrsCoffee]

44. It's like right out of Minecraft.

Big block pixels.

[tinrobot]

21. It'll become a "look at me" adventure car for a narrow demographic.

It will be for weekend warriors who want to look tough and show off. People who haul their toys up to the mountains and stuff. I get the weird feeling it might actually sell well in red states.

Red Bull will probably buy a bunch and plaster it with their logo.

People who buy one will love it and talk about it to the point of being annoying.

That said, I don't think it will be widely adopted by contractors and most other people who currently need/use pickups. It's not very utilitarian in that regard. The bed design alone is a non-starter.

[DanieRains]

40. When We Start Charging $20 A Gallon For Gas

Which still doesnt cover the true cost they will sell like mad.

[NCLefty]

24. There's so many ugly cars on the road but I think we just accept them.

The truck is weird looking but it's a statement vehicle for (probably) rich people.

I bet there will be a more normal version before long. :p

[XRubicon]

25. With regard to orders: 146,000 ordered

https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/23/tesla-cybertruck-reservations-hit-146000/

[Squinch]

26. Yep. Every time Elon puts out a new vehicle, everyone says it will be his downfall. Then the sales

blow the doors off the barn.

[Kurt V.]

30. i'll check the data on this claim. but more likely the bar is low to begin with then beat that.

[MontanaMama]

27. They'll sell.

Americans so often identify through their vehicle choice. I kinda get it. Subaru Outbacks and Toyota Highlanders are dominant up here. I won’t drive one because I don’t like driving what everybody else has.

[MichMan]

37. I think many of those ordering one are hoping to sell their spot to someone later on

[tinrobot]

45. That many put down $100 for a place in line. Nobody has ordered anything yet.

That will happen in two years... give or take.

[XRubicon]

46. Elon calls them orders

Link to tweet

and he has $14.6 million

[tinrobot]

50. He says whatever it takes to raise the stock price.... still doesn't make them orders.

These are refundable $100 deposits to secure a place in line.

They don't become orders until someone hands over $40K+ for an actual vehicle.

That said, I hope Tesla sells a million of them. We need more EVs on the road.

[XRubicon]

51. 187,000 now

Link to tweet

[tinrobot]

54. Good for them!

[ffr]

47. 11 second 1/4 mile work truck. Look out naysayers.

One in my garage to replace my polluting slow-as-sh*t p/u. Sign me up!

[NBachers]

33. Can you load sheetrock, plywood, cement blocks, and 10 foot 4 x 8's in it? Tree trimmings & stumps?

If you can haul stuff like that around in it, then it's a legitimate truck. The final product won't look just like the rollout did. If they're utilitarian and can pass the "real truck" tests, then I think there's a place for 'em.

If they become common enough, and the novelty factor wears off, and they do their job, then, there you go.

[peasant one]

34. I wouldn't buy one but...

My brother owns the Tesla SUV X he has had it almost three years it is his only car and he drives it daily--he loves it --since buying it he has never paid for gas, he has never paid for an electric charge, he has never had it in the shop, he has never had to change the oil, he has no expenses on it for three years....I think one of the reasons he bot it is because he wants to encourage others to think of alternatives to oil and gas.

[Tumbulu]

36. I love it and want it

And will keep using my 1991 Toyota pickup until I can save up my money for it.

I think it is gorgeous. I love the ramp built in. I love it being electric. I keep track of the carbon releases from my farm. I overuse my Prius and underuse that Toyota. We have primarily renewable electricity around my area.

[DanieRains]

41. I Will Need To Replace My Volt Soon

I am getting one.

My home area burns to the ground every couple years. I kinda like not killing the planet with gas emissions any more than necessary.

But thats just me...

[Tumbulu]

42. That is my motivation.

I cannot stand pouring all these emissions into out atmosphere. Any chance to reduce them, I try to take.

[flvegan]

43. With regard to Tesla's automotive products being unreliable hot garbage.

YMMV, but as a car guy, everything I've read and everyone I know, knows better.

That said, a lot of people are idiots, and they'll buy this crap. That's more a reflection on them, not the shit they promote.

[EX500rider]

48. The wierd thing is his original design for it was quite pretty for a PU I think:

Smoke another one Elon!

[MineralMan]

49. Yeah, that's not bad. But, it would cost more to make.

Even with the high-strength stainless steel, the straight line design won't require stamp forming of body panels like that photo shows. That would save a great deal of money on manufacturing the body.

It also brings the starting price for the truck down to the low $40k numbers, rather than $50k+.

I still think the new design is weird and ugly, though.

But, here's another thing about EV vehicle design I don't understand: There's no need for a radiator, so why design the front end like there is room for a radiator? That's just strange, I think. And all the manufacturers tend to do that, for some reason.

[tinrobot]

53. Most EV batteries do have a small radiator for thermal regulation.

But the front ends do not need to be nearly as tall as they are on some EVs.

[brush]

52. Someone here correctly called it a "Tedsel".

[MineralMan]

55. Truckla.

[tblue37]

56. Well, cybertruck orders suggest that you are probably right:

Snip

Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted Sunday that the company had received 187,000 orders for its Cybertruck, two days after launching the electric pickup truck.

HOWEVER:

The orders require only a $100 refundable deposit, so these numbers are an interesting but imperfect gauge of how many Cybertrucks Tesla will ultimately sell.

https://www.axios.com/elon-musk-tesla-146000-cybertruck-orders-4630a2bf-be1e-4fcf-8487-b5c75cf1bbfb.html

[MineralMan]

57. Yeah, there's not much of a commitment to order.

If the deposit is refundable, those numbers are pretty meaningless. I don't think Tesla could even fill that many orders in the first place. Until the vehicle is actually being manufactured and delivered to buyers, it's going to be impossible to predict how many will sell.

I'll be watching for the first independent reviews of this thing. Let some automotive journalists drive the vehicle and put it through its paces and we'll see what they think of it. However, I don't expect that to happen for almost a year.

Who knows what the "Truckla" will actually look like and how it will behave in real-world driving?