Tesla’s much-anticipated Cybertruck has captured the imagination of the electric vehicle market with its futuristic design and promised performance. But a recent teardown of the vehicle reveals that it’s a global affair, with parts originating from both sides of the border and certain build quality issues that have caught the attention of enthusiasts and analysts alike.
According to the Cybertruck’s lead engineer, Wes Morrill, the electric pickup is among the most American-made vehicles sold in the U.S. However, the components’ origin story is more nuanced, with around 65% of the Cybertruck’s parts manufactured in the U.S. or Canada and a significant 25% hailing from Mexico. This distribution mirrors the Model Y’s composition but still showcases the complex nature of modern automotive supply chains.
The teardown also brought the Cybertruck’s 123 kWh 4680 structural battery to light, a feature it shares with the Texas-made Model Y. The battery, an integral part of the vehicle’s chassis, raises questions about its serviceability and repairability after the expiration of the typical 8-year warranty. While the industry looks toward longer battery warranties based on current chemistries, the future of Tesla’s structural packs remains to be seen.
But it’s not just the origins of the Cybertruck’s parts that are drawing attention. The teardown revealed what some are calling “launch quality” issues—a term that may be corporate speak for initial kinks that need ironing out. These include misaligned rubber seals on doors and incorrect hinge placement, hasty mistakes attributed to the rush of vehicle launch and the need for assembly line teams to find their rhythm. While Tesla CEO Elon Musk has acknowledged panel gaps affecting a small number of vehicles, these build quality concerns underline the challenges of bringing a new vehicle model to market.
Another notable feature identified during the teardown was the rear steer-by-wire system, which takes advantage of Tesla’s new 48V low-voltage system. This innovation allows for synchronized steering mechanics that were not feasible with the older 12V architecture. Yet, the Cybertruck’s large rear gigacasting—a single-piece casting method used for the vehicle’s rear structure—could spell complications for major repairs and services, echoing concerns raised with the Model Y. Insurance companies, often wary of vehicles that are hard or costly to service, may prefer to total an electric vehicle rather than repair it, a potential issue Tesla is trying to address by designing for easier repairs and offering gigacast parts at cost.
The challenges of building a truck that can compete with seasoned players like Ford’s F-150 Lightning or Rivian’s offerings are not to be underestimated. Tesla’s push into the truck segment, an area where U.S. manufacturers excel, has been marked by a balancing act between innovation and the practicality of manufacturing and repairing. While Tesla has the financial resources to address these mechanical and engineering hurdles, the pressure to maintain its lead in the EV market and deliver on its promises continues to mount.
The vehicle’s teardown has offered both a peek under the hood and a list of improvements that are likely already on Tesla’s agenda as it gears up to satisfy its patient and, often, ardently loyal customer base.
Relevant articles:
– Tesla Cybertruck teardown finds Mexican parts and ‘launch’ quality as it demos wire steering.
– A Leaked Tesla Report Shows the Cybertruck Had Basic Design Flaws, WIRED, Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT
– Tesla’s New Hairpin Stator Revealed in Drive Unit Teardown, Sandy Munro Missed the Moment, autoevolution, Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:00:00 GMT
– Tesla Model Y Cowl Cover Issue: Sandy Munro Suggests Improvements, InsideEVs, Thu, 02 Apr 2020 07:00:00 GMT