Tesla (TSLA) has finally put the long-awaited base Cybertruck Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant on sale in North America.
The US-based electric vehicle automaker has priced this new Cybertruck Long Range version at $69,990. This is $10K lower than the mid-tier Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and $30K compared to the top-end Cyberbeast AWD.
However, for $10K less, Tesla has stripped down several important features and equipment from the Cybertruck base variant (detailed comparison below). These changes make the Cybertruck Long Range RWD less appealing at the price point it’s offered by Tesla.
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Powertrain
Tesla CEO Elon Musk promised an RWD variant of the Cybertruck. Although it has been too late, it’s here at last.
The newly launched Cybertruck Long Range has a single motor installed on the rear axle, hence its Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) drivetrain. Tesla saved the cost of an entire motor and its installation per unit here alone.
According to the Tesla Cybertruck online configurator, the Long Range RWD variant only has mechanical differential locks on the rear wheels. The Dual-Motor version has mechanical locking differentials on both front and rear. The Tri-Motor (Cyberbeast) variant has mechanical front and virtual rear locking differentials.
Range & Acceleration
As the name ‘Long Range’ suggests, this variant has the most range of all three variants of the Cybertruck. Cybertruck Long Range RWD boasts a range of 350 miles—which is just 25 miles more than the AWD variant.
The performance-focused Cyberbeast top-end variant has an EPA estimated range of 320 miles, which is just 30 miles less than the base Long Range version. However, there is a considerable price difference of $30K between these variants.
Cybertruck Long Range comes with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds. The AWD and Cyberbeast versions flaunt impressive 4.1 sec and 2.6 sec 0-60 figures.
Payload & Towing
As the powertrain of the Cybertruck Long Range (LR) has a single motor, its payload and towing capacity are limited compared to the higher trim levels with two and three motors. The official specs suggest a 2,006 lbs of payload and 7,500 lbs of towing capacity.
The AWD and Cyberbeast variants of the Cybertruck have 2,500 lbs and 2,271 lbs of payload capacity, respectively. Both of these trucks can tow a maximum load of 11,000 lbs.
Interestingly, all of the payload ratings are calculated u++duces its estimated range to 331 miles (down by 19 miles). These premium wheels are also costly and come at a whopping $3,500 price tag.
Exterior & Bed
Tesla has trimmed-down a good number of features from the exterior of the Cybertruck Long Range to make it more affordable.
Front & Rear Lights
Long Range Cybertruck comes with ‘Standard’ front headlights and taillights. The AWD and Cyberbeast come with ‘Premium’ lights.
Tesla has removed the rear light bar from the tailgate of the Cybertruck Long Range. Only two small light strips are can be seen on the sides (see comparison pic below).
The difference in Standard and Premium headlights is not much distinguishable looking at the pictures. According to the automaker, the ‘Signature’ headlamps are replaced by the Standard headlamps in the Long Range Cybertruck variant.
The front daytime running light (DRL) strip across the frunk is the same as higher-end AWD Cybertrucks.
Cybertruck Long Range Bed
Tonneau Cover
Tesla has also removed a number of premium features and accessories from the Cybertruck Long Range. The most visible difference is the absense of the hard tonneau cover.
Cybertruck LR RWD comes without a tonneau cover. However, you can add a soft tonneau cover for an additional cost of $750. This soft cover is also not motorized, so it will require you to open and close it manually.
The All-Wheel Drive variants of the Cybertruck come with a motorized and retractable tonneau cover. This one is so durable that a person as tall and heavy as Elon Musk can easily stand on it without the risk of breaking it (see meme below, demonstrated in a Jay Leno’s Garage episode).
Although Tesla patented a solar charging Cybertruck bed cover years ago, it has yet to be launched for sale.
People of Tesla!pic.twitter.com/I4TeusYaOE
— Tesla Oracle (@TeslaOracle_com) June 29, 2020
Standard vs Premium Lamps
Like the front and rear lights, Tesla has also downgraded the Cybertruck lamps to ‘Standard’. Lamps for the AWD and Cyberbeast are of ‘Premium’ grade.
No L-Tracks in Cybertruck Long Range
Tesla has also removed L-tracks in the Cybertruck Long Range variant. L-tracks are two rail-type tracks on both sides of the Cybertruck bed.
In the AWD variants, these tracks have two hooks installed in the center of the bed to tie up luggage. However, the L-tracks allow for several hooks to be installed on both sides. Bungee straps or rope can be used to tie and keep the luggage together while the Cybertruck is on the move.
Unfortunately, Cybertruck LR RWD does not have this handy feature.
Power Outlets
Cybertruck Long Range is called the “Endurance Hauler” by Tesla. This might be the reason that Tesla completely removed the 240V and 120V outlets from the bed of this variant.
Cybertruck AWD and Tri-Motor Cyberbeast both have 2 x 120V + 1 x 240V in the bed and 2 x 120V electricity outlets in the cabin. The absence of these power outlets in the Cybertruck Long Range reduces its utility in the field.
Power outlets in the bed of the Cybertruck can also be used to charge other Teslas and EVs. However, the Long Range variant is missing them entirely.
However, it has a 120V outlet via the charge port using the mobile charger. Sharing electricity from your Cybertruck to your home (Powershare) is separately available for $2,500.
Interior Downgrades
Cutting down costs further, Tesla also removed some interior options. Only the Tactical Grey interior option is available for the Cybertruck Long Range version.
The higher Cybertruck AWD trim levels have the option to choose the White Interior as well.
Tesla also removed the rear screen from the Cybertruck RWD interior. The front screen is an 18.5” display same as the AWD variants.
Only the front seats are heated and not ventilated. The rear seats are neither heated nor ventilated. Tesla is offering Textile Seats in this lower-end variant, while the higher trims have vegan leather seats.
Cybertruck Long Range RWD comes with a Standard console, while the AWD versions are equipped with a Premium console. This has to be witnessed in real life to tell the difference (stay tuned).
Audio System
Tesla Cybertruck Long Range version comes with only 7 speakers compared to 15 speakers in the AWD trims. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is also missing from this lower-end variant.
Suspension
Tesla Cybertruck Long Range RWD has an ‘adaptive coil spring suspension’ vs the ‘adaptive air suspension‘ in the AWD trim levels.
The absence of the smart air suspension in the Cybertruck Long Range disables the ride height adjustment feature for this version of the electric pickup truck. This is perhaps the biggest downgrade, IMO.
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