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Tesla has revolutionized the automotive space, bringing electric vehicles into the mainstream and pushing other automakers to do the same. The latest development from Tesla was the 2019 introduction of the Cybertruck, a triangular-shaped, all-electric truck that promised to revolutionize the pickup segment.
Several years and production delays later, we are finally on the cusp of the arrival of the Tesla Cybertruck in Canada. Is this electric pickup the right model for you? Here’s what you need to know about it before it arrives in the Canadian market.
Availability of the Tesla Cyber Truck in Canada
The Tesla Cybertruck’s original release was supposed to come in 2022, but as is common with high-tech vehicles like this, there were delays. According to reports, Tesla now estimates the Cybertruck’s arrival in the third quarter of 2023. However, they are only anticipating about 1,000 deliveries throughout 2023. Full production will come in 2024.
Once production is rolling 100%, reports indicate Tesla will offer four versions of the Cybertruck:
- Single-Motor Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Tri-Motor AWD
- Quad-Motor AWD
This is a general schedule for the Cybertruck and isn’t Canada-specific, but logic tells us this will encompass all of North America.
Specs of the Tesla Cybertruck
Other than the availability of the Tesla Cybertruck in Canada, the second thing on potential Cybertruck buyers’ minds is its specs. What will this electric truck be? Here’s what we know about the Cybertruck’s specifications to this point.
Tesla Cybertruck Power and Performance
If you go through Tesla’s website and check out its current lineup, you’ll find few mentions of horsepower and torque. Tesla keeps this information pretty well under wraps. Instead, it focuses on top speed, acceleration, and range, which is really all that matters in these vehicles. However, people can’t help but be curious.
Chances are, the Tesla Cybertruck will share its powertrain with the Model Y and Model X. Several outlets independently report on these models’ output. The Model Y ranges from 295 horsepower (hp) and 317 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque in the Rear-Wheel Drive trim to 456 hp and 497 lb-ft of torque in the Performance model.
The Model X is far more powerful, and Tesla lists its output on its website, which starts at 670 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque in the Dual Motor AWD trim. In the Plaid trim, this jumps to an astounding 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque (assuming it shares the Model S Plaid’s torque numbers) thanks to its tri-motor AWD system.
Considering one of the Cybertruck’s biggest rivals will be the GMC Hummer EV Pickup, which will deliver up to 1,000 hp, the 1,020 hp range sounds about right. However, this will likely be available only in the priciest of Cybertruck trims. And with the relatively low base price Tesla is aiming for, which we will get to later, we expect the base model to come with the Tesla Model Y Rear Wheel Drive’s 295 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque but with its power turned up slightly to appease truck buyers.
In the middle of the lineup, the Cybertruck will also stare down the Ford F-150 Lightning, which has 452 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque, meaning a retuned version of the Model Y Performance’s powertrain could be perfect.
Tesla hasn’t released full details on the Cybertruck’s performance, but it mentions on its website it will sprint from zero to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in a sports-car-like 2.9 seconds, just beating the GMC Hummer EV pickup truck. We’re sure this is the top-of-the-line model, and the lower-trim versions of this electric pickup will zip to highway speeds in the five- to seven-second range.
As with any truck, electric or not, capability is always top of mind, specifically towing and payload. Tesla hasn’t released all the details, but it claims the Cybertruck’s towing capacity will check in at 14,000 pounds while the payload capacity will sit at 3,500 pounds in the tri-motor AWD variant. The dual-motor AWD model should tow around 10,000 pounds, and the single-motor RWD models will ring in at about 7,500 pounds. The Quad-Motor AWD model will likely go even higher than 14,000 pounds.
Those are some serious numbers for a light-duty pickup. Even the mighty GMC Hummer EV tows just 7,500 pounds and can carry 1,300 pounds of payload, so Elon Musk and team are targeting lofty numbers. The only electric pickup that comes close is the Rivian R1T at 11,000 pounds.
The big downside to electric trucks since they’ve arrived is the impact towing has on their range. Tesla does not mention the range reduction when towing, but we’re sure this is a focal point.
Tesla Cybertruck Driving Range and Charging
Again, the details are still minimal, but Tesla’s website says the Cybertruck’s all-electric driving range will be “up to 500 miles (805 km).” Again, this will likely be in a higher trim level, as the closest Tesla model to this range is the Model S Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive at 652 km.
Tesla said it would offer four versions of the Cybertruck once production is at full throttle, so we’ll see a collection of battery and powertrain options. We expect the Tesla Cybertruck’s driving range to start at around 400 km and top out at about 800 km.
Tesla won’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to charging the Cybertruck. You will have the option to install a level 2 charger in your home for overnight charging. If you’re on the road, you can choose a wide range of public chargers or the super-fast Tesla Supercharger. The exact charging times will vary by battery size, and the Cybertruck will feature a new battery, given its huge range estimate.
Tesla Cybertruck Interior Dimensions and Features
Tesla has released precisely zero information on the Cybertruck’s interior, save for a few images of the Cybertruck prototype’s cabin. In these images, we can see this is a six-seat cabin (3+3) with decent rear legroom that looks to be in the 900 mm range.
Considering the Tesla Model X and Model Y have various seating options, it’s safe to assume the Cybertruck will too. It’ll likely come standard as a five-seater pickup with the option to add the sixth seat. The Cybertruck’s interior won’t skimp on storage, as the rear seats will boast extra under-seat storage.
As for interior features, the Cybertruck will likely mimic the Model X and Model Y. The prototype images somewhat confirm this assumption, as they show a clean and clutter-free dashboard with a 17-inch touchscreen in the centre — just like every other Tesla model. This centre touchscreen will replace all the buttons and knobs we’re used to seeing in other vehicles with an all-new user interface. Of course, Autopilot and full-self driving will be options, as they are on all other Tesla models.
Tesla Cybertruck Chassis
Once again, there’s not much info on the Tesla Cybertruck’s chassis, but CEO Elon Musk and Tesla have released some information. We know it will have an available adaptive air suspension to raise or lower up to 101.6 mm in each direction to match the conditions. Are you heading off-road? Raise it up. Do you struggle with entering high-riding vehicles? Lower it. It also has self-levelling capabilities that keep the truck level when you load it up with cargo or a trailer or just hit uneven terrain.
Tesla also boasts about the Cybertruck’s low centre of gravity — a trait many electric vehicles have due to the low positioning of their batteries — translating into surprising agility for a pickup.
Tesla Cybertruck Exterior Dimensions and Features
Like the interior, we have no concrete details surrounding the Cybertruck’s size. We’ve seen the prototype, and it looks about the same size as any other light-duty pickup. Unless Tesla surprises us with multiple bed options, the Cybertruck will offer only a 6.5-foot bed. This can be an immediate turn-off for traditional pickup truck buyers. However, the tailgate will feature a flip-up stop, allowing you to haul standard 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood.
One neat thing about the bed is its motorized magic tonneau cover that closes over the top of the bed and locks to create what Tesla calls “the vault.” So, you can easily store valuable items in the bed without concern they’ll get stolen. It will also feature over 2,832 litres of lockable exterior storage space, including the vault, frunk (front trunk), and any other secret cubbies Tesla has hidden on the exterior.
Tesla also claims the Cybertruck will have superior adaptability to fit most buyers’ needs, thanks to its available onboard power and compressed air. One image shows the Cybertruck’s bed area converted to a mobile kitchen, which would be great for people who love camping but don’t feel like roughing it.
We also know Tesla is building the Cybertruck with ruggedness in mind, starting with its Ultra Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel exoskeleton that resists dents and dings and provides extra protection for the people inside the truck. On top of this, the Cybertruck will include Tesla Armor Glass, which is a glass and polymer-layered composite designed to absorb and redirect impact force for improved performance and strength.
Price of the Tesla Cybertruck in Canada
Another lingering issue is the Tesla Cybertruck price when it goes into mass production next year. This is still mostly unknown, but reports indicate it’ll start in the $50,000 range for the single-motor RWD model. This puts it slightly lower than the upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV, another main competitor estimated to start at $55,197. We expect an MSRP over $100,000 for the Tesla Cybertruck in Canada in its highest trims — in the ballpark of the highest-trimmed GMC Hummer EV Pickup.
You can preorder the Tesla Cybertruck in Canada today with a USD$100 fully refundable deposit.
The Cybertruck is Coming, and You Can Save Big With Clutch
Soon we will have the Tesla Cybertruck in Canada after many years of patiently waiting. It’ll offer everything we love from all Tesla models, from the tiny Tesla Model 3 to the hulking Model X, but with the added capabilities of a pickup truck. And it’s just in time, as other automakers, including Chevy, GMC, Ford, and Rivian, are launching EV pickups in Canada.
The downside is that electric cars are still rather expensive, and we expect the most desirable Cybertruck models to exceed the $100,000 mark. Fortunately, if you’re willing to wait for the used Tesla Cybertruck and used electric truck market to build, you can save big on your Tesla pickup at Clutch, Canada’s premier online automotive retailer.
Our high-quality pre-owned vehicles undergo a 210-point inspection and reconditioning process to ensure they are ready for the road. Plus, every used vehicle we sell includes a 6,000-km or 90-day warranty.
When you order your pre-owned vehicle with Clutch, you skip the headaches of going to the dealership and haggling with salespeople. At Clutch, you can rest assured you’re getting the best price possible — no haggling necessary. In addition to a great price, you also get a 10-day or 750-km test-own period. If you don't love your used vehicle during that period, you can return it for a refund or exchange it for another vehicle.
Are you planning to trade in your current vehicle? Clutch can also handle trade-ins, and you can get your offer online. If you're satisfied with our offer, we'll pick up your trade-in vehicle and apply the trade-in value to your purchase.
