AUTO

What the VIN Decoder Reveals About The Tesla Cybertruck

October 27, 2023

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the Tesla Cybertruck and hoping for a budget-friendly two-wheel-drive version, I’ve got some news for you. A recent discovery on a Cybertruck message board reveals some intriguing insights from a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoder document posted online by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

No 2WD option for the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck.
The Cybertruck is expected to be heavy due to its battery pack.
Tesla faces growing competition in the EV truck market.

2WD Cybertruck: Will Tesla Deliver on the Entry-Level Promise?

First off, let’s talk about the availability of that two-wheel-drive option. In the VIN decoder document for the 2024 model year, Tesla hints that there might not be a two-wheel-drive version of the Cybertruck – at least not in its inaugural year. The absence of a letter indicating a single motor Cybertruck suggests this entry-level option might not be on the table for 2024.

Now, why is this a big deal? Well, a two-wheel-drive Cybertruck would likely come with a more wallet-friendly price tag compared to its four-wheel-drive counterparts. Tesla has dropped hints in the past about offering it as an entry-level model, but the VIN decoder document doesn’t seem to confirm that.

Heavy Hauler: The Cybertruck’s Weight Challenge and Pricing Edge Over Rivals

Moving on, let’s discuss the weight of the Cybertruck. It turns out that, like most electric trucks, this beast is on the heavy side. The VIN decoder document indicates a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for the Cybertruck that’s around 2,000 pounds higher than a Ford F-150. But don’t be surprised – electric trucks tend to pack on the pounds due to those hefty battery packs.

But wait, Tesla isn’t alone in skipping the two-wheel-drive option. Competitors like Ford and Rivian have also chosen not to offer it. While Tesla hasn’t spilled the beans on the Cybertruck’s price just yet, they’ve mentioned that the base model could start at $40,000. If that holds true, it would undercut the least expensive Ford F-150 Lightning and be more affordable than the Rivian R1T.

Competition Revs Up: Tesla’s Strategy Amidst Growing Electric Truck Rivals

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. When Tesla first unveiled the Cybertruck in 2019, they had the electric truck market all to themselves. Fast forward to today, and Ford, General Motors, Rivian, and even Ram are in the game. Competition is heating up, and it might explain why Tesla is taking its time to offer a budget-friendly version.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been upfront about the challenges of mass-producing the Cybertruck. With its unique design and materials, making it profitable has been no small feat. Musk recently admitted that achieving profitability and positive cash flow for the Cybertruck would be no walk in the park.

In the end, the VIN decoder document gives us some intriguing clues about what to expect from the Cybertruck’s first model year. While it might not have the wallet-friendly two-wheel-drive version we were hoping for, Tesla is clearly making strategic moves in a competitive electric truck market.