Tesla CEO Elon Musk made an appearance on comedian Joe Rogan’s popular podcast, where he revealed new details about the upcoming Cybertruck. Notably, Musk stated that the Cybertruck will be featured in a video showing the electric truck’s durability against gunfire and arrows.
On the 2 hour 41 minute podcast, footage of them shooting at the Cybertruck to demonstrate the strength of its ultra-hard exoskeleton. This comes after a botched unveiling event in 2019, where a Tesla designer cracked the truck’s “armor glass” windows with a metal ball.
Musk clarified that the glass itself is not bulletproof, however the Cybertruck’s steel exterior provides protection against bullets. To prove this, Tesla will shoot the vehicle with a 9mm handgun on video. Rogan even suggested using an AR-15 rifle.
Amusingly, Rogan also shot an arrow at the Cybertruck during the podcast, which harmlessly bounced off the door. Musk joked that the Cybertruck is “arrow-proof” as a result. Footage of the stunt will likely be included in Tesla’s upcoming video.
In regards to specifications, Musk stated the Cybertruck will weigh between 6,500 to 7,000 lbs depending on the model. The company is targeting a 0-60 mph time under 3.0 seconds for the top-end trim with three electric motors, 2024 VIN decoder confirms cybertruck specs2024 Dual/Triple Motor and weight ratings (GVWR).
Tesla hopes to produce around 200,000 Cybertrucks annually at scale. The company already has over 1 million reservations for the vehicle, representing potential sales of over $50 billion if fully converted.
However, Musk cautioned that the Cybertruck will be extremely difficult to manufacture, exoskeleton body requires Tesla to develop new alloy casting and forming technologies, achieving volume production will be a major challenge.
The interview provided enthusiastic Tesla fans some long-awaited updates on the Cybertruck’s development. Musk originally aimed for production to start in 2021, but delays have pushed the timeline back to late 2023 and upcoming Cybertruck delivery event.
While skeptics remain dubious that Tesla can deliver the Cybertruck as promised, Musk is doubling down on the project. Tesla plans to start work on a new factory in Austin, Texas dedicated to mass producing the stainless steel electric truck.
With Musk targeting 200,000 units per year and reservation holders still eager despite delays, the Cybertruck represents a potential game-changer in the pickup market. Tesla’s video stress testing the radical design may win over more prospective buyers ahead of its polarizing launch.