Tesla seems to have hit the jackpot, at least in terms of reservations, with its upcoming Cybertruck. According to a customer tally, the automaker could be sitting on a goldmine of as many as 2 million Cybertruck reservations. This feat is all the more impressive considering the polarizing opinions that the vehicle’s design has generated since its debut in 2019.
Design: Love It or Hate It
The vehicle’s aesthetic has been subject to vehement debate, with some outright hating its unconventional look. Still, the number of reservations paints a different picture: the Cybertruck is loved by many. When Tesla CEO Elon Musk first unveiled the electric pickup, Tesla received over 250,000 reservations within a week. Unlike other Tesla models, where reservation numbers usually plateau after the initial excitement, the Cybertruck has seen consistent interest. Insider sources suggest that some Tesla stores were getting hundreds of Cybertruck reservations per week, even during the pandemic.
Not Just Numbers
The allure of the Cybertruck isn’t just in the numbers. Most reservations show interest in the dual- and tri-motor versions of the truck. Interestingly, all these reservations have been made without any official announcement regarding the final price or configurations. Tesla is only asking for a $100 refundable deposit to reserve the Cybertruck, a much lower entry cost compared to previous launches.
A Success Story in the Making?
The top comment on the tally by Damon Ekstrom brings up an interesting point: the initial price points for the various Cybertruck versions were more of a “ballpark” figure. Once the final specs and prices are out, the reservations might see some fluctuations. However, if even 20% of these reservations convert into actual sales, the Cybertruck could quickly become one of the best-selling pickups in the world.
The Skepticism Within Tesla
Expectation vs Reality memeIt’s worth noting that the Cybertruck’s design hasn’t been universally loved, even within Tesla. According to Elon Musk’s biography, Tesla’s design chief Franz von Holzhausen mentioned that a majority of people in the studio were initially against the design. Some engineers even covertly started designing another version of the truck, feeling that the original concept was just too radical.
The Larger Context
The Cybertruck will be entering a competitive market, going head-to-head with established electric pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T. There’s also competition from upcoming models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV. The initial skepticism wasn’t just about its design but also about the features it would offer compared to competitors. One focal point of debate has been the front storage compartment, also known as the frunk, which has been the subject of numerous speculations and leaks.
What’s Next?
Tesla is expected to announce a date for the start of Cybertruck deliveries soon, with reports suggesting that the first units could roll out as early as October 2023. These upcoming months will be crucial for Tesla as they reveal the final specifications and pricing, potentially affecting the number of reservations.
The Verdict
Despite its divisive design and a multitude of skeptics both outside and within Tesla, the Cybertruck has proven to be a phenomenon in the automotive world. Its reservation numbers suggest that there’s significant interest in what Tesla is trying to accomplish, even if it defies conventional design wisdom. The real test, however, will come once the vehicle hits the roads. Until then, the Cybertruck remains a tantalizing enigma, a topic of hot debate, and a symbol of how disruptive innovation can sometimes come in very unconventional packages.
In a world where the norms of automotive design are constantly being challenged, Tesla’s Cybertruck stands as a testament to the power of audacity. It’s a vehicle that many love to hate but also one that could very well redefine what a successful electric pickup truck looks like.
