Tesla Cybertruck External Battery Pack Plan Halted
In a surprise turn of events that's left some Cybertruck enthusiasts in the dark, Tesla has opted to put the brakes on and bring out an external battery pack meant to extend the driving range of the electric pickup. The company has started informing consumers of the reversal, and it seems those who have placed a deposit of $2000 on the accessory will be refunded.
What Happened to the Range Boost
Their owners have been sharing pictures of letters received from Tesla, and those letters state that the entire refunds for the pre-ordered battery are on the way. Tesla has remained tight-lipped about providing a particular reason for shelving this particular accessory. perceptive witnesses also mentioned that the option to upgrade this extra battery to a newer Cybertruck model was already gone from Tesla's website before this announcement.
The added battery had its original release slated for first-quarter 2025 but was then moved to the summer. Its only purpose. To allow the Cybertruck to reach its original range estimates. When Tesla first announced them, it boasted between 250, 300, or even 500 miles (approximately 402, 482, or 805 kilometers) depending on the model. But once production began, in-real-life range estimates on higher-end Cybertrucks hit nearer to 350 miles (some 563 km).
Why the Change of Heart
While Tesla has yet to clarify why the range extender is gone, whispers are circulating. One of the possible reasons could be demand for the Cybertruck itself. Early projections were high, putting production anywhere from 250,000 to 500,000 units annually. But word is that in the 15 months since it went on sale, fewer than 50,000 Cybertrucks have been purchased. Could less-than-expected uptake have contributed to eliminating an accessory for it.
For now, Cybertruck owners wanting that extra battery pack will just have to make do with the vehicle's built-in capacity.
