Tesla has officially discontinued the $16,000 Range Extender for the Cybertruck, a move that has left many reservation holders disappointed and questioning the future of the vehicle’s capabilities. The removal of the Range Extender from the online configurator last month was an early sign, but the final nail in the coffin came with an email to Cybertruck owners confirming the cancellation and the promise of a full deposit refund. This accessory, designed to alleviate range anxiety, was intended to provide a significant boost to the Cybertruck’s mileage, addressing concerns about long-distance travel and towing.
The Range Extender’s demise marks the end of a long and uncertain journey. Initially touted as a solution to meet the Cybertruck’s ambitious range targets, it faced repeated delays, leading some to speculate that it was merely “vaporware.” These suspicions proved correct as Tesla officially abandoned the project without delivering a single unit. This decision impacts owners who were relying on the Range Extender to overcome the Cybertruck’s range limitations, especially those planning to use the vehicle for heavy-duty tasks.
When the Cybertruck was first unveiled, Tesla promised an impressive 500 miles of range, thanks to its innovative 4680 cells. However, the development of these cells proved challenging, and the Cybertruck ultimately launched with a lower maximum range. Initially, the range was around 340 miles, later revised to 325 miles. Tesla has since introduced a Long Range variant, boosting the range to approximately 350 miles. The Range Extender was conceived as a way to bridge the gap between the initial promise and the delivered reality.
The $16,000 Range Extender was designed to increase the Cybertruck’s range to 470 miles, but it came with a significant drawback: it would occupy about one-third of the truck’s bed space. Subsequent delays led to a revised range estimate of 445 miles, with the launch pushed to mid-2025. The cancellation of the Range Extender leaves Cybertruck owners without a short-term solution to the vehicle’s range limitations, particularly concerning for those who require extended range for towing and long journeys.
| Cybertruck Variant | Original Promised Range | Actual Range |
|---|---|---|
| Base Model | 500 miles | 325 miles |
| Long Range | 500 miles | 350 miles |
| With Range Extender (Projected) | 500 miles | 445-470 miles |
The cancellation of the Range Extender raises questions about Tesla’s confidence in the Cybertruck and its battery technology, particularly the 4680 cells. Scrapping a key solution for range limitations suggests underlying challenges that may not be easily resolved. This decision could impact potential buyers who prioritize range for towing and long-distance travel, potentially affecting the Cybertruck’s market appeal.
With reports of a three-month supply of unsold Cybertrucks, the cancellation of the Range Extender adds another layer of uncertainty to the vehicle’s future. It remains to be seen how Tesla will address the range concerns and whether alternative solutions will be explored. The situation also reignites discussions about the feasibility of Tesla’s battery technology and its ability to meet initial performance targets.
