Beware of the 'death frunk'
'I Drove The Tesla Cybertruck. These Design Flaws Surprised Me'
The Cybertruck is unlike anything Business Insider's editor Graham Rapier has ever driven.
Even before he got behind the wheel, its metallic angles screamed uniqueness from across a parking lot. On the road, it drew gaping looks from other drivers, while pedestrians chased it down for photos.
But a few features stuck out to Rapier and felt surprisingly rushed — especially in the company's newest and most highly anticipated product yet.
Are they all dealbreakers? Probably not. But for a price tag of more than $100,000, potential customers are allowed to be a little discerning, even if the main draw here is aesthetics and completely over-the-top specs.
These features annoyed Rapier in his three-day jaunt around central Texas:
[The Cybertruck's massive windshield and dark sunroof aren't going to be fun in the summer. Graham Rapier/Business Insider]
The Cybertruck's windshield is massive and more horizontal than many other vehicles. In the Texas sun, this didn't mesh well with the truck's all-black interior.
Driving in direct sunlight, any part of Rapier's arm or leg that was exposed and not getting direct ventilation was uncomfortable, and he knew cranking the air conditioning would drain battery life.
Inconveniently, the controls for the AC vents are buried in a settings menu on the main screen. No simple, one-motion adjustment of an air vent here — this is the future!
Charging also got hot. It was barely spring when Rapier tested out the Cybertruck, and within three hours of charging in the direct sunlight, temperatures inside had climbed to more than 130 degrees.
[Tesla will sell you an adapter to charge at CCS plugs, but many of its models require a service appointment to make it work. It specifically does not work on the Cybertruck, Tesla says. Tesla]
Want to fast charge on a non-Tesla plug? Good luck.
Rapier learned the hard way that charging infrastructure in this country is still a long way from perfect. All Tesla cars come with an adapter for some slow charger plugs, as was the case in his Turo rental.
But newer fast chargers not run by Tesla usually feature a plug known as CCS, which was basically the industry standard before a big switch to Tesla's plugs last year by most automakers.
To charge at one of those, you'll need a different adapter that Tesla sells for $250. However, it specifically does not work with the Cybertruck because of its protruding plastic fenders. Some other Tesla models require a service appointment to make it work.
[The Cybertruck's wheels are oversized, to say the least. Graham Rapier/Business Insider]
Wheel covers are a ubiquitous part of nearly every single electric vehicle. They improve aerodynamics by reducing drag, which helps range. In some cases, they look cool too.
But unlike in some other Tesla models, the Cybertruck's plastic wheel covers extend beyond the tire. Even the lightest scrape of a curb is noticeable.
[The Cybertruck's front trunk isn't massive, but it is a massive safety hazard. Graham Rapier/Business Insider]
This frunk is not safe.
Rapier placed a carrot on the open frunk's frame to test the sensitivity of the lid as it closed. The door sliced cleanly through the carrot.
Most other cars have automatic sensors to detect a rogue body part in the way of a closing trunk or frunk, but apparently not the Cybertruck. Watch out for those fingers!
To see more design flaws of the Cybertruck, head to Business Insider.
