Camissa tests the Cybertruck

[JHZR2]

Even if they do and the end of the day it is still a full size, capable truck even if they choose not to use it as such. I guess my point is I can the limitations stacking up compared to more "mainstream" vehicles. It being electric isn't an issue in my book and they call it a "truck" so there is an expectation.

Actually, I disagree a short bed truck is just as useful as a longer bed truck as long as you are aware of the limitations. My bed is only 5'2" and it is still useful for any and every I would do with a 6' bed. I just have to be more careful securing cargo. Can I tow 10,000lbs? Well no but if my intention was that I wouldn't have bought this truck anyway.

My point was the smaller trucks have less utility. The bigger ones are just pigs. So trades either way. But my case in point was related to smaller size trucks, put 4x8 sheet goods in my s-10 conveniently…. Oh yeah, you can’t. They don’t fit. Yet it still gets me places and is utilitarian for other things.

The cyber truck falls someplace on that sort of continuum. With an incredible drivetrain, lots of speed, low drag, decent energy use per mile, etc.

 

[PandaBear]

I almost rented a truck once to move a furniture instead of hiring someone to. I checked and only a non crew cab would be long enough to fit, but the dealer who could rent me one has only crew cabs. People keep talking about full size truck fitting a plywood but, if that's the reason people buying and rating a truck why would they want a crew cab is beyond me. If they want to tow something that's another story, but then why wouldn't they settle for a wagon, SUV, or van that has towing capability? I really don't know. So I would think people buy CyberTruck not for its bed but for other reasons, like crew cab buyers.

For EV I think torque isn't the biggest problem for towing, even your Model 3 probably can do that with range as a tradeoff. Why stainless steel, causing all the fit and finish problem because it is too stiff and cannot be stamped, but also must remain unpainted and cannot hide cosmetic defect (non press cars like the one in the other thread has wobble looking panels).

Cool for sure, but other than cool, what purpose?

 

[AZjeff]

Being an electric imbecile the part about being a 48 volt system was interesting and I almost understood it. Wouldn't steer by wire need some sort of .gov approval?

 

[Shel_B]

Being an electric imbecile the part about being a 48 volt system was interesting and I almost understood it. Wouldn't steer by wire need some sort of .gov approval?

Lexus has been using steer-by-wire for a while. Jason at Engineering Explained tested the system and explained it, Motor Trend did an article about the system, and I'm sure others have covered the subject as well.

 

[JHZR2]

I almost rented a truck once to move a furniture instead of hiring someone to. I checked and only a non crew cab would be long enough to fit, but the dealer who could rent me one has only crew cabs. People keep talking about full size truck fitting a plywood but, if that's the reason people buying and rating a truck why would they want a crew cab is beyond me. If they want to tow something that's another story, but then why wouldn't they settle for a wagon, SUV, or van that has towing capability? I really don't know. So I would think people buy CyberTruck not for its bed but for other reasons, like crew cab buyers.

For EV I think torque isn't the biggest problem for towing, even your Model 3 probably can do that with range as a tradeoff. Why stainless steel, causing all the fit and finish problem because it is too stiff and cannot be stamped, but also must remain unpainted and cannot hide cosmetic defect (non press cars like the one in the other thread has wobble looking panels).

Cool for sure, but other than cool, what purpose?

Cool is relative. It’s funky looking, I’m not so sure it’s cool. Its purpose is to have some level of a bed and some seats. And a whole lot of good engineering (which could have been done in a 3 or revised s of course.

The pm and induction motor mix is interesting to me.

Now, even if a 3 or a had the power, and brakes, it wouldn’t have the suspension. The cybertruck notionally has a suspension a bit more tuned for hauling.

Your comments about a crew cab I think are a bit shortsighted. Short of a 2500 suburban, which I’m not sure they even make anymore, the suv and vans do lack the raw towing power of really heavy stuff is to be moved. Relative to crew cabs, they really are the best. My 4x4 CTD is an extended cab. I have three young kids. They fit in there but it’s a bit of a pain. Kind of like hauling a family around in a 2dr car. Crew cabs are more utilitarian. Thing is they are huge. Sure. An 8’ bed on a crew cab is obnoxiously long. Even my Dodge is.

Different tools in the toolbox.

 

[Shel_B]

Why stainless steel, causing all the fit and finish problem because it is too stiff and cannot be stamped, but also must remain unpainted and cannot hide cosmetic defect (non press cars like the one in the other thread has wobble looking panels).

Cool for sure, but other than cool, what purpose?

Did you watch the video? In it, the use of the metal was explained and demonstrated. It's not your standard stainless steel. It is incredibly hard and durable, supports the structure of the vehicle and aids in saving weight and improves safety.

 

[dogememe]

What the video demonstrated to me the most was how far ahead Tesla is compared to the Hummer EV when it comes to engineering and technology.

That said if I was getting one for free or had the money to buy one and had to choose between the two I’d pick Hummer EV just based on looks.

 

[Shel_B]

 

[proveitwithdata]

What the video demonstrated to me the most was how far ahead Tesla is compared to the Hummer EV when it comes to engineering and technology.

That said if I was getting one for free or had the money to buy one and had to choose between the two I’d pick Hummer EV just based on looks.

It did, but even then it showcased how even the leader of the pack in ev, cant really solve physics problems at this juncture with their lean design. It needs oodles of battery to reach that 400 mile range, and charging times will be a while as v4s are still stuck to v3 350 systems.

 

[Shel_B]

It did, but even then it showcased how even the leader of the pack in ev, cant really solve physics problems at this juncture with their lean design. It needs oodles of battery to reach that 400 mile range, and charging times will be a while as v4s are still stuck to v3 350 systems.

There is an optional, and I believe removable, battery pack that pushes the Cybertruck to a 440-470 mile range. I want to research its removability some more. IMO, it would be nice if it were removable so when driving locally it can be stored at home saving weight and perhaps some complexity, but then be available for long trips and towing.

 

[AZjeff]

Lexus has been using steer-by-wire for a while. Jason at Engineering Explained tested the system and explained it, Motor Trend did an article about the system, and I'm sure others have covered the subject as well.

Apparently 1 Lexus model of EV has it. So would they need some sort of approval to use something so unconventional and unproven in autos?

 

[Torrid]

Man I didn't realize Cammisa was so hated. One of my favorite car guys, though that could be because he's a complete VW fanboy. This is all because he endorsed the Lucid, isn't it?

 

[Shel_B]

Apparently 1 Lexus model of EV has it. So would they need some sort of approval to use something so unconventional and unproven in autos?

SbW controls the rear-wheel steering systems in luxury and high-performance vehicles from brands like Porsche, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Audi, and many more, including certain models of the Ford F-150. RWS was first used in the mid-1980s, but it was a complex mechanical system. By the '90s, wireless systems were coming into use.

Wireless controls have been used in aircraft since 1984, when the Airbus A320 became the first airliner to fly with an all-digital fly-by-wire control system. To a lesser degree, and with less success, the Germans were using what was then called "remote control" in some military situations during the 2nd WW and I believe they started experimenting with the technique in the early 1930s.

Soon after the 1969 Moon landing, NASA approved a plan to develop and test a digital-fly-by-wire system for aircraft, with the first flight occurring in May of 1972.

I would say that SbW is far from unconventional and unproven. From what I've seen thus far, the Cybertruck system improves on Toyota's system, but that's a quick assessment based on just a few pieces of information. I do feel confident that the systems used thus far are safe.

 

[dogememe]

Apparently 1 Lexus model of EV has it. So would they need some sort of approval to use something so unconventional and unproven in autos?

I don't feel like steer by wire is that huge of a deal. I mean, technology wise it is, but not from a safety or approval perspective.

 

[JeffKeryk]

My understanding is steer-by-wire allows for different wheel movement based on speed, such as parking lot maneuvering vs freeway speeds.

 

[MrStamper]

Man I didn't realize Cammisa was so hated. One of my favorite car guys, though that could be because he's a complete VW fanboy. This is all because he endorsed the Lucid, isn't it?

Old Bitogers don’t like successful young guys. Pisses them off.

 

[Shel_B]

My understanding is steer-by-wire allows for different wheel movement based on speed, such as parking lot maneuvering vs freeway speeds.

That is correct. In some situations, it can consider vehicle load, something of importance when towing or carrying heavy cargo in a truck's bed (although I need to look into that more deeply).

In addition, look at certain practical aspects. Having no steering column frees up underhood space, allowing for more ideal placement of other components (turbos come quickly to mind), freer flowing exhaust headers, and easier maintenance in the engine bay.

 

[proveitwithdata]

There is an optional, and I believe removable, battery pack that pushes the Cybertruck to a 440-470 mile range. I want to research its removability some more. IMO, it would be nice if it were removable so when driving locally it can be stored at home saving weight and perhaps some complexity, but then be available for long trips and towing.

It is exchanging 38% of the pickup bed for 33% better range.

 

[proveitwithdata]

Apparently 1 Lexus model of EV has it. So would they need some sort of approval to use something so unconventional and unproven in autos?

Rz was tested with the system by us media, but at the time, they were still working on the system. From what i understand it will be available next year when they introduce the 300 mile fwd only Rz300e. Europe and China approved the systems so the feedback from their customers allowed them to upgrade the system. US regulators have yet to sign off on the Lexus system. I assume the cybertruck deliveries to employees were for this reason.

 

[fantastic]

My biggest gripe? They did not test the actual towing. Maybe I missed it in this "Review"? Does anyone have an actual towing test video of this truck?