Tesla Cybertruck - The Future of Electric Vehicles in South Africa

Tesla, the electric vehicle company led by billionaire Elon Musk, has announced that it will launch its futuristic pickup truck, the Cybertruck, in South Africa in 2024. The Cybertruck, which was unveiled in 2019, has a stainless steel body, a bulletproof glass, and a range of up to 800 kilometers. It also has features such as four-wheel steering, power-sharing capability, and range extender. The Cybertruck will be priced from R1.5 million to R2.5 million (USD 99,000 to USD 165,000), depending on the model and features.

Why South Africa?

South Africa is one of the markets that Elon Musk is most excited about for the Cybertruck, and he hopes to build a Gigafactory there in the future. Musk, who was born in Pretoria, has a strong connection to his home country and has expressed his desire to support its development and innovation.

South Africa is also a promising market for electric vehicles, as it has a growing middle class, a high demand for mobility, and a potential for renewable energy. 

According to a report by Deloitte, South Africa is expected to have 145,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2025, up from 2,000 in 2019. The report also states that the main drivers for electric vehicle adoption in South Africa are environmental awareness, lower maintenance costs, and government incentives.

However, South Africa also faces some challenges for electric vehicle adoption, such as the lack of charging infrastructure, the high cost of electricity, and the low availability of models. The report suggests that the government and the private sector should work together to address these barriers and to create a conducive environment for electric vehicle growth.

What is the Cybertruck?

The Cybertruck is a futuristic electric pickup truck that aims to revolutionize the automotive industry. It has a stainless steel body, which is resistant to dents, scratches, and corrosion. It also has bulletproof glass, which can withstand high-impact forces. The Cybertruck has a range of up to 800 kilometers, which can be extended by using a solar roof or a range extender. It also has a towing capacity of up to 6,350 kilograms and a payload capacity of up to 1,590 kilograms.

The Cybertruck has three models

The single-motor rear-wheel drive, the dual-motor all-wheel drive, and the tri-motor all-wheel drive. 

1. The single-motor model has a range of 400 kilometers, a top speed of 177 kilometers per hour, and a 0-100 kilometers per hour acceleration of 6.5 seconds. It costs R1.5 million (USD 99,000). 
2. The dual motor model has a range of 540 kilometers, a top speed of 193 kilometers per hour, and a 0-100 kilometers per hour acceleration of 4.5 seconds. It costs R1.9 million (USD 125,000). 
3. The tri-motor model has a range of 800 kilometers, a top speed of 209 kilometers per hour, and a 0-100 kilometers per hour acceleration of 2.9 seconds. It costs R2.5 million (USD 165,000).

What is new about the Cybertruck?

Tesla has revealed some new information about the Cybertruck during a livestreamed delivery event on Friday, where it handed over the first 10 production Cybertrucks to customers, who were selected from a pool of over one million reservation holders. 

Some of the new information are

• A 48-volt system, similar to Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen EVs, powers the Cybertruck. This system allows for efficient power distribution, and enables the use of power tools plugged into the vehicle. The Cybertruck can also operate tools or charge any EV with integrated 120V and 240V outlets in the bed and cabin. In case of a grid outage, it can provide up to 11.5 kW of power to the home.
• A steer-by-wire and rear steering system gives the Cybertruck the agility of a sports car and a better turning radius than most sedans. It can also move sideways like a crab with a four-wheel steering mode.
• A light bar on the front illuminates the path up to 525 yards. A basecamp accessory, an instant tent that fits two adults comfortably, pumps up in minutes. All-terrain tires handle any environment.

What is the impact of the Cybertruck on South Africa?

Offering a new and innovative option for mobility, transportation, and power generation, the Cybertruck is expected to have a positive impact on South Africa. It will also create new opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers, who can benefit from the electric vehicle market and the renewable energy sector. It will also contribute to the environmental sustainability and social development of the country, as it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and noise pollution, and improve the quality of life of the people.

The Cybertruck is a groundbreaking vehicle that will change the future of electric vehicles in South Africa, and the world. It combines human ingenuity and collaboration with design and engineering excellence. It embodies the vision and ambition of Elon Musk and Tesla, who are leaders in innovation and sustainability. It also resonates with the hope and aspiration of South Africa and its people, who are eager for progress and development.

It would be amazing to see a Gigafactory being built in South Africa at some stage, as we all know the positive effect it has on the economy. 

A Gigafactory is a large-scale battery and electric vehicle production facility that Tesla plans to build around the world. According to a study by the University of Nevada, Reno, the first Gigafactory in Nevada has created over 7,000 jobs and generated over $2 billion in economic impact in 2019. A Gigafactory in South Africa could boost the local manufacturing, energy, and transportation sectors, and create more opportunities for employment, education, and innovation.

Thank you for reading.

 

Best,

Nexa-Hub