Introduction to Tesla’s Range Extender Cancellation

Tesla has decided to cancel its plans to sell a range extender for the Cybertruck. The company has notified customers who had previously paid a $2,000 reservation fee for the $16,000 add-on about the cancellation. According to emails posted on social networks and forums, Tesla will be refunding the deposits in full.

Background on the Range Extender

The range extender was a battery pack designed to be installed on the bed of the Cybertruck. It was intended to address the issue of the vehicle’s shorter range than initially promised. When Tesla first unveiled the Cybertruck, it stated that different versions would have varying ranges, including one with a 500-mile range. However, the long-range Cybertruck, which has the longest range, can only last for 350 miles on a single charge. As reported by Electrek, the battery pack was initially expected to start shipping in early 2025 but was pushed back to mid-2025, with its promised range reduced from 470 miles to 445 miles.

Impact on Tesla’s Sales Projections

Elon Musk had previously stated that he expected Tesla to sell between 250,000 to 500,000 Cybertrucks annually. However, a recent recall revealed that the company sold fewer than 50,000 units over a 15-month period. It is unclear whether Tesla decided to cancel the range extender due to the model’s poor performance or another reason. Nevertheless, the Cybertruck’s battery add-on has been cancelled and will not be available.

Twitter Update on the Cancellation

According to a tweet by Sawyer Merritt, Tesla has officially cancelled the Cybertruck Range Extender. The company stated, "We are no longer planning to sell the Range Extender for Cybertruck. As a result, we will be refunding your deposit in full."

Conclusion

The cancellation of the Cybertruck range extender may have significant implications for Tesla’s sales and production plans. As the company continues to navigate the challenges of the electric vehicle market, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact its overall strategy.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/tesla-will-no-longer-release-the-cybertruck-range-extender-004809209.html?src=rss