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Technology
21 January 2025

Tesla Cybertruck RWD Features Unveiled Amidst Market Shifts

Recent app updates showcase what features the more affordable Cybertruck will include and hint at broader company strategies.

Tesla has recently made waves with its updates surrounding the highly anticipated Cybertruck, especially with the new functionality embedded within its mobile app version 4.41.0, released over the weekend. This update is packed with significant details about the upcoming Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant and hints at other features and initiatives aimed at enhancing Tesla ownership.

One key highlight of the update hints at the anticipated release of the Cybertruck RWD, which is expected to cater to budget-conscious consumers. Earlier this year, the US government announced the 2025 Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive was eligible for the $7,500 tax credit, but intriguingly, it included the yet-to-come RWD variant on the eligibility list. This not only suggests Tesla's commitment to providing options for varying consumer needs but also implies the RWD will be competitively priced around $60,000.

While exact release dates remain unclear, teardown efforts by users like @Tesla_App_iOS indicate the new RWD model will lack several premium features found on its dual- and tri-motor counterparts. Specifically, reports have emerged highlighting two pivotal changes:

  1. Manual Tonneau Cover: Unlike the automatic tonneau cover featured on the higher-end models, the RWD version may come with either no cover or offer it as manual or optional add-ons.
  2. No Standard AC Outlets: The app talks about the absence of standard AC outlets for the RWD. This feature has been one of the plusses on existing models; making it optional rather than standard could impact usability for many consumers.

Despite the potential drawbacks, Tesla’s strategy to enable the RWD variant appeals to customers who prioritize affordability. The absence of features like the powered tonneau cover doesn't inherently diminish the vehicle's prospects but suggests Tesla is opting for cost efficiency. Such moves come at a time when sales of the pricier variants have seen declines, particularly as the demand dynamics shift.

Adding to the intrigue, the mobile app update also features references to the new Tesla Diner concept set to debut alongside Supercharger stations. This novel combo aims to offer Tesla owners dining options as they recharge their vehicles. According to the update, Tesla owners will enjoy integrated features within the app to place orders directly from the diner. This innovation could redefine the charging experience for Tesla enthusiasts, making it more convenient and enjoyable.

Alongside these enhancements, potential changes to Tesla’s Safety Score system have caught the attention of analysts and customers alike. References found within the app suggest the company might introduce discounts linked to how frequently drivers use Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. If the new model incentivizes increased FSD usage, it might positively affect the insurance costs for Tesla owners, creating additional benefits for adopting advanced automation features.

Aside from these forward-looking enhancements, recent updates reveal several other practical new features aimed at improving the user experience for Tesla owners:

  • Live Roadside Assistance Tracking: The app indicates possible real-time tracking of roadside assistance requests, allowing users to stay informed more efficiently.
  • Charging Blocked Understanding: Updates hint at improved communication features relating to Supercharger access, helping users understand potential restrictions.
  • Battery Pre-Heating Display: Optimizations may include displaying how long it takes to prepare the battery for charging, adding more information for owners.

Meanwhile, as various features evolve, Tesla is reportedly enhancing app function for Android users with potential Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology support, promising higher reliability when using mobile devices as keys. The incorporation of NFC prompts could make accessing the vehicle even more intuitive for everyday users.

Yet, even with these promising updates, the Cybertruck's overall prospects remain complex. The Cybertruck became the best-selling electric pickup truck shortly after its launch, but evident market saturation at higher price points has led Tesla to explore various incentives, including offering free lifetime Supercharger access for some inventory. By lowering prices and emphasizing the launch of the affordable RWD model, Tesla is striving to engage potential buyers who might have been deterred by initial costs.

Industry experts underline the need for this RWD variant, emphasizing how consumer appetite is shifting away from expensive electric pickups. The foundation of Tesla's future success might well hinge on the launch of this more budget-friendly variant, as the premium segment appears increasingly crowded. Although the introduction of RWD may lack some luxurious features compared to higher models, it could provide Tesla with the opportunity to capture attention and loyalty from new customers seeking entry-level electric trucks.

With innovative features including potential pricing strategies, Tesla's latest updates could serve to balance affordability and desirability as they navigate changing market dynamics. These product adjustments are not merely strategic but seem necessary for the company to maintain its foothold as demand evolves, making the launch of the RWD variant one of the most anticipated developments for Tesla enthusiasts.