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Technology
12 April 2025

Tesla Launches New Cybertruck Long Range Model With Trade-Offs

Despite a lower price and increased range, the Long Range Cybertruck sacrifices key features and performance.

Tesla has officially launched its new rear-drive Cybertruck Long Range, a model that aims to attract more buyers with a lower price point and an impressive range. Announced on April 11, 2025, the Long Range version is priced at $71,985, including a destination charge of $1,995, making it $10,000 cheaper than the dual-motor All-Wheel Drive model, which previously served as the base model.

This new variant boasts a maximum estimated range of 362 miles, which is 37 miles more than the previous All-Wheel Drive model, and even surpasses the best-performing Cyberbeast by 30 miles. However, achieving this range requires the purchase of a $750 soft tonneau cover, as the standard power tonneau cover is no longer available. Without the cover, the maximum range drops to 350 miles, and it further decreases to 331 miles if buyers opt for the larger 20-inch Cyber Wheels.

Charging capabilities are also noteworthy; the Long Range model can gain up to 147 miles of range in just 15 minutes on a Supercharger, outpacing the All-Wheel Drive and Cyberbeast models, which can only add 135 and 127 miles, respectively. However, the performance of the Long Range model has taken a hit due to its rear-wheel-drive configuration, with the 0-60 mph sprint now taking 6.2 seconds compared to the All-Wheel Drive's 4.1 seconds and the Cyberbeast's impressive 2.5 seconds.

Despite the attractive price and range, the Long Range model comes with significant compromises. The most notable change is the removal of the front motor, which eliminates all-wheel drive and reduces towing capacity to 7,500 pounds, down from 11,000 pounds on other models. Payload capacity has also been reduced to 2,006 pounds, which is less than the 2,500 pounds possible with the All-Wheel Drive variant.

Additionally, the Long Range model lacks the adaptive air suspension that is standard on other versions, instead featuring a more basic coil-spring setup. This change means the ground clearance is fixed at 9.57 inches, significantly lower than the 16 inches achievable with the All-Wheel Drive or Cyberbeast models when set to Extract mode. The Long Range also omits several features that were previously standard, such as the 120- and 240-volt outlets in the bed, the rear passenger display, and the premium sound system, which has been downgraded from 15 speakers to just seven.

Inside, the Long Range model has traded leather-like upholstery for cloth seats, and while the front seats are heated, the rear seats no longer have heating or ventilation options. The center console has also been downgraded from premium to standard, and there is no longer a rear touchscreen for passengers.

Despite the lower price and increased range, many consumers remain skeptical about the Cybertruck's appeal. Tesla's sales figures reflect this uncertainty; the company sold only 6,406 Cybertrucks in the first quarter of 2025, a modest increase from 2,803 in the same period the previous year. This number falls significantly short of Elon Musk's ambitious target of 150,000 units annually.

Critics argue that the Cybertruck's polarizing design and high price point still deter potential buyers. While the Long Range model may attract some interest due to its lower price, the overall consensus is that it may not be enough to significantly boost sales. As one observer pointed out, the Cybertruck's appearance has drawn comparisons to a dumpster, and many consumers may feel hesitant to invest in a vehicle that looks so different from traditional trucks.

The question remains whether the Long Range model can effectively double Cybertruck sales. Some analysts believe that the combination of a lower price and increased range could help, but others are skeptical, suggesting that even with these changes, the model might still struggle to gain traction in a competitive market.

In response to the criticisms and to enhance the functionality of the Long Range model, Tesla has also introduced an accessory called the Powershare Outlet Adapter. Priced at $80, this adapter allows users to create two 120V power outlets from the Cybertruck’s charge port. However, to use this adapter, buyers must also purchase Tesla's Gen 3 Mobile Connector, which costs an additional $300 and does not come standard with the truck.

As the market for electric trucks continues to evolve, Tesla's new Long Range Cybertruck will be closely watched. While it offers a more affordable entry point into the Cybertruck lineup, the numerous compromises may leave potential buyers questioning whether it truly represents value for money. The Long Range Cybertruck is now available for order, but deliveries are not expected to begin until June 2025, leaving many eager customers waiting to see how this new model performs in the real world.