The Cybertruck is finally here after 4 long years. But while folks gripe about price hikes and range downgrades, they’re missing the real story – this radical EV’s game-changing tech innovations.
Reactions to the Cybertruck’s looks run the gamut from love to hate. And yes, better electric truck options exist today. But beneath its stainless steel skin lies advances that will shake up consumers and the auto industry alike.
The Cybertruck is the first production vehicle with full steer-by-wire, a 48V low-voltage system, 800V high-voltage architecture, and bidirectional charging. It also has a wild new wiring harness and structural steel body panels.
I say this as a Tesla owner and auto journalist who’s tested countless EVs. The Cybertruck’s polarizing design distracts from its tech leaps. Parked in San Francisco recently, it had an undeniable sci-fi movie prop presence.
Steer-by-wire removes the mechanical linkage between steering wheel and racks. Benefits include variable steering sensitivity, force feedback, and auto center return. With no shaft, it enables steering yokes in cars like the Lexus RZ.
Ditching the typical 12V system, the 48V architecture slashes wiring weight and cost. More voltage means less current for the same power. Less current requires smaller wires, saving weight and wasted heat energy.
The 800V high-voltage system also uses thinner wiring than the 400V norm. It lets the Cybertruck charge faster at new 800V Superchargers. Bidirectional charging shares power for home backup.
The radical Etherloop wiring harness uses a single Ethernet cable looping through the car – slashing complexity and weight. It carries all data in real time with tiny latency.
By using giant aluminum castings and structural steel body panels, the Cybertruck reimagines manufacturing. Love it or hate it, these innovations will benefit consumers through better EVs.
