Electric car makers like Tesla have all of the batteries, engines and electronics in a skateboard. They place the seats and cover on top. The Cybertruck will have up to 700-800 horsepower in its top model. The Cybertruck skateboard is a foot longer than a Ford F-150. Tesla can use the Cybertruck skateboard to make an electric version to match any existing SUV and large truck in the market. They can put three rows of seats and have storage space.
Winning in Price and Performance Competition
The Tesla Cybertruck will start at $39,000 which is 15% higher than the average of $34,000 for american new car (including SUV and Truck) sales. However, cost of ownership for electric cars is about 20% less than comparable combustion engine cars. They are cheaper to operate because they do not need gasoline and have far lower maintenance costs. Tesla cars also have retained about 10% more resale value than other cars.
Experian has an analysis of the US car market.
In three years, Tesla will have models competing in all premium and luxury categories and will be competitive in the mid-range when cost of ownership and resale value are factored.
Tesla is on track to continue to improve battery cost and performance by about 10% per year through 2030. Tesla is continuing to improve production efficiency and economies of scale.
Tesla continues to lead in assisted driving and will likely be a winner with self-driving.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.