Tesla has not created a Megacybertruck version for the US military. However, Nextbigfuture proposes an obvious ultra-long-range configuration that would totally outclass the JLTV and the combat laser mounted Strykers.

Tesla could create a 1-megawatt hour version of the Cybertruck that would have 3500 miles of range and have JLTV level armor. The Cybertruck weighs 5000 to 6500 pounds and 14000 pounds of payload capacity. The JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) weighs 10,000 pounds. Extra weight would for the megacybertruck would be used for extra armor and batteries.

Tesla’s new batteries are now at $80 per kwh. The energy density of the batteries is about 300 watt-hours per kilogram and will be improving to 500 watt-hours per kilogram. Around 2022, Tesla batteries would be about 400 watt-hours per kilogram. 1 million watt-hours would be five times the premium tri-motor version battery pack. It would only weigh 2,500 kilograms (5511 pounds). These batteries would cost $160,000.

The JLTV costs about $500,000 each. You could spend $75,000 on the premium tri-motor Cybertruck and upgrade with $130,000 worth of extra batteries. It already has $30,000 worth of batteries. Add in $100,000 or so worth of armor for a total cost of $300,000.

There would be about 2000 pounds of extra armor. This would be a 14,000 pound Megacybertruck. The Cybertruck has 14,000 pounds of payload capacity so a megacybertruck would still have 6500 pounds of payload capacity. This is assuming the extra power was not used for stronger motors.

The range and the reliability of a Tesla megacybertruck would totally outclass the JLTV. Cybertruck will have the 1 million duration batteries. There are far fewer parts for electric engines.

The Pentagon requires the JLTV to operate at least 600 mean miles before an essential function failure. The vehicle was to be capable of traveling for 3 miles (5 km) cross-country having endured three 0.3-inch perforations of half-full main fuel tanks. The JLTV must also operate in altitudes from minus 500 feet to 12,000 feet and maintain full mission capability in temperatures from −40 to 125 °F (−40 to 52 °C), according to established requirements. When temperatures drop well below zero, the JLTV must start within one minute with no external aids, kits or prior warming of the batteries. The vehicle must be capable of traveling 350 paved miles at 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) or 300 miles (480 km) in operational terrain on a single tank of JP-8 fuel.

The premium tri-motor version of the Cybertruck will have 700 miles of range. A megacybertruck would have five times the batteries and could operate for 3500 miles on one charge. This would be ten times the range of the JLTV.

Custom armored packages cost $100,000 to make street legal cars grenade and AK47 proof.

The US army is developing a 100-kilowatt combat laser that will be placed onto trucks and the Stryker armored personal carrier. It will use a Rolls Royce M250 helicopter engine to power the laser. The helicopter engine generated 300 kilowatts of electrical power and will have 200 kilowatts of thermal management capacity.

SOURCES- Tesla, Wikipedia, Dynetics, Jan Peisert Design rendering of a military Cybertruck
Written By Brian Wang, Nextbigfuture.com

Brian Wang

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.