Tag Archives: Tesla

12 Recalls in 2 Years: The Tesla Cybertruck Is Breaking Records For All The Wrong Reasons

Posted on by

The most I’ve ever heard of a car being recalled is probably 2014 Jeep Cherokee, or the 2021 Chevy Silverado. Both cars (if I’m not mistaken), were famous for hitting as many as 7-9 recalls, but Tesla‘s Cybertruck is cruising past that number with its 12th recall since the car began rolling out to customers in November 2023. Issued just today, this latest round of recalls affects 6,197 vehicles, about 10 percent of all Cybertrucks sold. The problem? A Light Bar accessory that sits on the top of the car. Although optional, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is warning drivers that this off-road accessory (officially sold by Tesla) could detach and fall off, creating a road hazard for other drivers. The culprit? Weak glue.

I have to preface that a recall doesn’t imply a car is ‘bad’, it usually involves points of failures that can make driving dangerous if unchecked. Some of them are fairly benign, like this past week’s recall because the headlights were 20% too bright according to regulations (this got fixed with a mere software patch), but others are absolutely lethal, like the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal getting stuck, which could turn your car into a speeding metallic meteor, threatening not just your life, but also the lives of others around you.

Designer: Tesla

That being said, 12 recalls is certainly worth noticing. In just under 2 years, the Cybertruck’s faced problems with the motor controlling the windshield wiper, the exterior stainless steel sheet literally peeling off because of weak glue, errors within the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, software and firmware issues, interior trim parts affecting the accelerator pedal, the headlights being too bright, the light bar accessory having faulty lighting, and even the bar itself not being glued on properly. Apart from the countless recalls, the Cybertruck’s also been plagued by problems like rust accumulating on its exterior panels. With its over-a-trillion-dollar valuation, you don’t expect the EV pioneer to operate with these ‘startup growth pains’.

That being said, Tesla will inspect the accessory and will either install an additional mechanical attachment or replace the old light bar with a new one using tape to adhere it to the windshield along with the necessary mechanical attachment, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. Owners should receive a mailed notification about the recall sometime after December 26.

The post 12 Recalls in 2 Years: The Tesla Cybertruck Is Breaking Records For All The Wrong Reasons first appeared on Yanko Design.

Never Drive Again: Tesla’s $30,000 Cybercab and Futuristic Robovan Set to Revolutionize Urban Transportation

Posted on by

Tesla’s Cybercab and Robovan challenge traditional vehicle design concepts and redefine what transportation means in an urban setting. Both vehicles introduce significant technological changes, such as the removal of charging ports in favor of inductive charging pads for a seamless, wireless charging experience. The goal is to push beyond what we expect from public and private transport, focusing on creating a new experience that merges functionality with modern aesthetics.

Designer: Tesla

Cybercab: Minimalism Meets Future-Ready Design

The Cybercab focuses on simplicity. With smooth, clean lines and a golden finish, its design conveys a futuristic feel without the clutter. Its concept-car appearance distinguishes it while keeping the focus on efficiency. The polished exterior suggests a vision of streamlined and effective urban transport.

Image: Tesla Cybercab

The enclosed wheels add to the Cybercab’s futuristic look, reducing drag and boosting energy efficiency. The wheels blend smoothly with the vehicle’s body, creating a continuous silhouette emphasizing aerodynamics.

Image: Tesla Cybercab

One of the Cybercab’s defining features is its gullwing doors—they make getting in and out of the vehicle more convenient in tight spaces. Inside, the cabin is simple yet functional, with embedded displays that keep passengers connected and comfortable throughout their ride.

Robovan: Versatility in Urban Transport

The Robovan takes a different approach, focusing on adaptability while maintaining a futuristic aesthetic. Its streamlined shape and glossy finish suggest both practicality and sophistication. Designed for people and cargo, the Robovan aims to be a flexible solution for urban mobility.

Image: Tesla Robovan

The interior is built for comfort and space, and just like the Cybercab, the Robovan also features an inductive charging system to eliminate the need for traditional plug-in charging. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, creating an open and inviting environment. The seating layout is designed to make the most of the space, while subtle ambient lighting adds to the overall comfort, especially during night travel.

Image: Tesla Robovan

Designing for Urban Impact

Tesla’s Cybercab and Robovan are more than just vehicles—they’re tools for transforming city environments. The sleek lines, advanced materials, and emphasis on aerodynamics are part of a broader effort to make cities more livable. The goal is to create vehicles that integrate seamlessly into urban spaces and enhance the overall quality of city life.

Image: Tesla Robovan

Gold tones in both designs hint at a refined future without being flashy. Tesla is steering away from aggressive designs and favoring something more sophisticated. This approach sets these vehicles apart from the common black, white, and silver cars that populate our streets, offering something that looks and feels truly different.

Practical Simplicity

The design of the Cybercab and Robovan is about balancing simplicity with usability. The minimalist exteriors and practical interiors show that transportation can be both efficient and enjoyable. The Cybercab’s gullwing doors add a touch of flair, while the Robovan’s flexible interior highlights its focus on functionality without compromising comfort.

Image: Tesla Cybercab

Tesla’s goal is to change how we think about urban transportation. These vehicles aren’t only for getting from one place to another—they make the journey an experience worth remembering. By combining modern design with practical features, Tesla envisions a future where public transport is efficient, comfortable, and visually appealing.

The post Never Drive Again: Tesla’s $30,000 Cybercab and Futuristic Robovan Set to Revolutionize Urban Transportation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jet-Fueled Cybertruck kit turns the EV into apocalypse ready off-roader fullproof against IEDs

Posted on by

The cold-rolled stainless steel alloy gives the Cybertruck resistance against any bumps, furious kicks, or stone pelting that would bust any other vehicle. That makes the futureproof truck the perfect candidate for a military-grade upgrade. Archimedes Defense has these ambitions for Tesla’s tough EV off-roader as they have teamed up with Unplugged Performance (upgrade kit and component maker for law enforcement agencies) to create the aftermarket Sting kit to bump up the durability and functionality of Cybertruck.

Archimedes Defense supplies American agencies with high-performance generators, and it’s not surprising the kit comes with a front-mounted Genset generator capable of running on diesel, biodiesel and even jet fuel. The single-piston generator has a charging rate of 125 kW, so that the EV can be fully topped up anywhere, anytime.

Designer: Archimedes Defense and Unplugged Performance

This wild modification for the Cybertruck will come in three variants – Sting Baja, Sting Protector and Sting APC tailored for intense off-roading, a heightened level of protection from gunshots, or defense against IED and mine protection respectively. Thus, making the Hunk tailored for a civilian or military upgrade with incremental levels of modifications. What’s common to all these versions are large off-road tires, large antennas mounted on the rear and fog lamps. The doors have been reinforced which reduces the size of the windows.

First up the sting Baja version adds the Up Invincible off-road package for improved performance with the lightweight aviation-derived 800V Genset that charges the truck, as well, as any other vehicle in need. It is equipped with Tesla’s Starlink connectivity and a receiver mounted on the bed.

Then there’s the Sting Protector version suited for the wealthy that adds to the Baja’s capabilities for moderate threat environments. The bolt-on package of the Sting Protector adds an extra layer of steel so that it can even take on 7.62mm assault rifle rounds. It can be bought with or without the Genset depending on the needs.

The best out of them all is the Sting APC variant with the armored protection for defense. It gets upgraded bolt-on, bolt-off external offset steel and ceramic plating for protection against 14.5 mm machine gun rounds, IEDs and mines. It also gives the buyer the option to mount the add-on generator for doubling the range.

According to Archimedes Defense, the aftermarket kit is available for $500 reservations and the actual price of the base variants is speculated to be $40,000. The APC version will be available in late 2025, while the Baja variant will be available a little earlier.

The post Jet-Fueled Cybertruck kit turns the EV into apocalypse ready off-roader fullproof against IEDs first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tesla is selling Car-aoke Microphones so you can play Carpool Karaoke in your EV

Posted on by

If your EV wasn’t already on the bleeding edge of technology, with sensors and cameras galore, the folks at Tesla decided to spice things up even further. Meet the CaraokeMic a set of wireless microphones designed to let you host your very own episode of carpool karaoke with all the professional gear you could possibly need – indoor dashcam not included. The set consists of two wireless microphones and one receiver that plugs into your car’s infotainment center. Set it up and your microphones let you sing along with any music playing on your car’s sound system. Sure, you could yell out the lyrics without a microphone too, but there’s something truly dignified (and fun) about belting tunes into a mic as if there’s an imaginary crowd cheering for you!

Designer: Tesla

To harness the full potential of the CaraokeMic, your Tesla needs the 2024.26 firmware update and either an Intel Atom or AMD Ryzen processor. Once equipped, you can seamlessly integrate the microphones with Tesla’s media apps, including the dedicated Caraoke app. Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or a backseat passenger, the magic of karaoke is just a touch away on either touchscreen. Each microphone boasts an impressive battery life of over 10 hours, ensuring uninterrupted performances. ‘Anti-howling’ technology guarantees crystal clear vocals, while the wireless design maintains easy access to vehicle controls.

The Tesla CaraokeMic starts as a $215 kit and is currently only available in the USA excluding Puerto Rico, Alaska, Virgin Islands, and Hawaii.

The post Tesla is selling Car-aoke Microphones so you can play Carpool Karaoke in your EV first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tesla unveils tailgate shield and jumpseat for Cybertruck owners

Posted on by

Tesla is steadily expanding the accessory lineup for the Cybertruck to make even more scenarios for adventure and Overlanding possible. Elon Musk’s company doesn’t seem phased by their recalling of the Cybertruck two times in the last three months. The company has added two new tailgate accessories for the electric pickup truck.

One is a tailgate shield to protect the otherwise robust vehicle from cargo-hauling dents and scratches, while the other is a foldable jumpseat to increase the seating capacity for any use-case scenario. Surprisingly the $100 jumpseat is already out of stock at the Tesla shop, while the $300 tailgate shield is up for grabs.

Designer: Tesla

The tailgate shield is a protection pad that safeguards the truck’s rear from damage when loading or unloading things like metal cargo, snowmobiles, mountain bikes or other hardware. The pad of this accessory is made out of molle webbing to fasten equipment, including the jumpseat. The accessory comes with a combination lock carabiner to fasten other important objects that you don’t want to get lost. This comes in handy for your bikes that don’t fit the truck’s bed and need to be hung a bit outside the truck. Therefore, eliminating any chance of bumping against the rear when the vehicle is in movement.

On the other hand, the jumpseat is a combo of three seats that can be secured to the tailgate of the Cybertruck for comfortable seating when camping or hanging outdoors. This accessory can be attached to the tailgate in a closed configuration and only when required you can unfold it. One can opt for a single or double seat configuration too costing $100 and $200 respectively. It is crafted from a foam covered in Cordura nylon fabric for longevity of use. The jumpseat can be mounted on top of the tailgate pad, making it a useful combination for people who take the vehicle on frequent expeditions.

The post Tesla unveils tailgate shield and jumpseat for Cybertruck owners first appeared on Yanko Design.

World’s first Cybertruck patrol vehicle is a cool RoboCop Taurus successor in the making

Posted on by

Taurus, the crime-fighting machine (a modified 1986 LX sedan) from the RoboCop movie was way ahead of its time. Not now though as a new-age RoboCop would demand something like a custom Tesla Cybertruck to take on the bad blood in the city.

This narrative holds merit for the world’s first Tesla Cybertruck police vehicle which will soon hit the streets. If the stainless steel exoskeleton MUV hasn’t already caught your eye, you’ll need to pull over if sirens beam in your rear-view mirror and the Tesla vehicle is right on your tail. Cybertruck is already famed for its futuristic looks, akin to a RoboCop first responder machine, and the robotic persona would catch eyeballs for sure.

Designer: UP.FIT

This patrol Cybertruck in a fitting skin is the work of UP.FIT which is a subsidiary of Unplugged Performance who have a host of modified Tesla EV versions to brag about. The good news is that the off-roading vehicle is all set to hit the streets later this year as the brand expects loads of orders coming in from the US and other countries that don’t compromise on city security in any way. Inside out the police cruiser vehicle will be fitted with a host of accessories and draped in colorways that beef up its intimidation quotient by quite a stretch. It’ll have sirens, an array of lights, fender-mounted spotlights, a PA system, computer systems, and an upgraded radio. Optional additions for the patrol Cybertruck riding on the 18-inch forged wheels come in the form of a front push bar, Starlink connectivity, and high-performance brakes and tires.

Of course, the interested departments can add a host of their own customizations to make it more potent. According to UP.FIT if there is a keen interest in the vehicle, they can also modify it for military, tactical, and search-and-rescue operations by adding things like prisoner partitions, K9 enclosure and weapons storage compartments. We hope the police skin is a multilayer paint coating on the surface and not just a decal. But the question is whether the Cybertruck will be a reliable chaser in real-life conditions given its rusting issues and stability hiccups. Since we are talking about bystander safety, any driving misjudgments could lead to collateral damage. Will police authorities around the world choose the Cybertruck over a Lexus LC500, Ford Interceptor, Jeep Grand Cherokee or BMW i3? Only time will tell. For now, we’ll enjoy the larger-than-life persona of the Tesla’s MUV.

The post World’s first Cybertruck patrol vehicle is a cool RoboCop Taurus successor in the making first appeared on Yanko Design.

Why this Chrome-Finished Tesla Cybertruck is a Big Risk for Pedestrians and Drivers

Posted on by

The internet is littered with videos of children (and even adults) running headfirst into mirrors at those carnival mirror-maze-rooms. Imagine a mirror moving at breakneck speeds with the ability to completely obliterate you to pieces because you didn’t see (or hear) it driving towards you. The Tesla Cybertruck was already termed a death-machine on wheels, and now someone’s taken things to the extreme by giving it a thorough polishing, turning it into a literal ‘murder-mirror’. Here’s why this is such a terrible idea, why it’s dangerous even for other riders, and why it might potentially even be illegal in certain countries.

Designer: Tyson Garvin

This particular project comes from Tyson Garvin, who shared the project on Twitter (also known as X.com) complete with a video of the process. It took about a week and four people total to polish every metal surface of the truck’s exterior, resulting in a finish so glossy it practically looks like a vinyl wrap. However, that’s just extremely buffed and waxed metal, which reflects everything around it. In theory, the Cybertruck looks awesome, practically, though, this might just be more dangerous on the roads than your regular Cybertruck.

We humans detect objects by assigning color and depth to them as we move around. It’s easy to identify a mirror when it’s in an ornate or a defined frame, or if it has specs of dirt on it. Otherwise, it can be difficult to spot a mirror or a pane of glass, which is why sometimes people walk right into well-polished glass doors, or sometimes fall through an open door because they thought there was glass there. The same thing applies with cars on the road. When you’re a pedestrian, you need to be hyper-aware of everything around you. Your mind pays attention to objects, people, sounds, lights, everything while you make a decision to cross a road. Ambulances and police cars have lights for a reason, to make them extra visible, school buses are yellow so that you see them from a distance, so are red fire trucks. When you’ve got something as mirror-finished as a mirror-finish Cybertruck hurtling down the road, chances are your mind will ignore it because it reflects stuff around it, blending in instead of being more visible. Especially if it’s making a turn, you’re less likely to notice it out of the corner of your eye because you don’t perceive a block of color in your periphery. This is terrible for other cars too, as they may not notice you while driving, or while approaching a crossing. The onus is then on the Cybertruck driver to be hyper-vigilant – and I may not speak for you but I don’t put my life in the hands of people who drive Cybertrucks.

In fact, chrome wraps or finishes are outlawed in certain countries like Australia and New Zealand (you can’t register your car if it has a chrome finish) for this exact reason. These countries (especially New Zealand) have lower population levels, and emptier roads, prompting you to drive faster – this dramatically decreases your reaction time with such vehicles, increasing chances of a collision.

The problem doesn’t end there, a mirror-finish car can sometimes blind people because of glare. Imagine driving on a sunny day, and a massive mirror flashes sunlight in your eye, causing you to temporarily lose control of your vehicle. Chrome-finish vehicles can be quite a nuisance during the day, or even at night when headlights bounce right off the body, hitting your eye. Even if the Cybertruck remains parked in a driveway, it could potentially shoot glare right into your eye, creating a moment of temporary blindness that can lead to a disaster.

Finally, and this is just for the truck owner – Tesla spent months (if not years) developing a coating to prevent the Cybertruck from getting rusted (turns out it still might be able to), so polishing the Cybertruck’s matte surface without ensuring you give it a protective coating might just cause your Cybertruck to rust more than others. How this mirror-finish Cybertruck ages is truly something we’ll have to see with time, but I honestly do feel scared for the people who may be around this vehicle, and hope they have much better peripheral vision and situational awareness than most.

The post Why this Chrome-Finished Tesla Cybertruck is a Big Risk for Pedestrians and Drivers first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Living Vehicle ‍CyberTrailer comes with enough solar panels to power your trailer as well as Cybertruck

Posted on by

After the Cybertruck-compatible camping tents and interesting tracks that can convert the Tesla’s fancy pickup into a snowmobile, it’s now time for the CyberTrailer to shine. A Living Vehicle’s camping solution to tow behind the impressive Cybertruck, the trailer is not only similar by name, in fact, it resembles the Tesla pickup truck in more ways than the angular design inspiration.

The camping trailer by the California-based specialist, Living Vehicle, isn’t really all set to hit the road from the word go, but it is ready to offer glimpses of the near future. The future of completely off-grid camping, where an electric trailer can be your home for an extended time in the wilderness.

Designer: Living Vehicle

The Californian trailer builder has been in the business of developing off-grid luxury experiences for some time now. Whether you talk about the HD 24 or the HD 30, these ultimate campers are built from marine-grade materials making the luxury in the travel trailer possible. If you’re a stark believer, you can expect the similar construction pattern and luxury features of the predecessors to flow into the dramatically enticing CyberTrailer.

Of course, what the CyberTrailer is made from, or what it packs inside, or how much backup its power generators provide, is not outrightly informed by Living Vehicle at the point of writing, but the company has made some interesting revelations. For instance, the travel trailer is designed to promote independent camping in nature far from RV parks and random charging stations.

So, the CyberTrailer is a self-sufficient off-grid home on wheels with its ability to run all the appliances and electronic components through self-generated power from onboard solar panels. When needed, even power back the towing electric vehicle, and generate its own water from thin air, courtesy the water-air generator that can fill up its freshwater tank as you ride.

Embodying the features to reduce range anxiety, while extending off-grid adventure time; the trailer is fashioned to be towed behind a Cybertruck, but it can even be hauled by “F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1-T, or any conventional gas or diesel half-ton truck,” the company informs. At this point, perhaps, this is all that Living Vehicle shares about the CyberTrailer. If that’s good enough for you to bet your buck, you can reserve your model at the company website against a $100 refundable deposit. When it eventually launches, it will retail for upward of $175,000.

The post The Living Vehicle ‍CyberTrailer comes with enough solar panels to power your trailer as well as Cybertruck first appeared on Yanko Design.

$3,000 Cybertruck Basecamp Tent is an unpolished homeless encampment missing key features

Posted on by

Before the release of the Cybertruck (for eager buyers), Tesla was developing an official accessory with Heimplanet to satiate the needs of adventure junkies. Known as the Cybertruck Basecamp Tent, the sleek and stylish add-on would turn the electric truck into a sporty off-grid camping vehicle for nature lovers.

The accessory has finally shipped for people who pre-booked and unfortunately, it looks nothing like the version promised in the 2019 renders and prototype. Just like the Cybertruck’s overblown bubble hype, the Basecamp Tent for the truck bed looks like a gray blob of unfinished and shabby product that’s more like a homeless encampment.

Designer: Tesla

There are a lot of strings attached when we consider the ease of installation as Tesla recommends owners bring the thing to the service center for initial installation of the brackets. Ideally, that should not be the case as one should be able to seamlessly install it on his/her own. A user on the CybertruckOwnersClub forum says that “forcefully popping out the Aeroflap” just feels like a less-than-premium experience. Removing or reinstalling the Aeroflap compromises the waterproofing at the front of the vault. Also, the plastic pieces/clips hooked from the Aeroflap are susceptible to breaking with repeated use.

Strangely the manual lists down the “Tent Mode” – supposed to self-level on a sloped surface – which apparently doesn’t exist right now. So, should we expect some kind of update or add-on fix it? The second-hearted approach in launching this product is evident from the small little gripes. On a positive note, the Roof Peak clips are easy to locate and attach to the roof, as they fit along the triangle section of the truck’s window. This helps maintain the structural integrity of the tent, and once everything is in place, inflate the tent to set up the base for the night. Another advantage is the space under the stowed basecamp to store essentials. Not to mention the lightweight aesthetics and the use of premium materials.

If the price had been reasonable, my perspective would have been different about all the shortcomings in features and the overall design. But shelling out $3,000 for this unfinished accessory that’s a handful while installing and uninstalling, is not at all justified!

 

The post $3,000 Cybertruck Basecamp Tent is an unpolished homeless encampment missing key features first appeared on Yanko Design.

YouTuber Turns Tesla’s Cybertruck Into A Full-Blown Snowmobile With Tracks Instead Of Wheels

Posted on by

We’ve seen the Cybertruck handle off-road tasks with the ease of a machete cutting through soft butter… Whether it’s asphalt, gravel, sand-dunes, or even a shallow riverbed, it seems like Cybertruck drivers have managed to push the electric pickup truck to its limits to have it conquer those surfaces, but what about snow? YouTuber Heavy D Sparks decided to test the truck’s off-road abilities by having it run on one of the trickiest surfaces for any vehicle, snow-capped hills. Except, he wasn’t planning on just taking the Cybertruck as is, no… Heavy D Sparks decided to build the world’s first (and only) Cybertrack – a truck/snowmobile hybrid with treads instead of wheels. Borrowing a Cybertruck from fellow YouTuber Supercar Ron, Heavy D Sparks (also known as Heavy Diesel) decided to give the truck its biggest hardware upgrade ever.

Designer: Heavy D Sparks

The aim was to outfit the Cybertruck with “hell tracks,” a modification promising unparalleled off-road prowess. This endeavor was not without its hurdles, though; given the Cybertruck’s sheer weight and output, multiple parts and brackets ended up needing reinforcements because of how heavy the truck was. Parts would break, fold like cardboard, or even completely disengage, causing the truck to lose control or stop working entirely.

The truck was sourced from Supercar Ron, who happened to have an early Founder’s Edition of the Cybertruck, and very graciously gifted it to the Diesel Brothers team to modify however they saw fit. The journey of modification was a meticulous process involving the creation of custom parts such as bumpers and the addition of extra batteries in the back to support the massive lights installed on the top and the front courtesy Baja Designs. Finally, the truck got a custom wrap featuring a unique camouflage pattern that mimicked the Cybertruck’s angular design.

Testing the modified vehicle revealed a stark duality of success and challenge. On one hand, the Cybertruck demonstrated enhanced stability and performance, a direct result of the thoughtful modifications. On the other, the project was met with significant mechanical setbacks, including a broken spindle—a clear indicator of the factory parts’ limitations under rigorous testing conditions.

However, when the Cybertrack DID work on snow, Heavy D (who was piloting the vehicle) pointed out that the truck was handling the snow incredibly smoothly. “It feels so stable,” he mentioned. “I would feel totally comfortable loading this thing full of skiers and going to the top of any ski resort around, like the steepest runs.” The truck could comfortably cruise around at 40 to 50mph on snow, although there’s a fair discrepancy between what the speedometer says versus your actual ground speed. The speedometer outputs nearly double of what your actual ground speed is (because of how the treads rotate and how that translates to actual ground movement). It held its own on steep inclines too, but there was a bit of a malfunction right towards the end of the video.

Unexpectedly, the project received an encouraging nod from Tesla, an acknowledgment that perhaps was not anticipated. This support not only underscored Tesla’s openness to seeing its vehicles pushed to new boundaries but also cemented a deeper appreciation for the brand and its leadership, marking a positive shift in perception among the project team.

There’s a Part 2 video coming soon, with probably more repairs and modifications to the Cybertrack. You can follow Heavy D Sparks on YouTube for more.

The post YouTuber Turns Tesla’s Cybertruck Into A Full-Blown Snowmobile With Tracks Instead Of Wheels first appeared on Yanko Design.