You could safely call the Cybertruck the supercar of pickup trucks, and you wouldn't be wrong. Not because it's powerful and fast, but due to it being unexpectedly frail. It just keeps breaking down, and this unlucky owner is enjoying the full experience.
Lamborghini's CEO recently said that all-electric supercars aren't coming anytime soon because the available technology just isn't good enough. While he's not wrong (because an EV won't make you feel the same emotions as an Aventador or Reventon), that statement might anger people who worked tirelessly to bring us the Lucid Air Sapphire and the Tesla Model S Plaid. After all, these two are 1,000+ hp cars that can redefine the perception of very quick acceleration for many.
But let's focus on a wannabe bullet-resistant workhorse that promised to revolutionize the pickup truck segment and a very interesting type of buyer.
A US Army veteran who now considers himself an influencer placed a deposit for a Cybertruck and calmly awaited the configuration email. It came a couple of months after the official launch, and there was no hesitation on his part. He was among the first few thousand to take delivery, but the nightmares started shortly after he got the pickup truck.
He immediately created a way for other curious people to enjoy his ride. All they had to do was pay $500 to be chauffeured around for two hours.
Photo: Lamar MK on YouTube
Short-lived happiness
But he didn't get the chance to set up a new side hustle because the EV needed a few repairs. Initially, the veteran was understanding and confirmed to his followers that he knew what he was doing by buying a first-generation Tesla. He expected stuff to go wrong.
Still, Lamar kept publishing videos showing what transpired, and the gradual frustration became very visible. Things really went south after the fourth service appointment. The technicians kept repairing the pickup truck, but every time, a new problem arose.
So, he took to social media to complain. In a now-deleted video, the man who once was a very dedicated Tesla fan recommended potential Tesla buyers steer away from the brand and even bashed the world's most valuable automaker for not properly repairing his EV.
After a couple of months of back and forth, he asked for a new Cybertruck. However, Tesla wasn't very open to that idea. The marque probably wanted to collect more data and learn what it should do better, but the man was too impatient and had North Carolina law on his side.
Photo: Lamar MK on YouTube
The EV maker caved to his demands and delivered him a fresh all-electric pickup truck. Immediately after seeing the replacement, the man also rediscovered his love for Tesla, and all was swell.
Short-lived happiness – part two
Sadly, the joy of getting a brand-new vehicle after months of uncertainty didn't last long. The man went on an overseas trip for a few weeks and left the new EV, which he wrapped in a nice matte blue, plugged in to avoid coming back to a bricked pickup truck.
However, he did notice via the app that something wasn't quite right. The EV was losing around two percent of charge every night, even though it was charging. Fortunately, he was able to drive it upon returning.
But after returning home and plugging it in again, the Cybertruck turned off completely. He was unable to remove the plug or turn it back on. Not even Tesla could connect to the EV remotely.
The automaker's technicians came to his home to figure out a solution. In the end, they had to tow it to the service center, charging cable included.
Photo: Lamar MK on Twitter (X)
The man didn't hesitate to announce what he was going through (again) and tagged relevant Twitter (X) accounts on almost all his posts like last time. But on this occasion, Elon Musk responded and assured the veteran that his truck would be fixed. Using social media can pay off.
After the CEO got involved, the techs figured out the culprit: the 48V electrical system. However, they didn't know what went wrong exactly. It took some more diagnosing to discover that a lift controller needed replacing. So, he left his new pickup truck at the service center. They didn't have that part in stock.
Cooperating customers - a gift the world's most valuable automaker should put more value on
Given this person's history with Tesla, he could very soon relive unwanted past memories. If this unit keeps being problematic, the man might soon start asking for yet another replacement. Tesla won't have a way out this time either.
Photo: Lamar MK on Twitter (X)
But don't take just this person's misfortune as an example. Another Cybertruck owner must now repair their neighbor's house and fix their EV after the braking system reportedly failed. The rear wheels locked themselves, which rendered the steering useless.
Others have dealt with a subpar charging performance, an unexpected car wash sensitivity, weird rust spots, trim flying off, and very edgy stainless steel body parts. All that makes the two fleet-wide recalls feel insufficient.
Ultimately, the Cybertruck remains an amazing vehicle because it looks so different from everything that's on the road. It has the appeal of a supercar with only a couple of the drawbacks, but it also promises enhanced practicality, better utility, and angled toughness despite its thin upper control arms. It's easy to see why people are spending a six-figure sum on such an EV, even though it's on a path to accelerated depreciation.
This is my second Cybertruck. I've only driven this one for about a week since I've had it because I was on vacation for 3 weeks. I've only managed to drive it for a day and a half since I returned, it only has 800 miles on it. I'm really hoping this is an easy fix!
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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