The 2025 Tesla Cybertruck Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive represents the most affordable entry into the revolutionary electric truck market, starting at $69,990. This comprehensive guide explores the base Cybertruck variant, combining futuristic design with practical truck utility for budget-conscious EV pioneers.
Tesla Cybertruck’s futuristic stainless steel exterior design illuminated indoors.
Design and Exterior
The Cybertruck’s most distinctive feature is its iconic “exoskeleton” design—an ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel body that serves as both the structure and exterior skin. This revolutionary approach eliminates the need for paint and dramatically reduces susceptibility to dents, corrosion, and weather damage.
Exterior Dimensions:
- Length: 231.7 inches (5,885 mm)
- Width: 79.7 inches (2,024 mm)
- Height: 75.0 inches (1,905 mm)
- Wheelbase: 149.9 inches (3,808 mm)
- Ground Clearance: 12-14 inches (standard suspension)
- Curb Weight: Approximately 4,615 lbs (2,094 kg)
- Bed Length: 6.5 feet (vault bed with tonneau cover)
The futuristic angular design creates a vehicle that genuinely looks alien compared to traditional pickup trucks. Sharp 35-degree approach angle, 27.6-degree departure angle, and geometric proportions make the Cybertruck unmistakably unique.
Ultra-Hard 30X Stainless Steel Exoskeleton
The revolutionary exoskeleton is not merely aesthetic—it’s functional. The stainless steel shell:
- Resists dents and damage far better than traditional truck beds
- Eliminates corrosion and rust concerns entirely
- Requires no painting or protective coatings
- Reduces maintenance costs significantly
- Weighs slightly more than aluminum but provides superior durability
The manufacturing process uses precision bending and laser-assisted techniques rather than traditional stamping, reducing tooling complexity and production costs.
Color and Appearance
The Cybertruck Long Range RWD comes exclusively in the raw stainless steel finish (no paint options). The finish naturally develops a patina over time, with owners reporting it develops character and uniqueness through normal use.
Performance and Rear-Wheel Drive Powertrain
The Long Range RWD features a single rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor optimized for efficiency, range, and practical hauling capability.
Powertrain Specifications:
- Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
- Power Output: 235 kW (315 hp)
- Torque: 364 lb-ft (493 Nm)
- 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h): 6.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 112 mph (180 km/h)
- Drive Configuration: Rear-Wheel Drive with mechanical locking differential
- Quarter Mile: Approximately 14.5 seconds
The single motor design prioritizes efficiency and range over acceleration, making it ideal for daily driving and hauling. The mechanical rear locking differential provides excellent off-road traction and trailer stability.
Battery, Range, and Charging
Battery Specifications
Battery Type: Lithium-ion liquid-cooled
Total Capacity: Approximately 120-122 kWh
Usable Capacity: 115-117 kWh
Architecture: 350V system with liquid cooling
EPA Estimated Range: 350 miles (563 km)
WLTP Range: 362 miles (580 km) with soft tonneau upgrade
Real-World Range: 310-330 miles in typical mixed driving
The Long Range battery delivers over 300 miles of real-world range, adequate for most daily driving scenarios and many regional trips without charging stops.
Real-World Range Performance
- Urban/Mixed Driving: 380-420 km per charge
- Highway at 65 mph: 340-370 km
- Highway at 75 mph: 310-340 km
- Cold Weather (-7°C / 20°F): 260-290 km with climate active
- Towing (7,500 lbs at 65 mph): 250-280 km
Energy efficiency averages approximately 3.0-3.3 km/kWh under normal driving conditions.
Charging Capabilities
AC Charging (Level 2):
- Maximum Power: 11 kW with optional Wall Connector
- 10-100% Home Charging Time: Approximately 12-14 hours
- Range Added Per Hour: Approximately 50 km
DC Fast Charging (Supercharger):
- Maximum Power: 250 kW (V3/V4 Supercharger)
- 10-80% Charging Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
- 80-100% Charging Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
- 150 Miles Added in 15 Minutes: Approximately 131-140 miles possible (estimated)
Charging Cost Estimates:
- Full charge at home ($0.16/kWh): $18.40-$18.70
- Daily 50-mile (80 km) commute: $2.94-$2.99
- Supercharger network: $0.25-$0.60 per kWh depending on location
Tesla Cybertruck interior showing the angular steering wheel and a large touchscreen displaying a 3D model of the truck.
Interior and Truck Practicality
The Cybertruck Long Range interior balances minimalist design with functional truck cabin space, featuring enough room for five adults and advanced technology.
Seating and Comfort
Seating Capacity: 5 passengers (three across front, two in rear)
Front Seats: Vegan leather with heating functionality
- Manual height adjustment
- Heated seat function for cold weather
- Adequate support for long-distance driving
Rear Seats: Heated vegan leather seating
- Two adult-sized seats with reasonable legroom
- Heated seat functionality
- Independent climate zone control
Cabin Features:
- Panoramic glass roof
- Minimalist interior aesthetic
- Stainless steel accents throughout
- No traditional gauges or buttons (touchscreen-only control)
Technology and Infotainment
Central Touchscreen: 18.5-inch horizontally-mounted display
Driver’s Display: Information projected onto windshield or visible via touchscreen
Functions: Navigation, climate, vehicle settings, entertainment, charging status, diagnostics
The minimalist interior removes all traditional controls, relying entirely on the central touchscreen for all vehicle functions.
Unique Cybertruck Features
Vault Bed Design: The 6.5-foot cargo bed features Tesla’s innovative motorized tonneau cover that retracts into the structure, creating a lockable, weatherproof vault. The cover is strong enough to stand on and can support moderate weight.
Front Trunk (Frunk): Additional 100+ liters of secure lockable storage for cables, emergency supplies, and valuables
Bed Outlets: Limited outlets on RWD model (enhanced on AWD/Cyberbeast); 120V outlets for power tools and camping equipment
Stainless Steel Bed Liner: Integrated into the exoskeleton; no separate protective coating needed
Storage and Utility
Front Trunk (Frunk): 100+ liters
Vault Bed: 100 cubic feet with tonneau cover
Total Secure Storage: Approximately 150+ liters combined
Towing Capacity: 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg) with appropriate braking
Payload Capacity: 2,006 lbs (910 kg)
Safety Features and Autopilot
The Cybertruck includes comprehensive driver assistance and safety systems standard on all variants.
Standard Safety Systems
Autopilot Features:
- Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC)
- Autosteer for lane-keeping
- Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection
- Forward Collision Warning
- Blind Spot Monitoring with visual warnings
- Lane Departure Avoidance
- Obstacle Aware Acceleration
Enhanced Autopilot ($5,100): Additional features including Navigate on Autopilot, automatic parking, Summon capability
Full Self-Driving ($8,000-$10,100): City street autonomy, traffic light awareness, advanced autonomous driving features
Driver Assistance Technology
- 360-degree camera views for off-road and parking situations
- Surround-view monitor for bed loading
- Towing cameras for trailer monitoring
- Comprehensive sensor suite for collision avoidance
Dimensions, Payload and Towing
Cargo Bed Dimensions:
- Length: 6.5 feet
- Width: Approx. 52 inches
- Height (walls): Approx. 20 inches
- Vault internal height: Adjustable via tonneau position
Towing Specifications:
- Maximum capacity: 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg)
- Payload: 2,006 lbs (910 kg)
- Approach angle: 35 degrees
- Departure angle: 27.6 degrees
- Breakover angle: Approximately 20 degrees
Off-Road Capabilities
Despite lacking the advanced air suspension of AWD and Cyberbeast models, the Long Range RWD offers competent off-road performance:
- Mechanical rear locking differential for traction
- Ground clearance: 12-14 inches (adequate for most trails)
- Standard all-terrain tires (35-inch)
- Stainless steel body resistant to damage
- Steer-by-wire with impressive turning radius reduction (four-wheel steering capability available)
Warranty Coverage
Tesla provides comprehensive protection for Cybertruck owners:
Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty
- Duration: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Coverage: Manufacturing defects, materials quality, workmanship
- Transferable: Yes, to subsequent owners
Battery and Drive Unit Warranty
- Duration: 8 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Minimum Capacity Retention: 70% of original battery capacity guaranteed
- Coverage: Battery pack, drive unit, power electronics, thermal management systems
- Labor: Fully covered under warranty
Corrosion Warranty
- Duration: 12 years with unlimited miles
- Coverage: Stainless steel exoskeleton protection; protects against corrosion perforation
Ownership Costs
Insurance Expenses
Cybertruck insurance averages $4,973 annually for comprehensive coverage, reflecting the vehicle’s unique replacement costs and emerging market:
5-Year Insurance Estimate:
- Year 1: $4,500
- Year 2: $4,750
- Year 3: $5,000
- Year 4: $5,250
- Year 5: $5,500
- 5-Year Total: $25,000
Insurance varies significantly based on location, driving record, and coverage level.
Charging Costs
Home Charging:
- Full charge: $18.40-$18.70
- Daily 50-mile commute: $2.94-$2.99
- Monthly commute (1,000 miles): $59-$60
- Annual equivalent: $708-$720
Long-Term Comparison:
Compared to gas pickup trucks averaging $3,000-$4,000 annually in fuel, the Cybertruck saves $2,300-$3,300 per year for typical drivers.
Maintenance Costs
The Cybertruck requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional pickup trucks:
Typical Annual Costs:
- No oil changes required
- No transmission servicing needed
- No spark plugs to replace
- Tire rotation: $100-$150 (35-inch tires more expensive)
- Brake fluid inspection: $100-$150
- Cabin air filter: $50-$75 every 2 years
- Battery coolant: $400-$600 every 100,000 miles (not needed during warranty)
10-Year Maintenance Estimate: $1,500-$2,200
Regenerative braking means brake pad replacement may not be needed for over 100,000 miles.
Total 5-Year Cost of Ownership
Combining all expenses:
- Insurance: $25,000
- Charging: $3,540-$3,600
- Maintenance: $1,000-$1,500
- Registration/Taxes: $1,500-$2,500
- Total: $31,040-$32,600
Federal tax credits up to $7,500 reduce effective purchase price to $62,490, making long-term ownership costs exceptional for a truck with 350-mile range.
Driving Experience
The Long Range RWD delivers a utilitarian, engaging driving experience with excellent efficiency and range.
Acceleration and Performance
The 6.2-second 0-60 acceleration is respectable for a truck with 7,500-lb towing capacity. The single motor delivers smooth, linear acceleration without hesitation or turbo lag. While not thrilling, the performance is adequate for daily driving and highway merging.
Handling and Steering
The Cybertruck’s steer-by-wire system requires less than one full rotation of the steering wheel lock-to-lock. The truck handles surprisingly nimbly for its size, with the low center of gravity providing stable, predictable steering feel.
Off-Road Capability
The mechanical rear locking differential provides genuine traction advantage on trails. While the RWD lacks the advanced air suspension of AWD/Cyberbeast variants, the standard configuration remains competent for mild to moderate off-road driving.
Regenerative Braking
Strong regenerative braking enables efficient one-pedal driving, recovering energy during deceleration. The system feels smooth and intuitive, with seamless blending between regenerative and friction braking.
Comparison with Competitors
vs. Ford F-150 Lightning
The F-150 Lightning starts at $63,995, making it $6,000 cheaper than the Cybertruck. The Ford offers more conventional truck design and proven towing capabilities. However, the Cybertruck matches or exceeds the Ford’s range, charges faster, and provides superior technology.
vs. Chevrolet Silverado EV
The Silverado EV is expected to start around $85,000—$15,000 more than the Cybertruck RWD. The Chevrolet will offer a more conventional truck design and higher towing capacity. The Cybertruck delivers superior technology, faster charging, and more distinctive design.
vs. Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T starts at $78,000—$8,000 more than the Cybertruck. The Rivian offers a more conventional design with premium comfort and unique adventure features. The Cybertruck provides better technology integration and lower pricing.
Pros and Cons
Strengths
✓ Exceptional Value: $69,990 starting price is highly competitive for 350-mile EV truck
✓ Outstanding Range: 350-mile EPA range among best of any EV truck
✓ Unique Design: Instantly recognizable, futuristic aesthetic
✓ Durable Exoskeleton: Stainless steel body resists damage and corrosion
✓ Low Operating Costs: Minimal maintenance, affordable electricity
✓ Practical Utility: 7,500-lb towing, 2,000-lb payload for family use
✓ Innovative Vault Bed: Motorized tonneau cover provides weather protection and security
✓ Advanced Technology: Standard Autopilot and cutting-edge features
✓ Efficient Performance: 3.0-3.3 km/kWh efficiency is exceptional
Considerations
⚠ No Air Suspension: Standard suspension lacks height adjustability of AWD variants
⚠ Limited Bed Features: Fewer power outlets than AWD/Cyberbeast models
⚠ Single Motor: RWD-only limits traction in snow and mud compared to AWD
⚠ Touchscreen Only: No physical controls requires adaptation
⚠ Futuristic Design: Angular styling not to everyone’s taste
⚠ High Insurance: $5,000+ annually reflects unique replacement costs
⚠ Limited Track Record: Cybertruck ownership still relatively new
Who Should Buy the Cybertruck Long Range RWD?
The Cybertruck Long Range RWD is ideal for:
Budget-Conscious EV Truck Buyers seeking maximum range at minimum cost
Urban and Suburban Drivers wanting a distinctive, futuristic vehicle
Early Adopters comfortable with new technology and design language
Truck Owners prioritizing efficiency and low operating costs over maximum capability
Tech Enthusiasts attracted to cutting-edge design and autonomous features
First-Time EV Buyers wanting practical truck utility with electric performance
Environmentally Conscious Drivers committed to zero-emission transportation
Final Verdict
The 2025 Tesla Cybertruck Long Range RWD is the most affordable entry into the revolutionary electric truck market, delivering 350 miles of EPA range, innovative design, and practical utility at $69,990. The single rear motor prioritizes efficiency and range over acceleration, making it ideal for daily driving and casual hauling.
The iconic stainless steel exoskeleton eliminates corrosion concerns and reduces maintenance costs compared to traditional trucks. The innovative motorized vault tonneau cover provides secure cargo storage with genuine style. The spacious interior accommodates five passengers comfortably while the 6.5-foot bed offers sufficient cargo capacity for family use.
For buyers seeking a distinctive, efficient, and affordable electric truck that serves practical hauling duties while making a bold design statement, the Cybertruck Long Range RWD is an exceptional choice that fundamentally redefines pickup truck expectations.