The highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck, built with a promise of exceptional durability thanks to its stainless steel exterior, is facing an unexpected challenge as early owners are spotting rust marks on their vehicles shortly after deliveries began in December, leading to concerns about its real-world corrosion resistance.
People suspected whether rust-prone Cybertruck was worth purchasing.
Priced from $57,390, the Cybertruck is positioned as more than just an electric vehicle; it’s a bold statement of innovation and sustainability, but these rust complaints are raising valid questions about the practical suitability of stainless steel for automotive exteriors, a material known for its strength but notoriously difficult to mold, which undoubtedly contributed to the Cybertruck’s distinctive angular design.
Tesla provided solutions to the problems for car owners.
While Tesla hasn’t publicly detailed their official response to these rust concerns, they do offer protective solutions for owners willing to spend extra, with a $6,000 option for a black or white paint film wrap and a $5,000 option for a clear paint film, both designed to shield the Cybertruck’s exterior from scratches and other cosmetic damage, while the unreleased owner’s manual also emphasizes the importance of promptly removing substances like road salt that could potentially lead to cosmetic issues.
A debate on the true resilience of stainless steel.
This rust phenomenon has ignited a crucial discussion about the true resilience of stainless steel, as while it’s certainly resistant to corrosion, it’s far from immune, particularly when exposed to harsh chemicals or road salt, suggesting that the Cybertruck’s rusting might stem from such environmental factors or even simple rail dust, tiny iron particles that can adhere to surfaces and rust under specific conditions, a theory supported by owners successfully removing these spots with clay bars, hinting the issue might be external contamination rather than a fundamental flaw in the steel itself.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s Giga Texas facility is steadily increasing Cybertruck production, with numerous units spotted ready for delivery, as the company prioritizes the production of premium trims and invites reservation holders to finalize their configurations, aiming to eventually produce at least 200,000 Cybertrucks annually, with current forecasts hovering around 125,000 units per year.
As we eagerly await the final production-ready Cybertruck design, lingering questions about its durability and rust-proofing capabilities persist, especially since the vehicle’s stainless steel exoskeleton, while rust-resistant, is definitively not rust-proof, presenting a novel challenge compared to Tesla’s generally rust-resistant painted vehicles, and while car wrapping is a popular option for adding color, it remains uncertain if Tesla will offer this service themselves.
The Cybertruck’s emerging rusting issue serves as a stark reminder of the inherent challenges in utilizing stainless steel for vehicle exteriors, and although this material boasts significant durability, it’s not without its potential vulnerabilities, making the way Tesla addresses these concerns and the Cybertruck’s overall performance as production scales up a subject of intense interest for both automotive enthusiasts and discerning critics alike.
