Tesla's ambitious plans to extend the Cybertruck's driving range have hit a roadblock as the company officially abandons its much-anticipated range extender accessory. The decision marks another setback for the electric pickup truck that has struggled to meet initial expectations since its launch.
The Canceled Accessory
Tesla has officially scrapped plans to sell the USD $16,000 range extender battery pack for the Cybertruck. The company is now contacting customers who placed USD $2,000 deposits for the accessory, informing them that it is no longer planning to sell the range extender and will issue full refunds. This confirmation comes after Tesla quietly removed the option from the Cybertruck's online configurator last month, preventing new customers from reserving the unreleased accessory.
What the Range Extender Promised
The now-canceled range extender was designed to address one of the Cybertruck's most criticized shortcomings: its limited range compared to initial promises. When first announced, the battery pack was supposed to boost the dual-motor Cybertruck's range to an estimated 470 miles. This estimate was later downgraded to 445 miles in 2024, alongside a delayed release date that shifted from early 2025 to mid-2025. The accessory would have occupied approximately one-third to half of the Cybertruck's rear bed space, significantly reducing cargo capacity.
Cybertruck Models and Range Specifications
| Model | Price | Original Range | Range with Extender (Canceled) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range | USD $69,990 | 362 miles | N/A |
| Dual-motor AWD | USD $79,990 | 325 miles | 445+ miles (promised) |
| Tri-motor "Cyberbeast" | USD $99,990 | 301 miles | N/A |
Range Extender Details
- Original price: USD $16,000
- Deposit required: USD $2,000
- Initial range promise: 470+ miles
- Revised range promise: 445+ miles
- Space required: ~30-50% of truck bed
- Original release date: Early 2025
- Revised release date: Mid-2025
- Current status: Canceled
Broken Promises
The cancellation highlights the gap between Tesla's original Cybertruck vision and reality. When Elon Musk unveiled the tri-motor Cybertruck in 2019, he promised a vehicle with a range exceeding 500 miles and a price tag of about USD $70,000. The production version fell considerably short of these targets. The current lineup includes the entry-level Long Range model at USD $69,990 with 362 miles of range, the dual-motor AWD at USD $79,990 with 325 miles, and the top-tier Cyberbeast tri-motor version at USD $99,990 with just 301 miles of range.
Possible Reasons for Cancellation
Tesla has not provided an official explanation for discontinuing the range extender. However, industry observers point to several potential factors. The Cybertruck has experienced disappointing sales, with only 35,000 to 50,000 units sold over a 15-month period—far below the over 1 million reservations Musk had previously claimed. This limited customer base may have made the range extender economically unfeasible to produce. Additionally, practical concerns about the accessory taking up significant truck bed space and requiring professional installation at service centers likely contributed to the decision.
Broader Challenges for Tesla
This cancellation comes amid broader challenges for Tesla. The company reported a 13 percent year-over-year sales decline in the first quarter of 2025, a downturn attributed partly to protests and boycotts over Musk's political activities. The Cybertruck itself has been subject to eight recalls since deliveries began in late 2023, further dampening consumer enthusiasm. These issues represent a significant reversal for a vehicle that Musk once expected would sell between 250,000 to 500,000 units annually.
What This Means for Cybertruck Owners
For current and prospective Cybertruck owners who were counting on the range extender to address range anxiety concerns, this cancellation leaves few alternatives. They must now either accept the vehicle's standard range capabilities or look to third-party solutions. The decision also raises questions about Tesla's ability to deliver on other promised features and accessories for the Cybertruck moving forward.