THE Electrify Expo at Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum was a whirlwind of electric vehicles, but the Tesla Cybertruck was the star of the show.
Lines snaked around the Tesla booth, a testament to the public’s fascination with this unconventional machine. I was one of the lucky ones who managed to snag a test drive, just because I had a press badge. (I didn’t want to feel entitled too), but driving what to me was essentially, was an ice shaver on big wheels, became an experience I won’t soon forget.
Forget the photos and videos–seeing the Cybertruck in person is something else. Its sheer size and imposing presence are striking. The stainless-steel exoskeleton gleamed under the mild New York morning sun, and those sharp angles, well, they’re even more dramatic up close. It’s like a stealth fighter jet landed in a pickup truck factory.
Before hopping in, I had a chance to chat with Robert, a Tesla rep from Queens, New York. He was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, patiently answering all my questions about the truck’s specs, features, and that infamous “armor glass.” (No, we didn’t get to test its impact resistance!) I told him that since 2019, the Cybertruck has been nothing but controversial and the nearly $79,000 price tag (about P4.50M at current exchange rates) for the 2024 version has made it more controversial.
It’s a lightning rod for debate, fueled by a mix of Elon Musk’s polarizing persona and the truck’s unconventional, cyberpunk-esque design challenges established automotive norms. Some see it as a bold leap forward, a symbol of innovation and a sustainable future. Others view it as an impractical, overpriced monstrosity, riddled with potential safety hazards and design flaws. This stark contrast in opinions ignites passionate discussions online and offline, making the Cybertruck a constant topic of conversation.
I just see it as a gigantic ice shaver on stilts and wheels and think of halo-halo everytime I see it.
Sliding into the cabin, I was struck by the minimalist design. It’s a clean, almost spartan aesthetic, dominated by that massive 18.5-inch touchscreen that controls virtually everything. The yoke steering wheel, a departure from traditional designs, felt surprisingly comfortable and intuitive.
Sitting nicely behind the Cybertruck display at Electrify Expo, was a Cyberquad, Tesla’s electric ATV yet to be commercially produced electric ATV. Echoing the Cybertruck’s angular design, it is desiged to be a rugged four-wheeler is built to conquer any terrain.
On close examination it looks to be like a run-of-the-mill ATV chassis with a battery and electric motor. No problem there really, I just thought it would be more innovative. While details on its performance and release date remain shrouded in mystery, one thing’s for sure: the Cyberquad promises a thrilling and eco-conscious way to explore the great outdoors, perfectly complementing the Cybertruck’s adventurous spirit.
And now for the drive.
We set off on our designated route around the Coliseum grounds then out to the streets of Nassau Country. The acceleration was instant and exhilarating, that signature electric torque pinning me back in my seat. My dad, who wanted to drive, but his International Driver’s License was not honored (insurance purposes, we were told) was settled in the back seat.
The ride was smooth and quiet, even on the bumpy patches of pavement. Visibility was decent, though those thick A-pillars took some getting used to. I couldn’t help but imagine this thing cruising down the Long Island Expressway, turning heads everywhere it went.
The Cybertruck’s acceleration is truly something to behold. With a reported 0-60 mph time of around 6.5 seconds, this behemoth surges forward with the kind of instant torque that only electric vehicles can deliver. It’s a thrilling sensation, feeling yourself pressed back into the seat as the truck gathers momentum with effortless ease. This is not your grandpa’s pickup truck.
Braking in the Cybertruck is equally impressive.
The regenerative braking system seamlessly slows the vehicle down when you lift off the accelerator, capturing energy and feeding it back into the battery. This not only enhances efficiency but also provides a smooth and predictable deceleration. When you need to come to a complete stop, the traditional brakes engage with confidence-inspiring firmness.
Despite its size, the Cybertruck handled surprisingly well, navigating the turns with a nimbleness I hadn’t anticipated. It handled surprisingly well. I thought it would “feel like a boat’ but it steered and maneuvered with agility. (And yes, I know how to drive a boat.) The steering is precise and responsive, allowing you to maneuver the truck with unexpected agility. It corners with minimal body roll, maintaining its composure even when pushed a bit harder. The adaptive air suspension, with its adjustable ride height, further enhances the truck’s handling capabilities, providing a comfortable and controlled ride in various conditions.
To his credit, Musk, despite his right-leaning, free speech absolutist, dictator-like ways, his Cybertruck delivers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined. It’s a testament to Tesla’s engineering prowess, showcasing the performance potential of electric vehicles in a package that is as capable as it is unconventional.
My test drive was really short, maybe two or three miles at most, but it was enough to get a taste of what the Cybertruck is all about. It’s a powerful, innovative, and undeniably cool machine that pushes the boundaries of what a pickup truck can be. If this is a glimpse of what’s to come, then the future is looking pretty angular. — with Raymond B. Tribdino
