The Tesla Cybertruck is here. It took four years since the vehicle’s initial unveiling, but here we are. The first batch of owners are receiving their Tesla Cybertrucks today, and the world’s roads will never be the same.
It took a lot to get to this point. When the Cybertruck was initially unveiled, Giga Texas has not even started its construction yet. The Cybertruck seemed like a pipe dream then, especially since the vehicle was designed so differently that critics were all but sure that the all-electric pickup truck would never be produced.
Tomorrow… pic.twitter.com/TFQY4xczEo— Tesla (@Tesla) November 30, 2023
But Tesla is Tesla, and it is a company that makes the impossible feel late. And so, one global pandemic and one new Gigafactory later, the Cybertruck is finally ready to be delivered to its first batch of customers.
Considering how important this day is, we at Teslarati will not miss the chance to cover it with a Live Blog. We’ll be updating this article over the course of the event, so please refresh the page for our latest updates.
14:48 CT – Looks like that’s a wrap. Tesla delivered quite a number of Cybertrucks to consumers during this event. I gotta admit, while the event is short, it is quite enjoyable. Thank you so much for staying with us for this live blog. Until the next time!
Here’s the full livestream of the Tesla Cybertruck delivery event on X.
Cybertruck Delivery Event https://t.co/rWd111HvHc— Tesla (@Tesla) November 29, 2023
14:42 CT – And with that, the vehicle’s first deliveries have begun. Musk comments that actual customers of the vehicle are receiving the vehicle. Musk could be heard chatting briefly with the new Cybertruck owners before they drove away in their new vehicle.
14:42 CT – Musk’s discussion now moves to the vehicle’s performance. He discusses the Cybertruck’s steer-by-wire system, which gives the Cybertruck great agility. Musk noted that the Cybertruck has a turning radius that’s smaller than a Model S.
Tesla now shows the Cybertruck racing against a Porsche 911 that’s fresh from the dealer. The pickup truck beat the 911 — while towing another Porsche 911. The Cybertruck’s 0-60 mph time of 2.6 seconds. Musk noted that the Cybertruck is “faster than a 911 while towing a 911.”
Feat of Strength 3: Cyberbeast (0-60 in 2.6s) pic.twitter.com/q0cK9zb21D— Tesla (@Tesla) November 30, 2023
14:37 CT – The Tesla CEO’s discussion on the Cybertruck now moves to the vehicle’s utility. As noted by Musk, the Cybertruck features 2,500 payload capacity, an 11,000-pound towing capacity. The bed is also 6 feet long and 4 feet wide.
Tesla now demonstrates how the Cybertruck stacks up against other pickup trucks in a pulling demo. The vehicle beat the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and the Ford F-350 in the event.
Feat of Strength 2: Truck pull pic.twitter.com/senCV4YhTe— Tesla (@Tesla) November 30, 2023
“You have a truck that’s bullet tough, and can out-pull an F-350… It’s not just a grandstanding showpiece like me. It’s actually very useful,” Musk said.
14:31 CT – Elon shows off some of the Cybertruck’s crash tests. As noted by the CEO, the Cybertruck does not roll over. Tesla also shows off how the Cybertrucks’ body panels survived being shot at by a gun.
Feat of Strength 1: Shots fired pic.twitter.com/aPfpQuMXvc— Tesla (@Tesla) November 30, 2023
14:28 CT – Elon Musk opens the Cybertruck’s discussion with the vehicle’s toughness. He notes that Tesla had to develop the stainless steel used for the Cybertruck. “It has more torsional stiffness than a McLaren P1,” Musk said. “It’s a big deal.”
He also joked that four years ago, Tesla tried a demo that didn’t really go as planned. Franz steps up and throws a ball at the Cybertruck’s window. And it didn’t break this time. “The glass is tough, is basically what we’re saying,” Musk joked.
14:28 CT – Elon notes that experts said that the Cybertruck was impossible, that it would never be made. “I think it’s our best product. Finally, the future will look like the future,” Musk said.
Built for any planet pic.twitter.com/NHBlMiPg3W— Tesla (@Tesla) November 30, 2023
Kimbal also told Elon to keep himself on the light. The audience laughs.
14:26 CT – And the event is starting! Elon Musk is holding the event from the bed of the Cybertruck. The lighting could be better. Little X was a little overwhelmed, too, it seems.
14:24 CT – Alright, something is definitely happening. A promotional video for the production Cybertruck! It’s pretty epic. The video shows the all-electric pickup truck driving and ripping through every terrain imaginable. Nuts.
Also, how do you show that the Cybertruck can do “real” work? Show it being used by workers at a literal rocket factory!
The future should look like the future pic.twitter.com/jmuDOVYrYA— Tesla (@Tesla) November 30, 2023
14:23 CT – Okay, I jumped the gun there. We’re up to 23 minutes and Elon hasn’t appeared yet. Really pushing the excitement for this event, Tesla.
14:18 CT – Looks like it’s about to start. The livestream is still the same, though.
Cybertruck launch event. Let’s go!!!! pic.twitter.com/238adTxHN4— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) November 30, 2023
14:12 CT – Elon Musk is now 12 minutes late. Elon time it is! That said, the graphics of the Cybertruck’s 4680 cells looks pretty darn sick.
14:05 CT – Looks like we’re really just waiting for other Tesla executives to make their entrance. Meanwhile, the livestream is serenading us with some futuristic music.
14:05 CT – Footage posted on X shows that Tesla board member Kimbal Musk is now interacting with some of the event’s attendees. He looks hyped.
The Cowboy is in the house @kimbal pic.twitter.com/shHX6dVPOX— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) November 30, 2023
14:02 CT – Images from attendees show that the livestream has also started in Giga Texas. We’re all now waiting for Tesla executives to start the event.
14:00 CT – The livestream has started. We see a graphic of the Tesla Cybertruck’s interior and its parts floating. This totally gives sci-fi vibes, so it’s pretty nutty that this actual product will be delivered to customers later today.
13:59 CT – And we’re down to one minute before the event!
13:55 CT – Less than five minutes before the Cybertruck’s first delivery event starts its broadcast. Ah, this is very exciting. More exciting than the quarterly earnings calls, for sure.
13:50 CT – And we’re live! The countdown timer on Tesla’s official Cybertruck page is now down to its last 10 minutes. Will it start on time or is it Elon time again? We’ll find out soon.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads-up.
Elon Musk
SpaceX issues statement on Starship V3 Booster 18 anomaly
The incident unfolded during gas-system pressure testing at the company’s Massey facility in Starbase, Texas.
SpaceX has issued an initial statement about Starship Booster 18’s anomaly early Friday. The incident unfolded during gas-system pressure testing at the company’s Massey facility in Starbase, Texas.
SpaceX’s initial comment
As per SpaceX in a post on its official account on social media platform X, Booster 18 was undergoing gas system pressure tests when the anomaly happened. Despite the nature of the incident, the company emphasized that no propellant was loaded, no engines were installed, and personnel were kept at a safe distance from the booster, resulting in zero injuries.
“Booster 18 suffered an anomaly during gas system pressure testing that we were conducting in advance of structural proof testing. No propellant was on the vehicle, and engines were not yet installed. The teams need time to investigate before we are confident of the cause. No one was injured as we maintain a safe distance for personnel during this type of testing. The site remains clear and we are working plans to safely reenter the site,” SpaceX wrote in its post on X.
Incident and aftermath
Livestream footage from LabPadre showed Booster 18’s lower half crumpling around the liquid oxygen tank area at approximately 4:04 a.m. CT. Subsequent images posted by on-site observers revealed extensive deformation across the booster’s lower structure. Needless to say, spaceflight observers have noted that Booster 18 would likely be a complete loss due to its anomaly.
Booster 18 had rolled out only a day earlier and was one of the first vehicles in the Starship V3 program. The V3 series incorporates structural reinforcements and reliability upgrades intended to prepare Starship for rapid-reuse testing and eventual tower-catch operations. Elon Musk has been optimistic about Starship V3, previously noting on X that the spacecraft might be able to complete initial missions to Mars.
Investor's Corner
Tesla analyst maintains $500 PT, says FSD drives better than humans now
The team also met with Tesla leaders for more than an hour to discuss autonomy, chip development, and upcoming deployment plans.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) received fresh support from Piper Sandler this week after analysts toured the Fremont Factory and tested the company’s latest Full Self-Driving software. The firm reaffirmed its $500 price target, stating that FSD V14 delivered a notably smooth robotaxi demonstration and may already perform at levels comparable to, if not better than, average human drivers.
The team also met with Tesla leaders for more than an hour to discuss autonomy, chip development, and upcoming deployment plans.
Analysts highlight autonomy progress
During more than 75 minutes of focused discussions, analysts reportedly focused on FSD v14’s updates. Piper Sandler’s team pointed to meaningful strides in perception, object handling, and overall ride smoothness during the robotaxi demo.
The visit also included discussions on updates to Tesla’s in-house chip initiatives, its Optimus program, and the growth of the company’s battery storage business. Analysts noted that Tesla continues refining cost structures and capital expenditure expectations, which are key elements in future margin recovery, as noted in a Yahoo Finance report.
Analyst Alexander Potter noted that “we think FSD is a truly impressive product that is (probably) already better at driving than the average American.” This conclusion was strengthened by what he described as a “flawless robotaxi ride to the hotel.”
Street targets diverge on TSLA
While Piper Sandler stands by its $500 target, it is not the highest estimate on the Street. Wedbush, for one, has a $600 per share price target for TSLA stock.
Other institutions have also weighed in on TSLA stock as of late. HSBC reiterated a Reduce rating with a $131 target, citing a gap between earnings fundamentals and the company’s market value. By contrast, TD Cowen maintained a Buy rating and a $509 target, pointing to strong autonomous driving demonstrations in Austin and the pace of software-driven improvements.
Stifel analysts also lifted their price target for Tesla to $508 per share over the company’s ongoing robotaxi and FSD programs.
Elon Musk
SpaceX Starship Version 3 booster crumples in early testing
Photos of the incident’s aftermath suggest that Booster 18 will likely be retired.
SpaceX’s new Starship first-stage booster, Booster 18, suffered major damage early Friday during its first round of testing in Starbase, Texas, just one day after rolling out of the factory.
Based on videos of the incident, the lower section of the rocket booster appeared to crumple during a pressurization test. Photos of the incident’s aftermath suggest that Booster 18 will likely be retired.
Booster test failure
SpaceX began structural and propellant-system verification tests on Booster 18 Thursday night at the Massey’s Test Site, only a few miles from Starbase’s production facilities, as noted in an Ars Technica report. At 4:04 a.m. CT on Friday, a livestream from LabPadre Space captured the booster’s lower half experiencing a sudden destructive event around its liquid oxygen tank section. Post-incident images, shared on X by @StarshipGazer, showed notable deformation in the booster’s lower structure.
Neither SpaceX nor Elon Musk had commented as of Friday morning, but the vehicle’s condition suggests it is likely a complete loss. This is quite unfortunate, as Booster 18 is already part of the Starship V3 program, which includes design fixes and upgrades intended to improve reliability. While SpaceX maintains a rather rapid Starship production line in Starbase, Booster 18 was generally expected to validate the improvements implemented in the V3 program.
Tight deadlines
SpaceX needs Starship boosters and upper stages to begin demonstrating rapid reuse, tower catches, and early operational Starlink missions over the next two years. More critically, NASA’s Artemis program depends on an on-orbit refueling test in the second half of 2026, a requirement for the vehicle’s expected crewed lunar landing around 2028.
While SpaceX is known for diagnosing failures quickly and returning to testing at unmatched speed, losing the newest-generation booster at the very start of its campaign highlights the immense challenge involved in scaling Starship into a reliable, high-cadence launch system. SpaceX, however, is known for getting things done quickly, so it would not be a surprise if the company manages to figure out what happened to Booster 18 in the near future.
SpaceX issues statement on Starship V3 Booster 18 anomaly
Tesla analyst maintains $500 PT, says FSD drives better than humans now
