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Tesla Cybertruck bed frame crushes myth of pickup's alleged inability to do 'real work'
There is no doubt that over the years, pickup trucks — once built exclusively for heavy-duty work and utility — have pretty much become massive luxury vehicles that feature posh interiors and a smooth ride. Even the Ford F-150, America’s number one pickup, has spawned off variants like the Platinum and Limited trims that are more optimized for comfort than rugged, no-nonsense work.
This is one of the reasons why the Tesla Cybertruck attracted some dismissal and ire among pickup truck purists when it was unveiled. Tesla is known as a premium vehicle manufacturer, and its electric cars, while at times lacking the usual luxury finishes of their Audi and Mercedes-Benz counterparts, are still considered by some as “luxury” vehicles. Teslas are known and expected to be quick, tech-focused, and fun to drive. But as actual work vehicles? Not so much.
The Tesla Cybertruck is unlike any other pickup truck available in the market today. With an XY design that echoes the 80’s science fiction movies and a theme that is centered on the company’s mastery of in-vehicle tech, the Cybertruck is every bit a Tesla as its stablemates: the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y. Thus, despite the truck’s tough looks and impressive specs, the all-electric pickup truck received some criticism for allegedly being a vehicle that simply cannot be used for any “real work.”
This reaction was so notable that it did not take long before it became evident that the Cybertruck may end up having a “Cowboy Problem,” which refers to longtime pickup truck veterans possibly avoiding the vehicle due to its lack of utility and real-world use. But inasmuch as this may be the case, the fact remains that the Cybertruck is designed to have as much utility as the best pickups on the market. This means that Tesla designed the vehicle to be used for a variety of functions, from family trips to serious construction work.
A teaser for this was stealthily hinted at by Tesla during the pickup’s unveiling event, which was eventful on its own right with its meme-worthy moments. During a point in the Cybertruck’s presentation, Elon Musk quickly went over a slide that featured the vehicle with various attachments. One featured the Tesla ATV, another featured an overlanding kit that included a stove, and another featured a large trailer. Most interestingly, another image featured the Cybertruck in a construction site with what appeared to be a bed rack or a ladder rack.
Elon Musk has already stated that the Cybertruck will have several attachments that will make it into an ideal vehicle for a variety of purposes. The Tesla CEO, for one, mentioned that the Cybertruck would have a fold-out solar attachment that would allow the truck to recharge about 30 to 40 miles worth of range per day when parked outdoors. With this in mind, the addition of a custom ladder rack for the Cybertruck is definitely possible. A bed or ladder rack, after all, is an extremely valuable tool for the Cybertruck that would allow owners to transport large items to construction sites.
Transporting large items safely requires vehicle owners to make sure that their cargo is secured properly. When transporting items like ladders, some pickup drivers drive with their tailgate down and their cargo secured with bungee cords, ropes, or tie-downs. This is pretty risky, as the items may fall off during transit. Using a ladder rack reduces the chances of these events happening, while ensuring that cargo space is maximized. This will be incredibly valuable for Cybertruck operators, as the all-electric pickup is capable of carrying 3500 lbs. worth of payload.
What is rather interesting with the Cybertruck’s ladder rack is that it seems to follow the vehicle’s angular, XY theme. A look at Tesla’s teaser image of the Cybertruck’s bed or ladder rack shows a simple design, suggesting that the production of the item will probably not cost much. This could result in the Cybertruck’s ladder or bed rack being priced competitively versus other popular racks in the market. This would likely make the Cybertruck even more successful among contractors, as they would be able to maximize the massive vehicle’s generous storage and cargo capacity, while enjoying its low operating costs and its impressive specs.
H/T Earl Banning.
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Tesla preps to build its most massive Supercharger yet: 400+ V4 stalls
The project will be an expansion of the current Eddie World Supercharger in Yermo, California, and will take place in several stages.
Tesla is preparing to build its most massive Supercharger yet, as it recently submitted plans for an over 400-stall Supercharging station in California, which would dwarf its massive 168-stall location in Lost Hills, California.
The project will be an expansion of the current Eddie World Supercharger in Yermo, California, and will take place in several stages.
The expansion, adjacent to the existing Eddie World Supercharger, which is currently comprised of 22 older V2 and V3 stalls limited to 150 kW, unfolds across six phases.
Construction on Phase 1 begins later this year with 72 V4 stalls. Subsequent stages will progressively add hundreds more, culminating in over 400 next-generation chargers. Site plans label expansive parking arrays across Phases 1–5 along Calico Boulevard, with Phase 6 design still to be determined.
Tesla is planning an absolutely massive Supercharger expansion in Yermo, California!!
Over the course of 6 phases, Tesla is set to add over 400 V4 stalls in a commercial development known as Eddie World 2.
The first phase, which should begin construction sometime this year,… pic.twitter.com/ks5Y5dE8lR
— MarcoRP (@MarcoRPi1) March 6, 2026
The project was first flagged by MarcoRP, a notable Tesla Supercharger watcher.
Strategically located midway on I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the station targets heavy EV traffic on this high-demand corridor.
The surrounding 20-mile stretch already hosts over 200 high-power stalls (including 40 at 250 kW, 120 at 325 kW, and more), plus 96 in nearby Baker—yet bottlenecks persist during peak travel.
In scale, it eclipses all existing Tesla Superchargers. The current record holder, the solar- and Megapack-powered “Project Oasis” in Lost Hills, California, offers 164 stalls. Barstow’s former leader had 120. Eddie World 2 will be more than double that size, cementing Tesla’s dominance in ultra-high-capacity charging.
Tesla finishes its biggest Supercharger ever with 168 stalls
Development blends charging with convenience. Architectural drawings show integrated retail: a 10,100 square foot Cracker Barrel, a 4,300 square foot McDonald’s, a 3,800 square foot convenience store, additional restaurants, drive-thrus, outdoor dining, and lease space.
EV-centric features include pull-through bays for Cybertrucks and trailers, ensuring accessibility for larger vehicles and future Semi trucks.
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Tesla makes latest move to remove Model S and Model X from its lineup
Tesla’s latest decisive step toward phasing out its flagship sedan and SUV was quietly removing the Model S and Model X from its U.S. referral program earlier this week.
Tesla has made its latest move that indicates the Model S and Model X are being removed from the company’s lineup, an action that was confirmed by the company earlier this quarter, that the two flagship vehicles would no longer be produced.
Tesla has ultimately started phasing out the Model S and Model X in several ways, as it recently indicated it had sold out of a paint color for the two vehicles.
Now, the company is making even more moves that show its plans for the two vehicles are being eliminated slowly but surely.
Tesla’s latest decisive step toward phasing out its flagship sedan and SUV was quietly removing the Model S and Model X from its U.S. referral program earlier this week.
The change eliminates the $1,000 referral discount previously available to new buyers of these vehicles. Existing Tesla owners purchasing a new Model S or Model X will now only receive a halved loyalty discount of $500, down from $1,000.
The updates extend beyond the two flagship vehicles. New Cybertruck buyers using a referral code on Premium AWD or Cyberbeast configurations will no longer get $1,000 off. Instead, both referrer and buyer receive three months of Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
The loyalty discount for Cybertruck purchases, excluding the new Dual Motor AWD trim level, has also been cut to $500.
NEWS: Tesla has removed the Model S and Model X from the referral program.
New owners also no longer get a $1,000 referral discount on a new Cybertruck Premium AWD or Cyberbeast. Instead, you now get 3 months of FSD (Supervised).
Additionally, Tesla has reduced the loyalty… pic.twitter.com/IgIY8Hi2WJ
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) March 6, 2026
These adjustments apply only in the United States, and reflect Tesla’s broader strategy to optimize margins while boosting adoption of its autonomous driving software.
The timing is no coincidence. Tesla confirmed earlier this year that Model S and Model X production will end in the second quarter of 2026, roughly June, as the company reallocates factory capacity toward its Optimus humanoid robot and next-generation vehicles.
With annual sales of the low-volume flagships already declining (just 53,900 units in 2025), incentives are no longer needed to drive demand. Production is winding down, and Tesla expects strong remaining interest without subsidies.
Industry observers see this as the clearest sign yet of an “end-of-life” phase for the vehicles that once defined Tesla’s luxury segment. Community reactions on X range from nostalgia, “Rest in power S and X”, to frustration among long-time owners who feel perks are eroding just as the models approach discontinuation.
Some buyers are rushing orders to lock in final discounts before they vanish entirely.
Doug DeMuro names Tesla Model S the Most Important Car of the last 30 years
For Tesla, the move prioritizes efficiency: fewer discounts on outgoing models, a stronger push for FSD subscriptions, and a focus on high-margin Cybertruck trims amid surging orders.
Loyalists still have a narrow window to purchase a refreshed Plaid or Long Range model with remaining incentives, but the message is clear: Tesla’s lineup is evolving, and the era of the original flagships is drawing to a close.
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Tesla Australia confirms six-seat Model Y L launch in 2026
Compared with the standard five-seat Model Y, the Model Y L features a longer body and extended wheelbase to accommodate an additional row of seating.
Tesla has confirmed that the larger six-seat Model Y L will launch in Australia and New Zealand in 2026.
The confirmation was shared by techAU through a media release from Tesla Australia and New Zealand.
The Model Y L expands the Model Y lineup by offering additional seating capacity for customers seeking a larger electric SUV. Compared with the standard five-seat Model Y, the Model Y L features a longer body and extended wheelbase to accommodate an additional row of seating.
The Model Y L is already being produced at Tesla’s Gigafactory Shanghai for the Chinese market, though the vehicle will be manufactured in right-hand-drive configuration for markets such as Australia and New Zealand.
Tesla Australia and New Zealand confirmed the vehicle will feature seating for six passengers.
“As shown in pictures from its launch in China, Model Y L will have a new seating configuration providing room for 6 occupants,” Tesla Australia and New Zealand said in comments shared with techAU.
Instead of a traditional seven-seat arrangement, the Model Y L uses a 2-2-2 layout. The middle row features two individual seats, allowing easier access to the third row while providing additional space for passengers.
Tesla Australia and New Zealand also confirmed that the Model Y L will be covered by the company’s updated warranty structure beginning in 2026.
“As with all new Tesla Vehicles from the start of 2026, the Model Y L will come with a 5-year unlimited km vehicle warranty and 8 years for the battery,” the company said.
The updated policy increases Tesla’s vehicle warranty from the previous four-year or 80,000-kilometer coverage.
Battery and drive unit warranties remain unchanged depending on the variant. Rear-wheel-drive models carry an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty, while Long Range and Performance variants are covered for eight years or 192,000 kilometers.
Tesla has not yet announced official pricing or range figures for the Model Y L in Australia.
Tesla preps to build its most massive Supercharger yet: 400+ V4 stalls
Tesla makes latest move to remove Model S and Model X from its lineup
