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Tesla Cybertruck Tri-Motor is surprisingly affordable compared to RAM 1500 TRX

(Credit: Tesla Cybertruck/Instagram, RAM Trucks/Instagram)

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While its design is unapologetically different, the Tesla Cybertruck is built to be a no-compromise alternative to the market’s most compelling pickup trucks. This is part of the reason why Tesla priced the vehicle very reasonably, with the entry-level RWD variant costing less than $40,000 and the top-tier Tri-Motor AWD version starting at less than $70,000. Granted, $70,000 for a pickup truck is not cheap by any means, but it sure is reasonable in comparison to other upcoming trucks from legacy automakers. 

Over the years, pickup trucks have transitioned from being pure utility vehicles to luxury, performance machines that are equally capable off-road as they are on paved roads. One such example is Dodge’s RAM trucks. In recent years, RAM Trucks have become more extreme, and this is represented best by the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX, Dodge’s flagship pickup that has over 200 horses more than the Ford F-150 Raptor, thanks to its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that pushes out a whopping 702 hp. 

The RAM 1500 TRX has the performance worthy of its flagship status. With its 702 horses, the RAM 1500 TRX is able to accomplish a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds. Top speed is a respectable 118 mph, which is quite noteworthy for a half-ton pickup. But while these specs are definitely impressive, one thing about the RAM 1500 TRX has stood out: its price, which currently stands as the highest in the market. 

https://twitter.com/rick_scinta/status/1298592869570301952?s=20

The RAM 1500 TRX starts at a $71,690 including destination charges, which, interestingly enough, is right on the ballpark of the top-tier Tesla Cybertruck, which starts at $69,900. With Full Self-Driving added, the Cybertruck Tri-Motor AWD could reach a price that’s closer to $80,000. That’s quite still affordable compared to the RAM 1500 TRX, as Dodge’s flagship pickup — when fully loaded with features like radar cruise control, a HUD, and heated leather seats — could hit prices of about $100,000

A special “Launch Edition” of the RAM 1500 TRX is even available for a price of $92,010 including destination charges. Overall, with its premium price, the RAM 1500 TRX will be the first and only light-duty pickup truck to break the six-figure barrier, at least when the vehicle is expected to go on sale later this year. 

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This price may very well be challenged by other, upcoming premium trucks coming to market, such as the Rivian R1T, which is created to be a luxurious adventure vehicle with the performance to match. That being said, Rivian has announced earlier this year that the R1T will start under its expected $69,000 price, so it remains to be seen if the top-tier variant of the company’s all-electric pickup would be priced comparably to the RAM 1500 TRX. 

As for the Tesla Cybertruck Tri-Motor? The vehicle is looking to be more and more like the bang-for-your-buck pickup when it comes to performance and features. With the $69,900 Cybertruck Tri-Motor AWD, customers could experience a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.8 seconds, significantly quicker than the flagship RAM. 

The Cybertruck also has a maximum payload capacity of 3,500 pounds and a max towing capacity of over 14,000 pounds, far more than the RAM 1500 TRX’s maximum payload of 1,310 pounds and a max towing capacity of 8,100 pounds. This, coupled with a range of over 500 zero-emissions miles per charge, makes the Cybertruck a very compelling alternative to this generation’s best gas-guzzling pickups. 

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Elon Musk

Elon Musk is now a remote DOGE worker: White House Chief of Staff

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is no longer working from the West Wing.

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Credit: Elon Musk/X

In a conversation with the New York Post, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles stated that Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is no longer working from the West Wing.

As per the Chief of Staff, Musk is still working for DOGE—as a remote worker, at least.

Remote Musk

In her conversation with the publication, Wiles stated that she still talks with Musk. And while the CEO is now working remotely, his contributions still have the same net effect. 

“Instead of meeting with him in person, I’m talking to him on the phone, but it’s the same net effect,” Wiles stated, adding that “it really doesn’t matter much” that the CEO “hasn’t been here physically.” She also noted that Musk’s team will not be leaving.

“He’s not out of it altogether. He’s just not physically present as much as he was. The people that are doing this work are here doing good things and paying attention to the details. He’ll be stepping back a little, but he’s certainly not abandoning it. And his people are definitely not,” Wiles stated.

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Back to Tesla

Musk has been a frequent presence in the White House during the Trump administration’s first 100 days in office. But during the Q1 2025 Tesla earnings call, Musk stated that he would be spending substantially less time with DOGE and substantially more time with Tesla. Musk did emphasize, however, that DOGE’s work is extremely valuable and critical.

“I think I’ll continue to spend a day or two per week on government matters for as long as the President would like me to do so and as long as it is useful. But starting next month, I’ll be allocating probably more of my time to Tesla and now that the major work of establishing the Department of Government Efficiency is done,” Musk stated.

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Tariff reprieve might be ‘Tesla-friendly,’ but it’s also an encouragement to others

Tesla stands to benefit from the tariff reprieve, but it has some work cut out for it as well.

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tesla employee
(Photo: Tesla)

After Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick made adjustments to the automotive tariff program that was initially announced, many quickly pointed to the reprieve as “Tesla-friendly.”

While that may be the case right now, it was also a nudge of encouragement to other companies, Tesla included, to source parts from the U.S. in an effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing. Many companies are close, and it will only take a handful of improvements to save themselves from tariffs on their cars as well.

Yesterday, Sec. Lutnick confirmed that cars manufactured with at least 85 percent of domestic content will face zero tariffs. Additionally, U.S. automakers would receive credit up to 15 percent of the value of vehicles to offset the cost of imported parts.

Big Tesla win? Sec Lutnick says cars with 85% domestic content will face zero tariffs

“This is ‘finish your cars in America and you win’,” Lutnick said.

Many were quick to point out that only three vehicles currently qualify for this zero-tariff threshold: all three are Teslas.

However, according to Kelley Blue Book’s most recent study that revealed who makes the most American cars, there are a lot of vehicles that are extremely close to also qualifying for these tariff reductions.

Tesla has three vehicles that are within five percent, while Ford, Honda, Jeep, Chevrolet, GMC, and Volkswagen have many within just ten percent of the threshold.

Tesla completely dominates Kogod School’s 2024 Made in America Auto Index

It is within reach for many.

Right now, it is easy to see why some people might think this is a benefit for Tesla and Tesla only.

But it’s not, because Tesla has its Cybertruck, Model S, and Model X just a few percentage points outside of that 85 percent cutoff. They, too, will feel the effects of the broader strategy that the Trump administration is using to prioritize domestic manufacturing and employment. More building in America means more jobs for Americans.

Credit: Tesla

However, other companies that are very close to the 85 percent cutoff are only a few components away from also saving themselves the hassle of the tariffs.

Ford has the following vehicles within just five percent of the 85 percent threshold:

  • Ford Mustang GT automatic (80%)
  • Ford Mustang GT 5.0 (80%)
  • Ford Mustang GT Coupe Premium (80%)

Honda has several within ten percent:

  • Honda Passport All-Wheel-Drive (76.5%)
  • Honda Passport Trailsport (76.5)

Jeep has two cars:

  • Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (76%)
  • Jeep Wrangler Sahara (76%)

Volkswagen has one with the ID.4 AWD 82-kWh (75.5%). GMC has two at 75.5% with the Canyon AT4 Crew Cab 4WD and the Canyon Denali Crew Cab 4WD.

Chevrolet has several:

  • Chevrolet Colorado 2.7-liter (75.5%)
  • Chevrolet Colorado LT Crew Cab 2WD 2.7-liter (75.5%)
  • Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Crew Cab 4WD 2.7-liter (75.5%)

These companies are close to reaching the 85% threshold, but adjustments need to be made to work toward that number.

Anything from seats to fabric to glass can be swapped out for American-made products, making these cars more domestically sourced and thus qualifying them for the zero-tariff boundary.

Frank DuBois of American University said that manufacturers like to see stability in their relationships with suppliers and major trade partners. He said that Trump’s tariff plan could cause “a period of real instability,” but it will only be temporary.

Now is the time to push American manufacturing forward, solidifying a future with more U.S.-made vehicles and creating more domestic jobs. Tesla will also need to scramble to make adjustments to its vehicles that are below 85%.

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Tesla Cybertruck RWD production in full swing at Giga Texas

Videos of several freshly produced Cybertruck LR RWD units were shared on social media platform X.

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Credit: Joe Tegtmeyer/X

It appears that Tesla is indeed ramping the production of the Cybertruck Long Range Rear Wheel Drive (LR RWD), the most affordable variant of the brutalist all-electric pickup truck.

Videos of several freshly produced Cybertruck LR RWD units were shared on social media platform X.

Giga Texas Footage

As per longtime Tesla watcher Joe Tegtmeyer, Giga, Texas, was a hotbed of activity when he conducted his recent drone flyover. Apart from what seemed to be Cybercab castings being gathered in the complex, a good number of Cybertruck LR RWD units could also be seen in the facility’s staging area. The Cybertruck LR RWD units are quite easy to spot since they are not equipped with the motorized tonneau cover that is standard on the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast.

The presence of the Cybertruck LR RWD units in Giga Texas’ staging area suggests that Tesla is ramping the production of the base all-electric pickup truck. This bodes well for the vehicle, which is still premium priced despite missing a good number of features that are standard in the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast.

Cybertruck Long Range RWD Specs

The Cybertruck LR RWD is priced at $69,990 before incentives, making it $10,000 more affordable than the Cybertruck AWD. For its price, the Cybertruck Long Range RWD offers a range of 350 miles per charge if equipped with its 18” standard Wheels. It can also add up to 147 miles of range in 15 minutes using a Tesla Supercharger.

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Much of the cost-cutting measures taken by Tesla are evident in the cabin of the Cybertruck LR RWD. This could be seen in its textile seats, standard console, seven-speaker audio system with no active noise cancellation, and lack of a 9.4” second-row display. It is also missing the motorized tonneau cover, the 2x 120V and 1x 240V power outlets on the bed, and the 2x 120V power outlets in the cabin. It is also equipped with an adaptive coil spring suspension instead of the adaptive air suspension in the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast.

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