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Tesla Cybertruck Tri-Motor is surprisingly affordable compared to RAM 1500 TRX
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.
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.
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.
Elon Musk
GM CEO Mary Barra says she told Biden to give Tesla and Musk EV credit
“He was crediting me, and I said, ‘Actually, I think a lot of that credit goes to Elon and Tesla…You know me, Andrew. I don’t want to take credit for things.”
General Motors CEO Mary Barra said in a new interview on Wednesday that she told President Joe Biden to credit Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, for the widespread electric vehicle transition.
She said she told Biden this after the former President credited her and GM for leading EV efforts in the United States.
During an interview at the New York Times Dealbook Summit with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Barra said she told Biden that crediting her was essentially a mistake, and that Musk and Tesla should have been explicitly mentioned (via Business Insider):
“He was crediting me, and I said, ‘Actually, I think a lot of that credit goes to Elon and Tesla…You know me, Andrew. I don’t want to take credit for things.”
GM CEO Mary Barra said to Andrew Sorkin at the New York Times Dealbook Summit that she pulled President Biden aside and said Tesla CEO @elonmusk deserved the credit for EVs:
“He was crediting me, and I said, ‘Actually, I think a lot of that credit goes to Elon and Tesla,'” Barra… pic.twitter.com/OHBTG1QfbJ
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) December 3, 2025
Back in 2021, President Biden visited GM’s “Factory Zero” plant in Detroit, which was the centerpiece of the company’s massive transition to EVs. The former President went on to discuss the EV industry, and claimed that GM and Barra were the true leaders who caused the change:
“In the auto industry, Detroit is leading the world in electric vehicles. You know how critical it is? Mary, I remember talking to you way back in January about the need for America to lead in electric vehicles. I can remember your dramatic announcement that by 2035, GM would be 100% electric. You changed the whole story, Mary. You did, Mary. You electrified the entire automotive industry. I’m serious. You led, and it matters.”
People were baffled by the President’s decision to highlight GM and Barra, and not Tesla and Musk, who truly started the transition to EVs. GM, Ford, and many other companies only followed in the footsteps of Tesla after it started to take market share from them.
Elon Musk and Tesla try to save legacy automakers from Déjà vu
Musk would eventually go on to talk about Biden’s words later on:
“They have so much power over the White House that they can exclude Tesla from an EV Summit. And, in case the first thing, in case that wasn’t enough, then you have President Biden with Mary Barra at a subsequent event, congratulating Mary for having led the EV revolution.”
In Q4 2021, which was shortly after Biden’s comments, Tesla delivered 300,000 EVs. GM delivered just 26.
News
Tesla Full Self-Driving shows confident navigation in heavy snow
So far, from what we’ve seen, snow has not been a huge issue for the most recent Full Self-Driving release. It seems to be acting confidently and handling even snow-covered roads with relative ease.
Tesla Full Self-Driving is getting its first taste of Winter weather for late 2025, as snow is starting to fall all across the United States.
The suite has been vastly improved after Tesla released v14 to many owners with capable hardware, and driving performance, along with overall behavior, has really been something to admire. This is by far the best version of FSD Tesla has ever released, and although there are a handful of regressions with each subsequent release, they are usually cleared up within a week or two.
Tesla is releasing a modified version of FSD v14 for Hardware 3 owners: here’s when
However, adverse weather conditions are something that Tesla will have to confront, as heavy rain, snow, and other interesting situations are bound to occur. In order for the vehicles to be fully autonomous, they will have to go through these scenarios safely and accurately.
One big issue I’ve had, especially in heavy rain, is that the camera vision might be obstructed, which will display messages that certain features’ performance might be degraded.
So far, from what we’ve seen, snow has not been a huge issue for the most recent Full Self-Driving release. It seems to be acting confidently and handling even snow-covered roads with relative ease:
FSD 14.1.4 snow storm Ontario Canada pic.twitter.com/jwK1dLYT0w
— Everything AI (@mrteslaspace) November 17, 2025
I found the steepest, unplowed hill in my area and tested the following:
• FSD 14.2.1 on summer tires
• FSD 14.2.1 on winter tires
• Manual drivingBut I think the most impressive part was how FSD went DOWN the hill. FSD in the snow is sublime $TSLA pic.twitter.com/YMcN7Br3PU
— Dillon Loomis (@DillonLoomis) December 2, 2025
Well.. I couldn’t let the boys have all the fun!
Threw the GoPro up and decided to FSD v14.2.1 in the snow. Roads were not compacted like the other day, a little slippery, but overall doable at lower speeds. Enjoy the video and holiday music 🎶
Liked:
Took turns super slow… pic.twitter.com/rIAIeh3Zu3— 🦋Diana🦋 (@99_Colorado) December 3, 2025
Moving into the winter months, it will be very interesting to see how FSD handles even more concerning conditions, especially with black ice, freezing rain and snow mix, and other things that happen during colder conditions.
We are excited to test it ourselves, but I am waiting for heavy snowfall to make it to Pennsylvania so I can truly push it to the limit.
News
Tesla hosts Rome Mayor for first Italian FSD Supervised road demo
The event marked the first time an Italian mayor tested the advanced driver-assistance system in person in Rome’s urban streets.
Tesla definitely seems to be actively engaging European officials on FSD’s capabilities, with the company hosting Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Mobility Assessor Eugenio Patanè for a hands-on road demonstration.
The event marked the first time an Italian mayor tested the advanced driver-assistance system in person in Rome’s urban streets. This comes amid Tesla’s push for FSD’s EU regulatory approvals in the coming year.
Rome officials experience FSD Supervised
Tesla conducted the demo using a Model 3 equipped with Full Self-Driving (Supervised), tackling typical Roman traffic including complex intersections, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and mixed users like cars, bikes and scooters.
The system showcased AI-based assisted driving, prioritizing safety while maintaining flow. FSD also handled overtakes and lane decisions, though with constant driver supervision.
Investor Andrea Stroppa detailed the event on X, noting the system’s potential to reduce severe collision risks by up to seven times compared to traditional driving, based on Tesla’s data from billions of global fleet miles. The session highlighted FSD’s role as an assistance tool in its Supervised form, not a replacement, with the driver fully responsible at all times.
Path to European rollout
Tesla has logged over 1 million kilometers of testing across 17 European countries, including Italy, to refine FSD for local conditions. The fact that Rome officials personally tested FSD Supervised bodes well for the program’s approval, as it suggests that key individuals are closely watching Tesla’s efforts and innovations.
Assessor Patanè also highlighted the administration’s interest in technologies that boost road safety and urban travel quality, viewing them as aids for both private and public transport while respecting rules.
Replies on X urged involving Italy’s Transport Ministry to speed approvals, with one user noting, “Great idea to involve the mayor! It would be necessary to involve components of the Ministry of Transport and the government as soon as possible: it’s they who can accelerate the approval of FSD in Italy.”