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Tesla teardown experts discuss Cybertruck weight estimates

Credit: Tesla Inc.

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The Tesla Cybertruck is expected to enter production sometime this year, and the hype surrounding the all-electric pickup truck is no joke. So exciting is the Cybertruck that even teardown experts and automotive veterans are eagerly estimating some of the upcoming vehicle’s key details. 

One of these details is the Cybertruck’s weight, which is something that Tesla has kept close to its chest. A number of changes have been implemented on the Cybertruck since its unveiling back in late 2019, such as its slightly smaller size, at least compared to its first prototype. 

Considering Tesla’s other innovations such as structural battery packs and the use of megacasts, the all-electric pickup truck could prove lighter than some of its peers. This was, at least, mentioned in a Munro Live episode featuring automotive veteran and teardown experts Sandy Munro and Cory Steuben. Both Munro and Steuben have extensive experience with regard to Tesla’s inner workings, thanks to past teardowns of vehicles like the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover.

While discussing the Cybertruck’s leaked photos, Munro and Steuben shared some of their speculations about the upcoming vehicle’s weight. There is no doubt that the Cybertruck will be a pretty heavy vehicle. It is, after all, a large truck that’s made of steel. Despite this, the teardown specialists speculated that the Cybertruck would probably be lighter than competitors like the Rivian R1T and the GMC Hummer EV. 

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“I’m thinking it’ll land right around 6,800 pounds because the Rivian (R1T) is over 7,000 (pounds), the Hummer is like 9,000 (pounds), but those are both body-on-frame vehicles. So you not only have a body then you have a frame, then you have the suspension, and the Rivian even has cradles. 

“So this will be much more efficient in that you have the giga casting in the front, the two giga castings in the side of the rear. You have no frame. You don’t have all those mating interfaces. You also have an efficient structural battery pack,” Steuben estimated. 

The teardown experts noted that if there would be a limiting factor for the Cybertruck’s ramp, it would be Tesla’s capability to supply the all-electric pickup truck with 4680 battery cells. Tesla appears to have already expected the potential issue, however, with Elon Musk noting last October that the Cybertruck will not be reliant on the 4680 battery cell ramp. Musk’s comment then suggested that if push comes to shove, Tesla could release the Cybertruck with its tried and tested 2170 cells, which are used for the Model 3 and Model Y.

Watch Munro Live‘s Cybertruck session in the video below.

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Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up. 

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

Tesla Cybercab coming next to Giga Berlin, Optimus possibly after

“From a next major product standpoint, I think most likely is the Tesla Cybercab,” Musk said.

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Credit: Cybercab

Tesla could add the Cybercab and Optimus humanoid robot to the production lineup at Giga Berlin, as per recent comments from CEO Elon Musk. 

During a recent interview with Giga Berlin plant manager André Thierig, Musk identified the Cybercab as the most likely next major product for the German factory, with Optimus potentially following after.

“From a next major product standpoint, I think most likely is the Tesla Cybercab,” Musk said. He added that there are also “possibilities of Tesla Optimus” being produced in the facility.

Tesla has already begun production of the Cybercab in Giga Texas, with volume production expected to ramp this year. Based on Musk’s comments, it appears that if conditions align in Europe, Giga Berlin could eventually join that effort.

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The CEO’s comments about Optimus coming to Gigafactory Berlin are quite unsurprising too considering that Musk has mentioned in the past that the humanoid robot will likely be Tesla’s highest volume product in the long run. 

Giga Berlin will likely be able to produce mass volumes of Optimus, as the Model S and Model X lines being converted to an Optimus line in the Fremont Factory are already expected to produce 1 million units of the humanoid robot annually. 

Apart from his comments about the Cybercab and Optimus, Elon Musk also confirmed that Giga Berlin has started ramping battery cell production and will continue expanding Model Y output, particularly as supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) gains regulatory approvals in Europe.

Taken together, the remarks suggest Berlin’s role could evolve beyond vehicle assembly into a broader multi-product manufacturing hub, not just a regional Model Y plant.

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Tesla Powerwall distribution expands in Australia

Inventory is expected to arrive in late February and official sales are expected to start mid-March 2026.

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Credit: Tesla

Supply Partners Group has secured a distribution agreement for the Tesla Powerwall in Australia, with inventory expected to arrive in late February and official sales beginning in mid-March 2026.

Under the new agreement, Supply Partners will distribute Tesla Powerwall units and related accessories across its national footprint, as noted in an ecogeneration report. The company said the addition strengthens its position as a distributor focused on premium, established brands.

“We are proud to officially welcome Tesla Powerwall into the Supply Partners portfolio,” Lliam Ricketts, Co-Founder and Director of Innovation at Supply Partners Group, stated.

“Tesla sets a high bar, and we’ve worked hard to earn the opportunity to represent a brand that customers actively ask for. This partnership reflects the strength of our logistics, technical services and customer experience, and it’s a win for installers who want premium options they can trust.”

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Supply Partners noted that initial Tesla Powerwall stock will be warehoused locally before full commercial rollout in March. The distributor stated that the timing aligns with renewed growth momentum for the Powerwall, supported by competitive installer pricing, consumer rebates, and continued product and software updates.

“Powerwall is already a category-defining product, and what’s ahead makes it even more compelling,” Ricketts stated. “As pricing sharpens and capability expands, we see a clear runway for installers to confidently spec Powerwall for premium residential installs, backed by Supply Partners’ national distribution footprint and service model.”

Supply Partners noted that a joint go-to-market launch is planned, including Tesla-led training for its sales and technical teams to support installers during the home battery system’s domestic rollout.

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Elon Musk

Tesla Giga Berlin growth could stall if not “free from external influences”: Elon Musk

The comments were delivered in a pre-recorded video discussion.

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Credit: Andre Thierig/X

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reportedly warned that future expansion of Gigafactory Berlin could be jeopardized if the site does not remain “free from external influences.”

Musk’s comments were delivered in a pre-recorded video discussion with employees and came at a sensitive moment for the facility, where union representation has been a recurring issue.

According to reports from Handelsblatt and Der Spiegel, citing participants at the event, Musk suggested that if Giga Berlin is no longer “free from external influences,” further expansion would become unlikely. He did not, however, hint that the plant would shut down.

While Musk did not name IG Metall directly, his remarks were widely interpreted as referencing the union, which is currently the largest faction on the works council but does not hold a majority, as noted in an electrive report. 

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The video conversation was conducted between Musk in Austin and Grünheide plant manager André Thierig, then played back to the workforce in Germany. Works council elections are scheduled for early March, heightening the tension between management and organized labor.

The CEO has previously voiced concerns that stronger union influence could limit Tesla’s operational flexibility and long-term strategy in Germany.

Despite the warning on expansion, Musk praised the Giga Berlin site during the same address, describing it as one of the most advanced factories worldwide and highlighting its cleanliness and team culture.

The discussion also reportedly touched on battery cell production. According to attendees cited in German media, Musk indicated that Tesla has begun ramping cell production at the site. That would mark a notable shift from earlier expectations that large-scale cell manufacturing in Brandenburg would not begin until 2027.

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