Range Extender - Any Updates? (MAR 2025)

[VAF84]

As I lean towards swapping my Sierra EV for a CT, once again I’m confronting the reason I went with the Sierra in the first place, range. Do we have any updates?

Also, if you get a regular range CT and skip the $2k deposit, does that mean you cannot get the extender when it comes out, or just that one has to wait in line until those with a deposit get theirs?

Is everyone’s assumption right now that all CT’s should be capable of retrofitting the extended battery pack?

I think this is something Tesla should clarify if they haven’t. Say I buy a used one, I’d like to know I can retrofit the pack.

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[Dahongfei]

They can’t even get me my lightbar and I picked up my beast last June lol

 

[YDR37]

Don't think there is anything to report. Tesla just redesigned the Cybertruck order page, which would have been a good opportunity to update the status of the Range Extender. But it still just says: "You will be notified when Range Extender is ready for installation after production begins, which is planned for mid 2025."

As far as I know, nobody has ever reported seeing a prototype RE in real life, or even in a photo. The image on the order page appears to be a computer rendering, and that's the only image that I've seen.

Your questions about deposits and retrofits are good, but if you want definitive answers, you may have to ask Tesla.

As "mid 2025" approaches, I wouldn't be surprised if the next development is simply a change on the order page from "mid 2025" to "late 2025" or "early 2026".

 

[YDR37]

Based on the number in the recent Cybertruck recall, only about 46,000 CTs were produced through February 2025. How many of those 46,000 CT owners actually put down another $2,000 (originally $500), on a non-refundable basis, towards a $16,000 accessory?

We don't know, but I would bet that the actual take rate is low -- less than 10%. At 10%, that would only be 4,600 orders. At 5%, only 2,300 orders. At 2%, only 920 orders.

The RE must require a lot of hardware and software integration, so it's probably a hassle for Tesla to develop. A difficult project with a low number of orders may not be Tesla's top priority when it comes to allocating resources.

 

[ChiTownCT]

Can I ask why the switch from Sierra to CT?

 

[aeroguy]

Was hoping the cybercab/robotaxi would use a like hardware with the range extender...could have brought cost down and volume up, but looks like the cab battery is even smaller than the (planned) range extender. Here's hoping the RE is released this year...

 

[VAF84]

Can I ask why the switch from Sierra to CT?

Aside from my unhealthy addiction to swapping cars:

• Tech. The Ford Lightning had tech that was a step down from Tesla, but as my first EV I assumed all EV’s from different manufacturers would have that level of advanced tech. GM was actually a step down, doesn’t even offer PAAK and basically not planning on much OTA activity. The app while fairly useful doesn’t always work properly for remote start, and is nowhere near as snappy as Tesla’s. Have to press and hold to do everything.
• Andoid OS, it’s okay, but I’m not a fan. No CarPlay. I prefer Tesla OS if no CarPlay available.
• SuperCruise is great, FSD is way better. I was incredibly impressed by self-driving. I drive A LOT across multiple states. Over the years I’m starting to notice the fatigue, and that my focus isn’t what it used to be a few hours into a drive. By no means dangerous, but for example; I don’t think I would have hit the deer that has my truck getting repairs right now if I’d been using FSD on my return trip from out of state.
• I’m on the road a lot, the vault is nice to secure things when I’m staying in hotels and temp housing. Didn’t realize how snappy it was until I saw it in person.
• I’m realizing the value those stainless steel panels. I’m reminded of this as I’m trading my wife’s Yukon and I see small dents from a hail storm we got caught in that are going to devalue it. Seems better built for being out in the elements for an extended period. Also I’m on drilling rigs and construction sites a lot, less concern of damage from stuff that gets kicked up.
• It fits in a garage. My Sierra doesn’t fit in our garage. It’s not that big a deal, but again, thinking about potential damage when being left outside; when there’s a chance for inclement weather.
• Ability to use ALL superchargers, not just some of them.
• Sentry mode to keep an eye on the truck and deter insurance fraud attempts, not an option on GM
• Rewarding a company that innovates. I had a loaner M3 and realized just how behind other companies are with UI and driver assistance. Tesla has had their hiccups, but not because of complacency. It’s because they tried something new, and an issue arose. I support that.
• Rewarding a company that offers value and doesn’t force you up the chain for certain tech. I’ve had a couple of GM’s among many other manufactuers (9 vehicles in 5 years). I’m tired of having to pay for top trim just to get stuff like SuperCruise and more speed. Then, I’m annoyed that a company like GM does not give you lane centering on non-premapped roads whereas even Ford offers that. Tesla’s mid level vehicles offer all of the most advanced tech options, five star safety, and supercar level of acceleration at a moderate price.
• Shared business values. I’ve always been annoyed that when shopping for trucks I’m usually forced to purchase from unionized, and bloated companies. Tesla is made right here, not unionized, and runs their business efficiently. The only reason we don’t own one right now is because they haven’t offered the product I need.

Don’t get me wrong, the Sierra EV is an incredible EV; I’m nitpicking because I’m in a situation where fortunately I can financially do so. For anyone who has never driven a Tesla it will be a 10/10. I got more people approach me with questions and gotten more attention in this truck than past vehicles including sports cars and an TRX I had. Also, now that I’ve had a taste of that 440 range, it’s really hard to go back. The 300 range is fine for local drivers in cars and SUV’s. However, that big range is IMO necessary for truck stuff outside of urban areas with heavy EV charging infrastructure; it was a game changer for me. However, the CT beckons.

 

[scottf200]

The RE must require a lot of hardware and software integration, so it's probably a hassle for Tesla to develop. A difficult project with a low number of orders may not be Tesla's top priority when it comes to allocating resources.

No doubt about that. The integration with supercharging and heating/cooling will be a challenge on roadtrips in the south summers and north winters. Plus a year plus worth of degradation in the main CT pack that often ends up being 5% in the first yr or so on Tesla (dramatic slowdown after that). Then there is cell balancing for both the base and the RE when charging to "100%".

The image/PR will be another impact that people overlook. Taking up 1/3rd of the bed and potential integration issues (above) is going to get a lot of not-so-great press.

 

[dalton108]

Seems like it’s going to ship along side of the new roadster, at this point.

 

[HaulingAss]

As I lean towards swapping my Sierra EV for a CT, once again I’m confronting the reason I went with the Sierra in the first place, range. Do we have any updates?

Also, if you get a regular range CT and skip the $2k deposit, does that mean you cannot get the extender when it comes out, or just that one has to wait in line until those with a deposit get theirs?

Is everyone’s assumption right now that all CT’s should be capable of retrofitting the extended battery pack?

I think this is something Tesla should clarify if they haven’t. Say I buy a used one, I’d like to know I can retrofit the pack.

I've always had a reasonable amount of doubt that Tesla would release the range extender (and still do) because it's quite a niche product (and Tesla focuses more on products with mass appeal). As others have said, it's the kind of product that would require a lot of development, testing, install training and familiarization all for, what, 2-3% of sales? It doesn't seem like something Tesla would do unless there was massive demand for it (and having road tripped my Cybertruck multiple times through many rural/remote areas, I'm pretty sure there is not).

That said, if it is released, those with reservations will get first installs. Yes, it would be designed to be retrofitted to all existing Cybertrucks, otherwise Tesla wouldn't take reservations on them when the truck was to be delivered before the range extender.

Keep in mind, it's the kind of accessory that is meant to be installed and left there forever, not taken out and put back in for special occasions. That's why I won't get one, it will make the truck heavier, and the bed smaller, for minimal gain. I hate heavy trucks that can only pack a tiny fraction of their empty curb weight.

 

[REM]

Tesla is super close to a major breakthrough with dry cathode (at mass scale) that should land them ~20 percent or more energy density. They are definitely waiting for that to be a thing before deploying a range extender.

If they ever do. And they probably won't, to be honest.

 

[Macgreiner]

I'm with @dalton108 . I suspect the extender always was going to be vaporware and was offered to deflect blowback regarding the disappointing range.

 

[YDR37]

I suspect the extender always was going to be vaporware and was offered to deflect blowback regarding the disappointing range.

You could be right. Even now, it may serve to comfort potential customers who have range anxiety: "Well, the range isn't what I was hoping for, but I can always get the Range Extender later".

The specs table at Tesla's Cybertruck home page continues to provide two range estimates for each model:

- For AWD, estimated range is 325 miles, or 425+ with the Range Extender.
- For Cyberbeast, estimated range is 320 miles, or 420+ with the Range Extender.

But that's the only mention of the RE. Tesla doesn't seem to be pushing it hard.

 

[not_elon_]

Tesler has very little incentive to actually develop this product at this point but also is incentivized to keep the dream alive. It was only offered to test the waters of interest in a fools paradise of 2 million reservation holders. It would be like Delorean floating a V8 upgrade back in the day.

 

[rlhamil]

Tesla is super close to a major breakthrough with dry cathode (at mass scale) that should land them ~20 percent or more energy density. They are definitely waiting for that to be a thing before deploying a range extender.

If they ever do. And they probably won't, to be honest.

If they do, even if more expensive, IMO it would make more sense to just replace the main pack; no space lost or weight added, just more range. Like 400 miles at least, which would be more of a comfort margin on long trips.

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