Range Extender Battery production pushed to early 2025 (from late 2024)

[bongulous]

Man I just wish there was a more optimal design. As much as I want extra range I cannot justify losing that much bed space.

Sponsored

 

[tcmeyers]

Man I just wish there was a more optimal design. As much as I want extra range I cannot justify losing that much bed space.

Maybe they will make it tall and only 2 feet front to back so that it leaves a 4x4 bed like all the other “4x4” trucks

 

[bongulous]

Maybe they will make it tall and only 2 feet front to back so that it leaves a 4x4 bed like all the other “4x4” trucks

Honestly that’s a pretty good compromise, I’m sure the final design isn’t set in stone yet.

 

[SeattleTom]

Am I the only one who wishes for a slightly smaller pack that gets the CT maybe 80-100 miles more range, takes up less space in the bed (still leaving a full 5 feet), and a much lower cost?

 

[HaulingAss]

Man I just wish there was a more optimal design. As much as I want extra range I cannot justify losing that much bed space.

A bigger problem with a bigger battery is it will make the charging stops longer. I would rather have the entire bed, a lighter truck and have shorter Supercharger stops. Who cares if I need to hit them up a bit more often, I don't mind taking a quick road break as long as it's only 20 minutes or so.

One big differentiator between the Cybertruck and the Silverado is off-road capability. I love the way the Cybertruck can cruise over rugged terrain while feeling relatively light on it's feet. A battery extender, and all the regular cargo you might have, would just ruin it for me, make it more tank-like and less adept. Tires would wear faster too.

I've had over six years to learn how much I like the "plug and go" method of travel. It's not intrusive because the stops are quick.

 

[Ruffles]

I just want them to add the range extender as a store purchase so I can use my $2500 credit toward it.

 

[bongulous]

A bigger problem with a bigger battery is it will make the charging stops longer. I would rather have the entire bed, a lighter truck and have shorter Supercharger stops. Who cares if I need to hit them up a bit more often, I don't mind taking a quick road break as long as it's only 20 minutes or so.

One big differentiator between the Cybertruck and the Silverado is off-road capability. I love the way the Cybertruck can cruise over rugged terrain while feeling relatively light on it's feet. A battery extender, and all the regular cargo you might have, would just ruin it for me, make it more tank-like and less adept. Tires would wear faster too.

I've had over six years to learn how much I like the "plug and go" method of travel. It's not intrusive because the stops are quick.

Tbh this is my first EV and I’ve been driving cars with 500+ miles of range for years now so maybe being used to longer range makes me think I need it. But honestly with the ability to “fill up” at home, I don’t think CT’s range will be of any issue since I can always have it topped off come morning.

 

[HaulingAss]

Tbh this is my first EV and I’ve been driving cars with 500+ miles of range for years now so maybe being used to longer range makes me think I need it. But honestly with the ability to “fill up” at home, I don’t think CT’s range will be of any issue since I can always have it topped off come morning.

You are a smart man. If the range extender ever comes to market, and I have serious doubts it will, there will be people with less vision that buy it and end up with buyers regret once they realize it's not even a significant net positive on a cross-country trip.

Sure, a few people in really rural areas that drive big miles away from the Supercharger Network will find value in it, for most people it will just be dead weight they don't need.

My guess is that Tesla will refund all the deposits due to low demand. I could be wrong because the price is high enough that it would boost margins on those who did take it, I just don't see it.

 

[Cyber07]

Rather, they should execute it correctly. Permanent installation isn’t the way. I’d buy one if I can use it when I need it and not use it at other times. If I can’t, it’s pointless, as the default battery pack, but bigger, would provide that functionality.

Quick calculation and some assumptions. The installed battery size range is 340 miles, and the range extender provides an additional 130 miles. This is about 38% of the original battery size and weight, if we assume very optimistic packaging. [Realistically, the extender needs more "packaging weight" per range].

Even if Tesla were to solve the ease of self-installation and removal, it would mean at least 610 lbs of weight for the range extender.

There is no way on Earth you can work with such a weight in a consumer setting or have the appropriate tooling to make it happen.

Count me skeptical, but I am willing to bet some money that the range extender will never be delivered.

 

[Cyber07]

To be honest, we need a better charging curve rather than a bigger battery for the CT. Imagine a world where the CT can charge at 220 kW until 70% state of charge. This will make most stops less than 20 minutes.

 

[mongo]

A bigger problem with a bigger battery is it will make the charging stops longer.

Only if the Supercharger can't supply 50% more energy over the charging event than we see with the current charge curve (or the truck's thermal management is insufficient).
Range extender should increase the time that the charger is maxed out and then continue with a 50% increase in charge power.

 

[65SoYoLO]

...it would mean at least 610 lbs of weight for the range extender...

That seems light to me. Has Tesla release a accurate weight?

 

[FL370]

This is a problem of diminishing returns. The bigger the battery, the heavier the ride. It takes energy to move more weight. Airplanes are susceptible to this every time they take off.

I was originally disappointed in the CT range and envious of the Silverado. That stopped once I realized how long it takes to charge a larger battery (went from a 75kw MS to the CT.)

Until batteries weigh less it appears that Tesla made a smart tradeoff with the 123kw battery.

I was 100% certain I wanted the extender on my AWD instead of buying the Beast. Now, I'll probably just stop a little more frequently, but for a shorter period of time.

 

[MyOtherTruck]

The Range Extender Battery is now listed as "early 2025."

Cost is $16,000

$500 to reserve

This is pretty dang stupid - a Pick-up truck, permanently filled with a battery. defeats the purpose in many ways... If I needed this I dont undderstand why I wouldn't just get a normal suv. Sorry to be negative but its sort of absurd :-|

 

[Killlbox]

Rather they execute it correctly. Permanent install isn’t the way. I’d buy one if I can use it when I need it and not use it other times. If I can’t, it’s pointless as the default battery pack but bigger would provide that functionality.

Yup, we were all in to put down a reservation till we heard “permanent”.

Sponsored