The highly debated Tesla Cybertruck appearance could always be unique and distinctive, but now nearing its release, it is expected to deviate significantly from Tesla’s polished renderings.
With its unconventional flat body panels and extensive use of stainless steel, the truck is unlikely to have the sleekness that Tesla’s marketing materials have portrayed, according to design and manufacturing experts interviewed by Insider.
Moreover, Tesla has faced ongoing quality issues that its premium competitors like BMW and Lexus do not experience. Customers who have patiently waited for the Cybertruck may end up with a vehicle that looks somewhat unfinished. The level of toleration for imperfections among customers could determine the success of this critical product launch, explains Sam Fiorani, the Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions.
Stainless Steel: Prone to Dirt and Defects
Achieving a visually appealing finish on the flat, shiny body panels of the Cybertruck will prove to be challenging, according to Geoff Wardle, a former car designer and the director of the transportation design program at California’s ArtCenter College of Design. Wardle points out imperfections in a recent photo of a “production candidate” truck posted by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
This photo reveals discrepancies in the doors and other panels, causing the vehicle to appear distorted and disjointed, instead of the streamlined, futuristic look that was promised. While these issues were more prominent in earlier Cybertruck photos, they are still evident in this latest image, just weeks before customer deliveries.
“The finished product will likely have noticeable flawed reflections,” warns Wardle, who also anticipates a problem with fingerprints. Stainless steel surfaces, such as those found on fridges, tend to attract dirt, making them difficult to keep clean. Now, imagine dealing with this issue on every surface of a truck regularly exposed to harsh environments.
However, Wardle acknowledges that these concerns may not bother the most devoted Cybertruck fans.
“Perhaps customers will appreciate the grubby and gritty appearance, reminiscent of the ‘Star Wars’ aesthetic,” he suggests. “But for more traditional buyers, investing a significant amount of money in a vehicle with warped doors and fenders may be problematic.”
Musk Recognizes the Importance of a Flawless Cybertruck
Elon Musk himself has expressed his concerns about the final appearance of the Cybertruck. In a leaked email to Tesla staff, Musk wrote, “Due to the nature of Cybertruck, which is made of bright metal with mostly straight edges, any dimensional variation shows up like a sore thumb.”
And he is correct. Tolerating misaligned body panels has been a common complaint among Tesla customers for years, and this issue is evident in early photos of the Cybertruck. For example, examining Musk’s recent post closely reveals a noticeable gap near the headlight, rather than a clean edge.
While Tesla’s dedicated fanbase has been forgiving of imperfections in the past, primarily due to their preference for cutting-edge technology over craftsmanship, the Cybertruck presents a different challenge, says Fiorani.
“Musk has learned from his previous mistakes – he understands that people will closely scrutinize this vehicle,” Fiorani explains. “When you consider the complexity of a vehicle like the Cybertruck, where even the slightest flaw will stand out as a glaring error, he acknowledges the significance of getting it right.”
Whatevery happens, Tesla Cybertruck could always be unique and distinctive in the current world of ordinary trucks.