Elon Musk is attempting to get Tesla into the pickup truck market with Tesla's new Cybertruck, which is so ugly I almost don't believe this is really happening.

Tesla's Cybertruck kind of looks like it was designed to be a vehicle for the 1989 cinematic masterpiece 'Robocop.' That could be misconstrued as a compliment, but I assure you it is meant in the least complimentary way possible.

This boxy hunk of steel made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is expected to be available in 2021. The Cybertruck's body is actually made of stainless steel and part of the presentation included proving it couldn't be dented with a sledgehammer or a bullet. A demonstration of the vehicle's "shatterproof" windows didn't go quite as well.

Musk said the cheapest version of the pickup will cost around $40k and has a battery life that will last from 250-400 miles. A more expensive model with better range, a "tri-motor," and all-wheel drive capabilities will also be on the market at a later date.

Tesla's move into the electric pickup market will coincide with that of Ford and GM, who also plan to bring an electric model to market by 2021. Tesla plans to begin production on the Cybertruck by the second half of 2020 with Detroit area startup Rivian, who have already produced a better-looking electric truck than what Tesla is showing off.

Honestly, if they plan to build these in Plymouth, Michigan, I don't want to be too mean. If it creates local jobs I'm all for it. However, Tesla is going to have to try a lot harder if they want to compete with the look of the trucks being built by Ford or by GM workers right here in Flint, Michigan.

 

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