Episode 552: The $60,000 Cybertruck Seems to Be a Hit
About this episode
The discussion centers on Tesla's recently introduced $60,000 Cybertruck, which is generating strong demand but faces an imminent price increase. The host explores the confusion around Tesla's brief promotional period, Elon Musk's vague communications, and the impact on customers and production timelines. Delivery estimates have shifted to 2027, indicating high order volumes or limited production allocation. The episode also touches on Tesla's marketing missteps and the removal of referral discounts for this model. Additionally, updates on Model Y interior changes and Lamborghini's EV plans are briefly mentioned.
The newly offered $60,000 Cybertruck seems to be generating plenty of demand – but its price is already going up. Plus: Model Y's recent interior changes appear to be imminent for the Model 3, Lamborghini abandons its EV plans, and more!
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Tesla Cybertruck
"On this week's episode of Ride the Lightning, the Tesla and EV podcast, the newly offered $60,000 Cybertruck seems to be generating plenty of demand, but its price is already going up."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new kind of electric truck made by Tesla. It looks very different from regular trucks and runs only on electricity instead of gas.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck produced by Tesla, known for its unique angular design, stainless steel exoskeleton, and high performance. It represents Tesla's entry into the electric truck market, aiming to combine utility with electric vehicle technology.
Tesla Model 3
"Plus, Model Y's recent interior changes appear to be imminent for the Model 3, Lamborghini abandons its EV plans and more."
The Tesla Model 3 is a small electric car made by Tesla. It is popular because it is cheaper than other Tesla cars and has good performance.
The Tesla Model 3 is a popular all-electric sedan known for its affordability and performance. It shares many components with the Model Y and receives periodic updates to its interior and technology.
non refundable order deposit
"if you're placing an order with your $250 non refundable order deposit, you're not going to know for a little while, at least the answer to that either."
When you want to buy something popular like a new car, you might pay some money first to hold your place. This money you pay won’t be given back if you change your mind.
A non refundable order deposit is an upfront payment made to reserve a product, which is not returned to the buyer if they cancel the order. This is common in pre-orders for high-demand vehicles to secure a spot in the production queue.
Morgan Six Plus
"...ll until June. So if Tesla is already booked out six plus months, six to 18 months, I guess we have to call..."
The Morgan Plus Six is a special sports car made mostly by hand in Britain. It looks old-fashioned but has a strong modern engine inside. People like it because it feels like a classic car but drives like a new one.
The Morgan Plus Six is a modern sports car combining classic British craftsmanship with contemporary engineering, including a lightweight chassis and a powerful turbocharged engine. It represents Morgan’s blend of tradition and innovation. The Plus Six is notable for its unique handmade construction and driving experience.
all wheel drive
"So the new $60,000 all wheel or whatever it costs now as you're listening to this, but the new regular all wheel drive version is cutting into that allocation"
All wheel drive means the vehicle sends power to all its wheels at the same time, which helps it drive better on slippery or rough roads.
All wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and handling especially in adverse conditions.
referral link
"You can no longer order it with a referral link, meaning you cannot get a $1,000 discount unless it's your own code. You can still use a loyalty bonus, the loyalty benefit."
A referral link is like a special code you can share with friends so they get a discount when buying something, and sometimes you get a reward too.
A referral link is a unique code or URL that customers can share to give others a discount on a purchase, while often earning rewards themselves.
loyalty bonus
"You can still use a loyalty bonus, the loyalty benefit. If you're an existing Tesla owner, if you have a car, you have a Tesla account."
A loyalty bonus is a special discount given to people who already own a product from the company, to thank them and encourage them to buy again.
A loyalty bonus is a discount or benefit offered to existing customers to encourage repeat purchases or brand loyalty.
trim
"A car is a huge purchase. I imagine a lot of people got that first email that Tesla sent out announcing that new $60,000 trim and thought, okay, yeah, I'll be super interested in that when we're ready to buy our next new car later this year or next year or whatever."
A trim is like a package for a car that decides what features it has and how much it costs.
A trim refers to a specific version or configuration of a car model that includes a particular set of features, options, and price point.
air suspension
"8% of you said great price, but the air suspension is a deal breaker for me, understandable."
Air suspension is a special kind of car suspension that uses air bags instead of regular springs. It helps the car ride smoother and lets you change how high or low the car sits.
Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension powered by an electric or engine-driven air pump or compressor. It replaces traditional metal springs with flexible air springs, allowing for adjustable ride height and improved ride comfort.
headliner
"Interior 3 Premium Black. This code is tied to a black headliner and has already been mapped"
The headliner is the fabric or material you see on the inside roof of a car. It helps make the car look nice and can keep noise down.
The headliner is the material that covers the interior roof of a vehicle, often contributing to the car's aesthetic and sound insulation.
Tesla Model Y
"...on poll on it back when the story broke about the Model Y switching over to black headliner, and the plura..."
The Tesla Model Y is a small electric car that looks like a tall car you can sit in comfortably. It uses electricity instead of gas and has cool features inside, like a roof lining that changed color to black. People talk about it because it's popular and has new design changes.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact all-electric SUV introduced by Tesla, known for its impressive range and advanced technology. It gained attention for design updates like switching to a black headliner, reflecting Tesla's evolving interior aesthetics. The Model Y is significant as it targets a broad market segment with strong sales performance.
extended coverage plan
"...there is a timing element to ownership that matters if you're thinking about doing an extended coverage plan. So when it comes to EV coverage, it's not really about if you buy an extended coverage plan, it's about when. Coverage is generally more cost advantaged when it's purchased before your factory warranty ends..."
An extended coverage plan is like extra protection you can buy for your car after the original warranty runs out. It helps pay for repairs so you don't have to spend a lot of money if something breaks.
An extended coverage plan is an optional service contract that provides additional warranty coverage beyond the factory warranty period of a vehicle. It can cover repairs and maintenance costs that arise after the original warranty expires, often available for purchase before the factory warranty ends for better pricing.
EV ownership
"You're looking at mileage, wear timing, you're planning it all out, you're on top of it. EV ownership works the same way."
Owning an electric car means you have to take care of it differently than a regular car, like watching the battery and knowing when to fix or replace parts.
EV ownership refers to the experience and responsibilities involved in owning an electric vehicle, including maintenance, battery health monitoring, and planning for component replacements. It differs from traditional car ownership due to the unique technology and maintenance needs of electric vehicles.
Tesla Model 3 Performance
"I'm a customer myself on our 2018 Model 3 performance, X care helps EV owners understand where they are now, what changes later,"
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is a fast electric car that can go really quickly and is a type of electric sedan. The 2018 version is one of the first ones made.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is a high-performance variant of Tesla's popular electric sedan, known for its quick acceleration and sporty handling. The 2018 model year marks an early production version of this electric vehicle.
Tesla Cybercab
"...ing down in its efforts to claim ownership of the Cybercab trademark, filing a formal challenge with US reg..."
The Tesla Cybercab is a name Tesla wanted to use for something related to their Cybertruck, which is a new kind of electric truck. They had some problems because other people wanted to use the same name. This is about who owns the name.
The Tesla Cybercab appears to be a trademark or naming dispute related to Tesla’s Cybertruck branding efforts. It may refer to a variant or an associated product name. Such discussions highlight Tesla’s attempts to protect its intellectual property.
wiper
"at least in my experience, the wiper situation has gotten a good bit better recently, which I do want to say I very much appreciate. But if we really do have a new fifth generation revision coming, hopefully it can finally get us to the point where the wipers work reliably at the right setting for any given condition and, big one for me at least and probably for most of you, they don't do those annoying and quite frankly somewhat embarrassing dry wipes anymore."
Wipers are the parts on your car that clean the front window when it rains or gets dirty. Sometimes they can make noise or wipe when they shouldn't, which can be annoying.
Wipers are the mechanical arms with blades that clear rain, snow, and debris from the windshield to maintain visibility while driving. Their performance can vary based on settings and conditions, and issues like dry wiping can be annoying or damaging.
Lucid Group
"The Lucid Group released its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results showing strong delivery growth and record revenue, but also highlighting the continued financial challenges facing the automaker..."
Lucid Group makes fancy electric cars that are designed to be fast and have a lot of tech features. They are trying to make more cars and sell them to more people.
Lucid Group is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for luxury electric cars, including the Lucid Air sedan and the upcoming Gravity SUV. The company focuses on high-performance EVs with advanced technology.
production guidance
"Lucid expects a significant increase in output, issuing production guidance of 25,000 to 27,000 vehicles, potentially more than 50% higher than its revised 2025 production total..."
Production guidance is when a car company tells people how many cars they think they will make soon. This helps people know if the company is growing or not.
Production guidance is an automaker's forecast or estimate of how many vehicles it plans to manufacture within a certain period. It helps investors and customers understand the company's growth expectations.
Lucid Gravity
"Beyond increasing production of the gravity SUV, Lucid is also preparing for its next growth phase."
The Lucid Gravity is a new electric SUV that the company is making. It's a bigger car than their sedan and will have lots of cool features and run on electricity.
The Lucid Gravity is an upcoming electric SUV from Lucid Group, designed to expand their lineup beyond sedans. It is expected to offer luxury features and advanced electric powertrain technology.
Tesla Model X
"...12 months of each other. Model S debuted in 2012, Model X shipped in 2015. Both of those cars saw big dela..."
The Tesla Model X is a big electric SUV that started selling in 2015. It has special doors that open up like wings and lots of space inside. It's popular because it’s fast and good for families.
The Tesla Model X is a mid-size all-electric SUV introduced in 2015, known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and advanced technology. It shares many components with the Model S but offers more space and utility. The Model X is notable for combining electric performance with SUV practicality.
Tesla Model S
"... shipped two cars within 12 months of each other. Model S debuted in 2012, Model X shipped in 2015. Both o..."
The Tesla Model S is a fancy electric car that started being sold in 2012. It can go far on one charge and is very fast. It helped make electric cars popular and is still a top choice for people wanting a luxury electric car.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury all-electric sedan that debuted in 2012, pioneering long-range electric vehicle performance. It helped establish Tesla as a leader in the EV market with its impressive acceleration and technology. The Model S remains a benchmark for electric sedans.
vehicle launch delays
"Both of those cars saw big delays. Model 3 of course in 2017, Model Y in 2020, Cybertruck in 2023, and the Cybertruck of course also had some significant delays."
Sometimes new cars take longer to come out than planned because of problems making them or getting parts. This is called a launch delay.
Vehicle launch delays refer to the postponement of the scheduled release dates of new car models, often due to production, supply chain, or design challenges.
EV sedan
""there really aren't a ton of EV sedans out there. I mean, we can always use another good one in the marketplace.""
An EV sedan is a car with four doors that runs only on electricity, not gas or diesel.
An EV sedan is a passenger car with a traditional sedan body style powered entirely by electric motors and batteries instead of an internal combustion engine.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
""You've got the Model 3, you've got the Ioniq 6, you've got the BMW I4,""
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an electric car that looks like a regular sedan but runs on batteries. It's designed to be very efficient and go far on one charge.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an all-electric midsize sedan with a focus on aerodynamic design and efficiency. It is part of Hyundai's Ioniq electric sub-brand aimed at expanding their EV lineup.
Bmw I4
""You've got the Model 3, you've got the Ioniq 6, you've got the BMW I4,""
The BMW i4 is an electric car that looks like a normal BMW sedan but runs on batteries. It tries to give a fun driving experience without using gas.
The BMW i4 is a fully electric midsize sedan combining BMW's traditional driving dynamics with electric powertrain technology. It aims to compete with other premium electric sedans.
Mercedes-Benz EQS
""and that's, I guess, well, what? There's the Mercedes EQS, the sedan version, but that's,""
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a big, fancy electric car that is very comfortable and has lots of features. It's bigger than most midsize electric sedans.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a luxury all-electric sedan that serves as the flagship of Mercedes' EQ electric vehicle lineup. It is larger and more luxurious than typical midsize sedans.
Lanzador
"...n should have been the production version of the Lanzador EV, revealed in August of 2023 at the Pebble Beac..."
The Lanzador is a new electric car that was shown to the public in 2023. It has a fresh look and new technology and might be sold soon. People talk about it because it shows what future electric cars could be like.
The Lanzador EV is an electric vehicle concept revealed in 2023, showcasing new design and technology likely aimed at production in the near future. It was unveiled at Pebble Beach, indicating its significance in the luxury or performance EV market. The Lanzador represents emerging trends in electric vehicle design.
Lamborghini Urus
"... a larger electric SUV, but it already offers an Urus, I think that's how you say that, the Urus P8 plu..."
The Lamborghini Urus is a fast and fancy SUV that looks sporty but can carry more people and things. It started being sold in 2018 and is special because it’s both a sports car and an SUV. Many people like it for its speed and style.
The Lamborghini Urus is a high-performance luxury SUV introduced in 2018, blending Lamborghini’s sports car DNA with SUV practicality. It is one of the fastest SUVs on the market and has helped Lamborghini expand its customer base. The Urus is significant as a luxury performance SUV in a growing segment.
Ferrari Luce
"...r, and for me it only makes me root for Ferrari's luce that I've been talking about recently more than ..."
The Ferrari Luce is a new car from Ferrari that people are excited about. It looks great and is expected to be very fast. Fans of Ferrari are watching it closely because it shows what the company is doing next.
The Ferrari Luce is a recently discussed Ferrari model or concept that has garnered attention for its design and performance potential. It reflects Ferrari’s ongoing innovation in luxury sports cars. The Luce is noteworthy among enthusiasts following Ferrari’s latest developments.
EV game
"their longtime rivals, Lamborghini, to go ahead and take another crack at getting into the EV game."
The 'EV game' means making cars that run on electricity instead of gas, which is becoming more popular.
The 'EV game' refers to the automotive industry's shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), which use electric motors and batteries instead of traditional internal combustion engines.
Lamborghini Countach
"...id, I definitely had a poster of the Lamborghini Countach on my wall when I was fairly young, and then late..."
The Lamborghini Countach is a very famous sports car from the 70s and 80s that looks like a sharp triangle. It has special doors that open up and is very fast. Many people think of it as one of the coolest cars ever made.
The Lamborghini Countach is an iconic supercar from the 1970s and 1980s, famous for its wedge-shaped design and scissor doors. It set the standard for exotic car styling and performance during its production. The Countach is often referenced as a symbol of automotive excess and innovation.
Lamborghini Diablo
"...fairly young, and then later I had a Lamborghini Diablo poster on the wall. And I will say, I was always ..."
The Lamborghini Diablo is a very fast and cool sports car made in the 1990s. It has a big engine and looks sharp, making it famous among car fans. People remember it because it was one of the best supercars of its time.
The Lamborghini Diablo is a classic supercar produced from the early 1990s to early 2000s, known for its striking design and powerful V12 engine. It represents Lamborghini's flagship performance during that era and remains an iconic exotic car. The Diablo is often discussed for its cultural impact and driving experience.
mobile service
"Yes, while customers in less densely populated areas will increasingly rely on mobile support options. Mobile service has already become the company's most popular service method..."
Mobile service means a mechanic comes to you to fix or check your car, so you don't have to drive it to a shop.
Mobile service refers to vehicle maintenance and repair performed by technicians who travel to the customer's location instead of requiring the vehicle to be brought to a service center.
Ford Expedition
"...nt per mile, something like that would solve that expedition type of shopping experience where you're going f..."
The Ford Expedition is a big SUV that can carry lots of people and stuff. It's good if you want to tow trailers or go on big trips with family. People talk about it because it uses more gas but is very useful.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capability, making it popular for families and heavy-duty use. It is often discussed in contexts involving large SUVs and fuel economy challenges. The Expedition competes in a segment focused on utility and comfort.
driver door unlock mode
"But if you go into your locks screen in the car settings menu, you will scroll down and see driver door unlock mode in there. If that's checked, uncheck it. The description, I went when enabled, the driver door and charge port will unlock when the key is detected near the driver's side of the vehicle. Holding down the interior driver door button will unlock the rest of the vehicle."
This setting lets the car unlock just the driver's door and charging port when your key is nearby, so you don't have to unlock all the doors at once.
Driver door unlock mode is a vehicle setting that controls how the car's doors and charge port unlock when the key is detected near the driver's side, allowing selective unlocking for convenience and security.
FSD
"98.3% FSD usage, which means, because I've seen this already from, from keeping an eye on it, when it gets to 98.5, it will round up and show 99%. So I've still got some driving to do, but this weekend, if it goes well with FSD, could roll me up to 99% FSD usage."
FSD means Full Self-Driving, which is a technology in some cars that helps the car drive itself in some situations.
FSD stands for Full Self-Driving, a suite of advanced driver-assistance features offered by Tesla that aims to enable autonomous driving under certain conditions.
EV
"If it makes your Tesla or EV experience even 1% better, then it's a worthwhile pro tip. Thank you very much, John. Appreciate you calling in with that. And a reminder, if anybody else out there has a good Tesla or EV pro tip of the week..."
An EV is a car that uses electricity to move instead of gas. It helps reduce pollution and can be cheaper to run.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a car powered entirely or partially by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel.
Audi S3
"...t well really any of the Teslas, whether it's an S3, XY, or Cybertruck, or even the Rivians as well, ..."
The Audi S3 is a small car that is faster and more fun to drive than regular models. It has a strong engine and can drive well in different weather because of special wheels. People like it because it’s both practical and sporty.
The Audi S3 is a sporty compact sedan or hatchback that offers enhanced performance and handling compared to the standard A3. It features a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a practical yet fun car. The S3 is often discussed as a competitor to other sporty compact cars.
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