Cybertruck with underbody protection and round steering wheel hints at Tesla's first 48V low-voltage system

Tesla could outfit its first electric pickup truck with its first modern 48V low-voltage electric system and a Cybertruck filmed in the wild may have confirmed just that. Next to the steering wheel of the Cybertruck a screen shows the number 47.3 which looks like a readout of the low-voltage bus, as those Release Candidates are now being driven around with all sorts of testing equipment on them. One was even spotted doing off-road testing in the boondocks with a Starlink satellite Internet dish, allegedly to transfer all the testing data back to Tesla's HQ in real time.

The I.P.DS1 abbreviation written on the dash might also be referring to the respective wireless datalogging and real-time tuning tools used for this Cybertruck, complete with the voltage showing. The Cybertruck is expected to move to a 48V system for things like the truck's windows, lights, audio, FSD computer, or other internal needs because the typical 12V one that's been in cars since the 50s does no longer cut it as there is simply too much to power these days. Just until recently, Tesla was installing old-school 12V lead-acid batteries in its electric cars which it replaced with Li-ion ones as they were dropping like flies from all the powered demand.

The stalkless round steering wheel, which seems to be borrowed from the Model 3, is also a big surprise. Usually, the Cybertruck test cars that have been running around on the streets of Texas or California carry its peculiar elongated yoke steering wheel. The orthodox round version has been rumored to still be an option for the Cybertruck, though, but it's not clear which one it will ship with by default.

Another interesting catch in this particular Cybertruck footage, besides getting up close and personal with the blue Minecraft-style camo wrap, is the underside of the vehicle. The Cybertruck will seemingly come with very well protected underbody, complete with removable metal plates preventing damage to all of its key drivetrain components. Coupled with the stainless steel body, air suspension height, rear steering, and generous approach or departure angles, the Cybertruck should be establishing its off-road chops pretty soon after launch. 

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