Tesla makes the Cybertruck range extender price and release date official

As its production volume ramps up, Tesla is done with the Cybertruck reservation process, and opened the configurator for anyone who'd want to buy its first electric pickup.

Deliveries of the $100,000 Foundation Series Cybertruck begin as soon as this month, and one can now also reserve the elusive Range Extender accessory for $500 extra.

Tesla had initially scheduled the Cybertruck Range Extender for release later this year, but has now moved it to "early 2025," just as rumored.

The official Cybertruck Range Extender accessory price is $16,000 indeed, or $123 per mile since its 50 kWh capacity is rated for 130 miles of added range. Those 2.6 miles per kWh of range extender battery are slightly less than the 2.8 mi/kWh efficiency from the Cybertruck's own battery, but it is a module that requires extra installation, so there are bound to be some losses along the way.

Tesla promises that those who reserve the extender now will get priority installation when the accessory launches some time in Q1. The extender pack slots as a tool box or bench in the bed, and takes about a third of the space there, so that is something to have in mind when reserving.

Tesla's ex-battery head Drew Baglino, however, confirms at 45:25 in the video below that the "long-term target" of the team is to increase the Cybertruck's efficiency or the 4680 battery energy density to the point where it can cover the promised 500 miles on a charge with the range extender.

According to Elon Musk, the extender is targeted at the Cybertruck owners who need the extra capacity for "very long trips or towing heavy things up mountains."

Instead of installing a larger and more expensive battery in the Cybertruck, the optional accessory may have allowed Tesla to keep the non-Foundation Cybertruck price just below the tax credit eligibility threshold, and still offer something close to the promised 500-mile range on a charge.

Unfortunately, that cheaper trim is not available for direct order just yet, and the Cybertruck price still starts from $99,990 at the moment. 

Get the Tesla Universal Wall Connector EV Charger with Dual Plug on Amazon