Cyber semi

[Madatgascar]

Would love to see a version of the semi with the cybertruck aesthetic - flat polygons, slit headlights, exposed stainless steel. The current version’s design looks like an inflated car, too bulbous at semi scale.
Who’s with me?

 

[SmartElectric]

Not with you... The Semi exterior can be made from extruded plastic at far lower cost and weight. Style is only part of the issue, while stainless steel works for the Cybertruck, the Semi is an "on frame" design, so the exterior on the Semi is a "cladding" not structural.

 

[Madatgascar]

But it doesn’t have to be a structural exoskeleton. Nothing could be cheaper than stamping flat unpainted steel panels, and (I think) it would look better.

I started a thread on the Tesla forums called “Cybertruck discussion for engineers” that got a lot of interesting input on the pros and cons of using stainless steel as a structural exoskeleton. It has its advantages, but will be very difficult to get it right, and body damage will be very hard to repair. Nothing wrong with a tougher, badass “cladding” with easily replaceable panels though.

 

[SmartElectric]

The thing cheaper than stainless steel is plastic panels. I have them on my Smart ED, they are used on my little commute appliance instead of metal because they are cheaper and wear well.

 

[Madatgascar]

Point is, the chiseled, faceted look of the Cybertruck looks better at this scale than bulbous curves. Picture that cybertruck headlight slit on a semi! It would be easier to make a retractable wind deflector too.