It's like Tesla fans have never seen a truck. This is getting to be like apple fans.
The f150 starts at $28,495. The raptor is $53,205. This means you get it for less because you don't pay MSRP on fords. Teslas pricing is not amazing. You could have always had a truck instead of your model 3. It's like you are all just discovering this now.
Also there are pickup trucks cheaper than cars and SUVs made by the same companies everywhere. They don't compete with each other in class at all. A person shopping for a car doesn't look at a truck. The raptor is faster than a lot of cars and SUVs. Doesn't mean the slower car price goes down.
I understand the point, but almost NO car (or truck) sells as many "base models" as tesla does. Tesla does not offer very many options (even less on the truck). A tesla has a paint option, a couple interior options, and whether you purchase FSD or not.
Your typical car (or truck) has either several option packages, or several trims (which amount to close to the same thing).
Just like you can typically get discount on MSRP on most cars and trucks, hardly anyone is buying the base model of these.
As I said earlier though, I agree with your other premise. When people want a truck as a vehicle, they are looking for a truck, not a "truck or a car", at least if they can afford to buy a new vehicle which is what we are talking about here. The thing I cant get though, is who is the tesla "truck" for, exactly? Who is the market? Thats not a discussion for this thread, obviously, but its relevant for "what is going to happen when this vehicle is released?"
My personal feeling is, sales of this truck will be a very niche product, for wealthy people mostly in California as a status symbol. Anyone who really wants a truck likely wont buy a vehicle that has such "distinctive" and I would say "outwardly combative / statement" styling. So, I think the impact will be very minimal from this truck. The Rivian, for example, right now, looks like a "truck". The model S sold because it is a very good looking car. Its distinctive, but also very attractive to most.
The model 3 sells because it looks "like a nice car" and not a cheap econobox like most other MFRs compliance type EVs or other hybrids. Looks matter... a LOT. A car is usually one of the most expensive things a person buys for themselves, after providing for housing / a place to live. Cars (using that term to mean "personal vehicles") many times are a part of someones identity, because they not only take you to work, but also take you to the things you want or need to do. Trips to the market, to work, to the amusement park, to transport your kids, and to get you to and from your hobbies.
Most people wont buy a car they dont at least like the looks of, and many people dont like to make " a statement" with their vehicle. The model 3 is selling so well because its a good CAR.... that happens to be electric. We are past the "EV statement" for most model 3 buyers.
If this is the "tesla statement" for a truck, and then they later make a "regular" one that might work, but I dont think the cybertruck will have much impact at all or move the needle in the slightest in the truck market.
There are others though, the Rivian, and I believe ford is making one. Every major car manufacter will have some sort of EV crossover / SUV as well.
I expect almost no impact at all from this vehicle, mostly because hardly anyone will actually want to be seen in it except people trying to make a statement or "be different"... but most people dont want that with their vehicles. Its my opinion that "truck buyers" want that even less than others.
