Tesla Discreetly Removes $16K Range Extender for Cybertruck After Collecting $2,000 Deposits | Carscoops

      The additional battery option for the Cybertruck has been removed from Tesla’s configurator without any public explanation.

      Customers who paid a non-refundable deposit of $2,000 for the $16,000 battery upgrade now find that this option is no longer available. The company had claimed that the Range Extender would significantly enhance the driving ranges of the dual and tri-motor versions.

      The rollout of Tesla’s Cybertruck has been filled with unexpected developments, many of which have been disappointing. One of the more confusing elements was the $16,000 Range Extender, which was meant to considerably improve the truck's previously inadequate driving range. To secure this feature, customers needed to place a $2,000 non-refundable deposit. This amount is considerable for a feature that seems to have disappeared from Tesla's online configurator.

      Although there hasn't been an official announcement confirming the option's permanent removal, Tesla has a history of eliminating features and changing prices with minimal notice. For those who had anticipated additional range from their deposit, this news is unsettling.

      The Range Extender always appeared somewhat peculiar. At a cost of $16,000, Cybertruck owners would receive an auxiliary battery pack that occupied nearly half of the truck bed. This option was intended for those who found the standard range inadequate, despite the compromise in cargo space.

      Tesla did not disclose the battery capacity for this pack but assured customers that it would extend the dual motor's range from 340 miles (547 km) to over 445 miles. It was also expected to increase the tri-motor Cybertruck’s range from 320 miles (515 km) to 440 miles (708 km). The company even began taking reservations, requesting a $2,000 non-refundable deposit from buyers.

      Some estimates indicated that the Range Extender pack would need a capacity of around 47 kWh to achieve such a significant increase in range, comparable to the batteries in some smaller EVs, with the pack potentially weighing over 600 lbs (272 kg). If that were the case, professional installation at a Tesla center would be necessary, making it impractical for owners to easily install or remove the pack for long trips.

      Tesla had initially planned to introduce the battery in early 2025 but postponed the launch to mid-2025 as of October last year. With that timeframe approaching, the Range Extender remains absent.