The expensive Range Extender option for the Tesla Cybertruck is now gone from Tesla's website, leaving buyers with uncertainty and non-refundable deposits.
Tesla has removed the option to purchase the so-called Range Extender for the Cybertruck from its online configurator without notice. The expensive battery pack, which was supposed to significantly extend the range, was long-awaited and has already been delayed several times.
The Tesla Cybertruck and the associated battery upgrade have been long awaited, not least because the original model did not meet the expectations regarding price or range.
The option, which cost around $16,000 – or approximately 113,000 kroner – was therefore interesting to many owners. Now it is suddenly gone.
Previously, customers could reserve the battery pack with a non-refundable deposit of $2,000 – about 14,000 kroner. Now the option has been removed without explanation, and that's causing speculation. Again. Some fear the battery pack will never come. Others hope Tesla will simply change its strategy.
The extra battery pack was especially intended for the top-of-the-line Cyberbeast model, which only has a range of approximately 320 miles – equivalent to approximately 515 kilometers.
With the Range Extender, the range was initially promised at 470 miles, later downgraded to 445 miles. Still, it would make a big difference for owners who need longer drives.
Many questions and few answers from Tesla
According to Electrek, Tesla removed the option over the weekend. There has been no official announcement from the manufacturer yet, and Tesla has a tradition of being tight-lipped about information. This leaves thousands of customers in the dark.
Back in February 2024, an unofficial survey showed that about 25 percent of Tesla owners had put down a deposit for the Range Extender. At the time, the reservation cost only $500 – about 3,500 kroner. Now the question is what happens to the money.
Tesla has been criticized in the past for making product changes without clear communication. Many buyers feel left out when specifications and options suddenly change. The situation with the Cybertruck seems to follow the same unfortunate pattern.
Speculation about new battery and lower price for Cybertruck
Rumors are now rife that Tesla is working on a major battery change with the so-called 4680 cells. This should reduce costs and perhaps improve range.
If that happens, it could be the reason Tesla reconsiders the Range Extender solution.
“It all depends on what the new battery can deliver and whether it makes the extra battery pack redundant,” says a source close to the matter.
At the same time, Tesla is still struggling to ramp up sales of the Cybertruck, with several media outlets reporting disappointing sales figures and low demand.
Part of the problem may be Tesla's overall brand image, which has suffered from Elon Musk's public statements and controversies.
The future of the Cybertruck and its famous battery packs is therefore uncertain. But many customers are still waiting for answers – and perhaps also for a refund?
