Reservations for the Tesla Cybertruck electric ute have reportedly surpassed 1 million, according to a crowd-sourced reservations tracker, which could be an inflated number but certainly highlights growing demand for electric utility vehicles.
Originally unveiled in November 2019, the Tesla Cybertruck immediately polarised opinions with its clunky and angular lines giving the vehicle an unfinished-futuristic look.
But according to a crowd-sourced reservations tracker, it seems demand has overlooked any design qualms people might have had.
It’s worth noting that any crowdsourced tracker such as this risks overinflated numbers due to people placing multiple reservations for the Cybertruck so as to guarantee they can drive one away at launch.
Others will likely have got caught up in the rush of a new Tesla anything, and some may have been anticipating greater development of autonomous driving/self-driving technology.
All that being said, even assuming a 50% cancellation rate, or a 50% reality check, that still means orders representing revenue cof beween $US30 billion and the current $US63 billion are awaiting.
Of course, other companies are also getting in on the idea of all-electric utility vehicles, and just last week Ford unveiled its long awaited all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning utility vehicle – which looks a lot more conventional.
And within 48-hours of the Ford F-150 Lightning’s launch, Ford CEO Jim Farley said on Twitter that that almost 50,000 $US100 ($A130) reservations had been received for the F-150 Lightning.
More than 44,500 reservations in less than 48 hours…and counting. The future is here: https://t.co/pbgGgnTVrS #F150Lightning pic.twitter.com/mpAztdfXZX
— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) May 21, 2021
Other all-electric utility trade vehicles include the electric Hummer ute and Canoo’s own pickup truck designed specifically for tradies.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.