An updated prototype of the Tesla Cybertruck, the polarising and highly anticipated electric ute that will finally begin commercial producing in 2023, has been spotted testing in California with new side mirrors.
The sighting in Palo Alto was made by an Instagram user ftronz, which is very close to Teslaās Californian headquarters.
An image and video from the rear quarter panel of the Cybertruck were uploaded by a user on Instagram, who saw the Cybertruck on Tuesday, he told Teslarati, in Palo Alto, where Tesla headquarters is located.
Cybertruck in the wild. Looks like CGI IRL. This will be my preferred Tesla. @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/Ky34ZJfwzJ
— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) February 2, 2023
The side mirrors spotted in the new prototype are more triangular than in previous prototypes. Earlier in the design phases, we have seen anything from rectangular designs to completely side-mirror-less versions.Ā
Recent details also emerged on a removable mirror version of the future-inspired electric truck.
Removable mirrors means..no automatic folding mirrors on the Cybertruck and I'm ok with that @elonmusk But since you're giving tidbits, what was the verdict on the window light bar .. because I really liked it. pic.twitter.com/V3oFCNIORB
— TOC San Joaquin Valley (@SjvTesla) February 5, 2023
One mirror-less prototype version was spotted over the weekend which was possibly being tested by Teslaās CEO, Elon Musk, himself.
BREAKING: Elon Musk was spotted test driving the Cybertruck ā¼ļø
Things are getting real folks $TSLA
Time for Celebration š¾ ššš»
pic.twitter.com/QYhuUPFsAR— Technosmith (@itechnosmith) February 3, 2023
This comes only weeks after Franz von Holzhausen, Teslaās chief designer, confirmed that new features were being added to the Cybertruck.
Prior to that in December, Teslaās GigaTexas factory was seen to be taking delivery of the massive 9,000 Tonne Gigapress casting machine. It would be used to produce the Cybertruck body.
11 Jan 2023 Giga Texas! Fog cleared and we get to see a lot of activity, including even more IDRA Giga Press deliveries … in this case, the largest deliveries so far! Here are a few images after the fog cleared, but check out my YouTube video for more later today! pic.twitter.com/UNiT4qW1HZ
— Joe Tegtmeyer š š¤ š (@JoeTegtmeyer) January 11, 2023
Following that, in January 2023, more Cybertruck parts arrived in Texas from IDRA, the Italy-based Gigapress manufacturing company.
The new truck is expected to have horizontal light bars which are very hard to miss on the roads at night.
Cybertruck just roaming NYC. Looks like CGI IRL. 2023 is the year the unexpected comes to reality. @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/vCErSEZLk9
— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) January 27, 2023
Cybertruck production seems to be approaching closer with all signs pointing to a mid-2023 production date.Ā
Looking more locally, itās unlikely that hundreds of Australian order holders will be seeing their Cybertrucks delivered before 2025.Ā
Now it seems with a few options for side mirrors potentially available, the Cybertruck may have fewer hurdles to jump through to be road-compliant in Australia.
RizĀ is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.