The long-awaited moment has arrived — Tesla has officially revealed its newest Cybertruck model for 2025, the Cybertruck Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive. In a twist that few saw coming, the truck is technically worse than its predecessors… and that might be exactly what Tesla needs right now.
From a record-breaking range, to a budget-friendly price, and a strategic market expansion into Saudi Arabia, Tesla is shaking up the EV world once again. Add in unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) and major milestones at Giga Texas, and it’s clear: Tesla’s playing the long game.
Let’s unpack it all.
Tesla’s New Cybertruck: The Everyman’s EV Pickup?
A Different Kind of Upgrade
The Cybertruck Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive is not the most powerful, nor the most luxurious. In fact, it removes quite a few features found in its more premium siblings. But here’s the kicker:
It now boasts the longest range of any Cybertruck model — a whopping 362 miles.
Back in 2019, Tesla promised a base model Cybertruck for around $40,000. Fast forward to 2025, and that price has ballooned to $70,000, or $62,500 with the U.S. federal EV tax credit (while it lasts). That’s a 12.5% price cut compared to the dual-motor version, which costs $80,000.
Not exactly cheap, but you are getting more range for less money — if you’re willing to sacrifice in other departments.
What’s Missing from the New Cybertruck?
Tesla’s new “base” Cybertruck comes with several notable downgrades compared to its dual and tri-motor siblings.
⚙️ Mechanical & Performance Changes
- Single motor with rear-wheel drive only
- No adaptive air suspension — replaced with traditional coilovers
- Reduced payload capacity: 2,000 lbs (down from 2,500 lbs)
- Lower towing capacity: 7,500 lbs (down from 11,000 lbs)
- 18″ wheels with all-season tires (vs. 20″ all-terrain optional for $3,500)
- Optional soft tonneau cover ($750) instead of a powered hard cover
Want that full 362-mile range? You’ll need that tarp-like tonneau accessory — and keep those 18-inch wheels.
🎛️ Feature Reductions
- No rear light bar
- No HEPA filter = no Bioweapon Defense Mode
- Cloth seats instead of vegan leather
- No seat heaters in the rear, and no ventilation in front
- Fewer power outlets: both 120V and 240V outlets in the bed are gone
- No E-track rail system in the bed
- No sub-trunk storage
- Gas and brake pedals now plastic, not aluminum
- Sound system cut from 15 speakers to 7
- Rear entertainment screen removed
- No active noise cancellation
Despite these cuts, the Cybertruck still includes Tesla’s AI4 self-driving computer, steer-by-wire, four-wheel steering, and the full suite of external cameras for Autopilot and FSD.
It’s stripped down, but not stripped bare.
FSD Expands: Self-Driving Teslas Are Now Moving Themselves
Gigafactory Austin Becomes a Testbed
Tesla has quietly begun a revolution in vehicle logistics at its Giga Texas facility. Using the latest iteration of Full Self-Driving (FSD), brand-new Teslas now drive themselves from the production line to the outbound logistics yard.
- Model Y vehicles navigate a 1.4-mile trip unsupervised, sharing the route with:
- Pedestrians
- Semi-trucks
- Construction equipment
- Cybertrucks use the Cyber Tunnel — a 0.6-mile underground path that includes a steep 17% grade.
🚗 50,000+ Miles of Unsupervised Driving Logged
This system mirrors what Tesla deployed earlier at its Fremont facility, and it’s laying the foundation for the launch of Tesla’s unsupervised RoboTaxi network, expected to debut in Austin this June.
Tesla is no longer talking about self-driving — it’s doing it.
Cybertruck Goes International: Tesla Lands in Saudi Arabia
Tesla has officially launched operations in Saudi Arabia, marking a huge strategic pivot for the EV giant and a fascinating chapter in Tesla’s rocky relationship with the oil-rich kingdom.
🌍 Tesla in Riyadh
A launch event in Riyadh featured:
- The Cybertruck powering through desert sands
- A refreshed Model Y
- A star-studded showcase attended by Saudi officials
This move comes years after Elon Musk’s infamous “funding secured” tweet, which was allegedly linked to Saudi investors. That deal fell apart, leading to lawsuits and investor backlash, but the relationship appears to have rebounded.
EVs in the Land of Oil?
- Only 1% of cars sold in Saudi Arabia last year were electric.
- But the kingdom wants 30% EV adoption in Riyadh by 2030, part of Vision 2030 to:
- Diversify the economy
- Cut urban emissions by half
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) already backs Lucid Motors (a Tesla competitor), and Saudi EV brand Seir is launching soon.
Tesla’s strategy in the region includes:
- Online ordering
- Pop-up stores in major cities
- Supercharger networks and service centers
This is a bold move into a market with deep pockets, minimal competition, and enormous potential.
Giga Texas Hits 400,000 Vehicle Milestone
Tesla’s Austin Gigafactory just hit a huge production milestone — 400,000 vehicles built since the facility began operations.
📈 Mostly Model Y, But Cybertruck Ramps Up
- First vehicle built: August 2021
- Main output: Model Y
- Cybertruck production is also growing
Elon Musk has said the factory will eventually scale to:
- 500,000 Model Y units per year
- 1 million CyberCab robo taxis per year
Tesla is reportedly already building out production lines for:
- The CyberCab — a 2-seat autonomous taxi with no steering wheel or pedals
- The Tesla Bot
- The RoboVan
These ambitious projects could all find a home inside Giga Texas… if there’s enough room.
What Does This All Mean for Tesla?
2025 is shaping up to be a critical turning point for Tesla. The company recently reported a 13% drop in global sales during Q1 — the weakest performance in almost three years. It faces:
- Increased competition in EVs
- Political blowback against Elon Musk personally
- Declining demand in some Western markets
But:
- A cheaper Cybertruck may capture budget-conscious buyers
- Expanding into Saudi Arabia taps into a high-value market
- Unsupervised FSD logistics cut costs and boost automation
- Gigafactory Texas is running at full steam
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the New Cybertruck?
Let’s recap the trade-offs:
✅ Pros:
- Longest range of any Cybertruck
- Cheapest price of the lineup (with caveats)
- Full FSD capabilities
- Eligible for federal tax credits
- Simplified design that may appeal to minimalist truck lovers
❌ Cons:
- No AWD
- Fewer features
- Reduced utility for work
- No Bioweapon Defense Mode
- Range loss with wheel upgrade
If you want a Cybertruck with maximum driving range and don’t mind losing some premium features, this could be your perfect entry point into Tesla’s pickup lineup.
The Cybertruck Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive is available now for order, with deliveries beginning in June 2025.
FAQs
1. What is the 2025 Tesla Cybertruck Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive?
The 2025 Tesla Cybertruck Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive is the newest and most affordable model in the Cybertruck lineup. It features a single rear-wheel motor, simplified design, and the longest range of any Cybertruck model — up to 362 miles on a single charge.
2. How much does the new Cybertruck cost in 2025?
The base price of the Cybertruck Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive is $70,000. U.S. buyers may be eligible for a federal EV tax credit, potentially lowering the price to $62,500.
3. How does the range compare to other Cybertruck models?
This model offers the longest driving range of all Cybertrucks:
- Long Range RWD: Up to 362 miles
- Dual Motor AWD: Lower than RWD
- Tri Motor AWD: Even lower due to more power consumption
Note: Upgrades like 20-inch wheels can reduce the range by up to 19 miles.
4. What are the main feature differences in the base model Cybertruck?
The 2025 base model comes with:
- Single motor rear-wheel drive
- Cloth seats instead of vegan leather
- No air suspension (uses coil springs)
- Fewer speakers and no rear entertainment
- No power outlets in the truck bed
- No HEPA filter or Bioweapon Defense Mode
5. Does the 2025 Cybertruck still have Full Self-Driving (FSD)?
Yes, the new Cybertruck includes Tesla’s latest AI4 self-driving computer and supports Full Self-Driving, including steer-by-wire and four-wheel steering capabilities.
6. When will deliveries for the new Cybertruck begin?
Tesla has announced that deliveries will begin in June 2025 for customers in the United States. Orders are open now through Tesla’s website.
7. Is the new Cybertruck good for off-roading or work use?
While it includes a locking rear differential, the base model is less suited for heavy-duty work:
- Lower towing capacity (7,500 lbs)
- Lower payload (2,000 lbs)
- No power outlets or hard tonneau cover
Still, it may suit light off-roaders and those who value range over ruggedness.
8. Is Tesla expanding into new countries in 2025?
Yes! Tesla officially launched operations in Saudi Arabia in 2025, showcasing the Cybertruck and Model Y at a major event in Riyadh. This marks a significant step in Tesla’s global strategy.
9. What’s happening at Giga Texas in 2025?
Giga Texas has:
- Produced 400,000+ vehicles to date
- Begun autonomously moving vehicles using FSD
- Is gearing up for the launch of the CyberCab robo taxi
Tesla aims to produce 500,000 Model Y vehicles annually and scale to 1 million robo taxis in the future.
10. Can the new Cybertruck be used for Tesla’s RoboTaxi service?
Not directly. While the new Cybertruck includes FSD, Tesla is working on a separate vehicle called the CyberCab, a two-seat autonomous taxi with no pedals or steering wheel, designed specifically for the RoboTaxi fleet.
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