Tesla Abandons Cybertruck Range Extender, Disappointing Customers

Tesla customers are well-acquainted with the prolonged wait times that frequently accompany a preorder. Take the Tesla Roadster, for instance—those who placed reservations for the electric sports car back in 2017 are still anticipating delivery.

Now, another eagerly awaited Tesla product has reached an impasse. The company has officially abandoned its plans to introduce the Cybertruck Range Extender, as reported by the EV news outlet Electrek.

In a communication obtained by Electrek, Tesla notified a customer, “We are no longer intending to sell the Range Extender for Cybertruck. Consequently, we will be issuing a full refund of your deposit.”

The Range Extender was envisioned as a $16,000 detachable battery pack that would rest in the bed of the Cybertruck, substantially enhancing the vehicle’s driving range. Initially, Tesla asserted it would elevate the dual-motor Cybertruck’s range from 325 to 470 miles, although that figure was later adjusted to 445 miles. The launch was originally slated for early 2025, then postponed to mid-2025—before being completely canceled.

Signs of difficulty first surfaced last month when Tesla discreetly removed the $2,000 preorder option for the Range Extender from its website, igniting speculation regarding the product’s future.

Range anxiety continues to be a major issue for both existing and potential EV owners. Tesla, particularly CEO Elon Musk, has faced backlash for purportedly exaggerating the range capabilities of their vehicles. In 2023, Reuters revealed that Tesla had assembled a specialized team to cancel service appointments linked to customer complaints about range inconsistencies. According to the report, customers who arranged visits due to concerns that their vehicles were not meeting the claimed range often saw those appointments quietly canceled.

The Cybertruck has been particularly scrutinized for range-related problems. Some owners have reported that their vehicles fall short of Tesla’s claimed range by as much as 100 miles.

With the Range Extender now off the table, Cybertruck owners wishing to enhance their vehicle’s driving range may discover themselves with few alternatives. And for those still aspiring for future enhancements, this cancellation serves as another reminder that with Tesla, preorders lack any guarantees.