Tesla has run into problems with the production of its novel vehicle, the Cybertruck.
The striking vehicle is unmatched in its unique design — futuristic and angular, with a stainless steel exterior. However, that design has become a headache for the company because the ultrahard stainless steel proves to be a pain to form into the vehicle.
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“We dug our own grave with Cybertruck,” Musk lamented in an October earnings call, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The Cybertruck, unveiled in 2019, has since fallen behind schedule, largely due to production difficulties arising from the company’s decision to use stainless steel. The material is far tougher and less malleable than cheaper alternatives, such as aluminum, leading to the auto industry mostly rejecting the use of it — the last company to use the material for a car was the DeLorean Motor Company, more than four decades ago.
Tesla’s leadership believed the risk was worth it, highlighting the advantages of the material, such as better durability and strength. Musk had designers cut the material thicker than usual, at least partially, in order to make it bulletproof, people familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal.
People who have worked on the pickup have complained the thick material is exceedingly difficult to shape and flatten. The material is too hard for a stamping press, the technology used to make uniform panels easily, so Tesla must instead laser-cut and bend each panel into shape.
“Forming full hard stainless steel isn’t rocket science, but it sure isn’t easy,” Lars Moravy, Tesla’s vehicle engineering vice president, told investors in March.
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These difficulties have led to several delays and cost overruns, but Musk remains hopeful about the vehicle. He predicted Tesla will eventually be able to produce roughly 250,000 of the vehicles per year, but that rate won’t be reached before 2025.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Tesla for comment.
