--- title: "Tesla Cybertruck $16K Range Extender and Original Promised Range Is Officially Not Happening" date: "2025-05-08" modified: "2025-05-08" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/tesla-cybertruck-16k-range-extender-and-original-promised-range-is-officially-not-happening" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Tesla News" tags: - "Cybertruck" - "Electric Vehicle" - "Tesla" --- # Tesla Cybertruck $16K Range Extender and Original Promised Range Is Officially Not Happening ![Tesla Cybertruck tows a Bowlus Volterra]() *\Bowlus\* Last October, [Tesla]() announced it was adding a range extender option to the [Cybertruck](). It was mostly an attempt to finally give its controversial truck the range Elon Musk promised when it launched, but ultimately failed to deliver. Unfortunately, those promises seem like they'll remain unkept, as Tesla has reportedly squashed the range extender option without ever delivering a single one. According to a Cybertruck customer email seen by [*Electrek*](), Tesla confirmed that the range extender option is dead for good. The customer put a deposit down on the range extender, as an add-on for their truck, but will get their $2,000 back. "Thank you for being a Cybertruck owner," the email read, according to the outlet. "We are no longer planning to sell the Range Extender for Cybertruck. As a result, we will be refunding your deposit in full. The amount will be returned to the original payment method used for the transaction." ![]() This is the end of a seven-month saga, but it's worth remembering how we got here. When Tesla first announced the Cybertruck, its top-end, tri-motor Cyberbeast model was supposed to have a range of 500 miles. It ultimately rolled out with 320 miles. To rectify that, Tesla announced a range extender way back in 2023, and priced it at $16,000 last fall, which left customers scratching their heads. Unlike most EV range extenders, Tesla's wasn't a small gas-powered engine. Instead, it was just an [additional battery pack that ate up space]() in the already compromised bed. However, it only bumped range to an initially claimed 440 miles (470 miles for the dual-motor version), which was still lower than the truck's original 500-mile claim. Its added range figures were then quietly updated to 445 miles for the dual-motor truck, and 415 miles for the Cyberbeast. Tesla initially said the range extender was coming in early 2025, and it was taking reservations along with a $2,000 deposit. Unsurprisingly, it was delayed. In late 2024, Tesla pushed the delivery date goal post back to "mid-2025" but kept taking reservations. Last month, [we reported]() that the range extender option for new Cybertrucks disappeared from Tesla's website entirely. Despite no official announcement from the automaker, its disappearance led customers to believe that their long-range dreams were dead. Based on today's news, those expectations appear to be true. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()