--- title: "The Cybertruck’s Range Extender Costs $16,000 and Takes Up a Third of the Bed" date: "2024-08-12" modified: "2024-08-12" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-cybertrucks-range-extender-costs-16000-and-takes-up-a-third-of-the-bed" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Tesla News" tags: - "Cybertruck" - "Electric Vehicle" - "pickup" - "Tesla" --- # The Cybertruck’s Range Extender Costs $16,000 and Takes Up a Third of the Bed ![]() *Tesla* Before the Cybertruck launched, [Tesla]() claimed one version of the electric pickup would offer 500 miles of range. Once deliveries finally began, the automaker could promise up to only 340 miles, and the 500-mile claim carried an asterisk: it required a range extender that wasn't yet available. Unfortunately for would-be customers, pricing and some specs for that asterisk have been revealed, and it still falls short. On the Tesla Cybertruck [online configurator](), you'll now find an option for the range extender, which takes the form of an extra battery pack stashed in the bed of the truck. It costs an additional $16,000 and must be professionally installed at a Tesla service center. But it still only brings the Cybertruck's maximum range up to 470 miles in the base pickup, below that original 500-mile estimate. Tesla hasn't yet listed the range extender's capacity. Additionally, since the range extender is just a big battery pack, it'll take up about a third of the available bed space, effectively reducing the bed to four feet. Tesla won't say how much the extra battery pack will weigh, but you can safely figure it won't be light. ![]() **Tesla* www.thedrive.com* Customers will have to wait until "early 2025" to get range extenders installed on their trucks according to Tesla, as long as there aren't any delays. However, if you order a new Cybertruck, you can reserve a range extender for $500 with priority installation. It's also worth noting that this news comes shortly after Tesla dropped the [$60,990 entry-level, rear-wheel-drive model]() from its website. So now the cheapest [Cybertruck]() on offer is the all-wheel-drive version for $102,235. Add in the optional range extender and you're up to $118,235. That's just a few grand shy of the 845-hp "Cyberbeast" at $122,235. For owners who will be towing more often than hauling gear, the range extender makes some sense. However, chopping off two feet of usable space seems a bit at odds with the idea of owning a pickup truck to begin with. Especially when the actual gains still don't quite meet those that were promised. *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]()