Opinion: I sat in a Tesla Cybertruck, and it changed my mind about them

03/15/2025 03:00 PM

The Everything Electric show has just taken over Sydney, exhibiting everything new in the EV world.

Tesla was there with its big stand, including the new Model Y (which was on display for the first time in Australia), the new Tesla Bot, a test-drive booth, and the contentious Cybertruck tucked away in the corner.

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There has been a great deal of anticipation around the Cybertruck, but also plenty of controversy, since it was revealed in 2019.

Touted as a futuristic and capable “go anywhere” vehicle, the Cybertruck was controversial long before it ever hit the streets – due in part to factors such as production delays, design and build-quality flaws and failure to meet local regulations in some countries.

Some of these include complaints about panel gaps and the notable moment Elon Musk managed to shatter the so-called “bulletproof” glass.

In addition to putting in an appearance at the Everything Electric, it has been spotted in recent months undergoing a publicity tour of Australia.

The strange thing for me, which has remained throughout the development of this vehicle, is that despite everything, I’ve always liked its concept.

I feel as if I should preface the fact that I’m not a fan of electric vehicles, and I’m certainly not a fan of Tesla or the implication that you’re a Musk fan, but the Cybertruck just did something for me.

I think it was the idea that something as wild and wacky as a fridge on wheels could go from the concept stage to development.

In a world where every car seems to look the same, the Cybertruck stands out. It feels like it hasn’t been made to appeal to the masses, yet it has inadvertently appealed to a much wider audience than just a niche group of people.

It’s hard to look at it and not think that the truck is at least a little bit cool. Tell me something that has made it out of the concept phase that looks anything like that.

Regardless, while everyone was fanning themselves as the sheets came off the new Model Y, I couldn’t wait to get inside the truck sitting in the corner.  

This is where things might get confusing for some. I’m sure you’re waiting for me to say, “I saw it, and it looked so cool in person that it blew my mind”, but I can’t help but feel a little disappointed.

Yes, it’s still very cool and looks huge in person, but now that the initial novelty has worn off, it just seems like a sheep in wolf’s clothing.

With such a futuristic-looking vehicle, you’re almost expecting more when you get into it. Instead, you’re met with that reductionist interior that Tesla is fast becoming famous for.

Everything from the dash, seats, trim, and even the screen looks like it has been lifted from the Model Y and plonked in there.

It’s not that I’m disappointed with the equipment; it’s more that the outside of the car is incredibly brutalist and avant-garde, but the interior isn’t captivating. It just seems like a missed opportunity having this completely left-field design matched with a conservative interior.

Not to mention that the fact the indicators are buttons on the steering wheel instead of a stalk, and the gear shifter is on the screen. Those two things would be enough to infuriate me behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, the Tesla Cybertruck was locked in show mode, so I didn’t have a chance to tap through all of the cool suspension controls on the dash. Again, the operating system is the same as the one found in other models.

On the list of things that would drive me up the wall owning one of these is the lack of door handles. Yes, it looks good to have a completely flat and streamlined edge down the side of the car, but needing to hit the button next to the window and grabbing the inside of the door just feels wrong – not to think of what happens when the technology fails.

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of owning one of these is the raw stainless steel panelling.

I saw the car before the show opened to the public, and it had just been wiped down. Within about 10 seconds, there were fingerprints on each door, because you had to pinch the panel to open it.

I could not imagine how much this would annoy someone who’s a neat freak with their car, especially considering the possibility of just needing to clean their car every time they drive it.

I digress, though. I do still like it. It’s a cool car, but it just feels a little less cool than when I saw it online.

Things like the little ute canopy, the big futuristic wheels, the adjustable suspension, the fact that it can tow a small town, and the way it looks on the outside make me still enjoy it.

But am I as disappointed as I first was when it was announced that it wouldn’t come to Australia? Not particularly.

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