Tesla has revealed plans to offer battery armor and rock sliders as retrofit options for the Cybertruck electric vehicle (EV) by the end of 2024, addressing concerns about the EV’s durability in off-road conditions. 

The announcement came from Tesla’s Cybertruck lead engineer, Wes Morrill, in response to a viral video showing a modified Cybertruck suffering significant damage after driving through a plastic fence.

Morrill emphasized that the damage in the video was likely exacerbated by the removal of the stock front bumper and aluminum skid plate. Currently, the Cybertruck comes with an aluminum skid plate that covers the front of the underbody, but the new battery armor is expected to protect the entire battery pack. 

The Cybertruck, marketed as a rugged off-road vehicle, but questions remain why these protective features were not included from the start. Nevertheless, the arrival of the battery armor and rock sliders is coming by end of the year.

Interestingly, third-party companies are already offering armor solutions for the Cybertruck, highlighting the demand for enhanced protection. In response, Tesla’s decision to provide official retrofit options is likely an attempt to meet this demand while ensuring the modifications meet the company’s standards for safety and performance.

While the retrofit options are a step towards addressing durability concerns, it remains to be seen how these additions will affect the Cybertruck’s performance and price. Tesla owners and potential buyers are advised to use caution when modifying their vehicles and to wait for official upgrades before attempting extreme off-road activities.

Read More: Tesla Shifts Cybertruck Offerings: High-End Models Available While Base Model Dropped

As the Cybertruck continues to make waves in the EV market, Tesla’s response to these early challenges will be crucial in maintaining buyer confidence and the EV’s reputation as a tough, versatile electric pickup. With the company’s ability to adapt and improve the Cybertruck based on real-world feedback, this will likely play a role in assisting its long-term success goals in the EV market.

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