Tesla Engineer Disputes Claims of Rust on Cybertruck
A Tesla Cybertruck engineer recently spoke out against claims that the company’s electric trucks are prone to rust, dismissing the reports as exaggerated. In response to complaints from Cybertruck owners, Wes Morrill, who has over 13 years of experience at Tesla, clarified that what had been mistaken for rust spots were actually just surface contamination or stains.
Morrill explained that these marks, which are no larger than a ‘pinhead’, are not indicative of corrosion and can be easily cleaned off. He suggested using products like Bar Keeper’s Friend or citrisurf77 to address the issue, and for more stubborn stains, recommended a non-scratch Scotch Brite pad that won’t damage the metal.
Tesla promotes the Cybertruck’s durability, emphasizing its ‘ultra-hard stainless-steel exoskeleton‘ that is specifically designed to minimize dents, damage, and long-term corrosion. The company states that any necessary repairs should be straightforward.
However, despite these assurances, some Cybertruck owners still have concerns. One owner reported being warned about the potential for rust marks during rainy weather, which would require buffing out.
The recent rust complaints surrounding the Cybertruck bring to mind the challenges faced by the stainless steel Delorean sports car, which also struggled with corrosion issues depending on its storage conditions.
The Cybertruck, which was launched in December amid much anticipation, faced criticism for deviating from its initial price and specifications. Elon Musk initially announced the starting price as $39,900 with a 500-mile range, but the reality was a starting price of $60,990 for a model with only a 250-mile range, a significant shift from the promised numbers.
In addition, Tesla’s purchase contract includes a clause that prohibits resale within the first year of purchase. Sellers who violate this clause may face legal action or fines, and could potentially be barred from purchasing future vehicles from the company.
Analyst comment
Neutral news.
As an analyst, the market for the Tesla Cybertruck may be slightly impacted by the recent rust complaints. However, Tesla’s engineer’s clarification and recommendations for addressing the issue may somewhat alleviate concerns. The market will closely watch for any further developments regarding this matter.
