ArenaEV.com ArenaEV.com

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

RSS

Settings
Units
Power
Standard
Consumption
Currency

Log in

Login

I forgot my password
Sign up
ADVERTISEMENTS

Wind tunnel test challenges Cybertruck’s official drag coefficient

  • Post your comment
  • Comments (1)

Max McDee, 01 April 2024

Tesla

Love it or hate it, the Tesla Cybertruck is rarely away from the spotlight. Its futuristic, wedge-like design has drawn both admiration and criticism. One central talking point has been its aerodynamics. Tesla promises a solid drag coefficient of 0.34, helping the beastly truck maximize range.

Independent testers at the i1Tesla YouTube channel set out to find out if that number is actually correct. They put a production Cybertruck in the A2 Wind Tunnel in North Carolina.

The Cybertruck clocked in with a drag coefficient of 0.384. Significantly higher than Tesla's official figure, but A2 Wind Tunnel representatives stressed that setups can vary, leading to minor differences in results. In other words, while the test certainly doesn't confirm Tesla's claims, it may not be as far from it as it appears.

Of course, real-world driving throws all sorts of variables into the mix. The i1Tesla team explored that too. Driving low, bed cover closed, mirrors removed? That's your best-case scenario, yielding roughly 0.382 Cd. High ride height for off-roading? Expect a far less aerodynamic 0.535 Cd.

Wind tunnel test challenges Cybertruck’s official figures

Despite the slightly higher drag coefficient in the independent test, the Tesla Cybertruck remains competitive in the aerodynamic race. It lands squarely between the streamlined Rivian R1T and Chevy Silverado EV while easily outperforming the Ford F-150 Lightning and the notoriously brick-like GMC Hummer EV.

Source

Related articles
  • Pricier and heavier Tesla Model S and Model X refresh leaves fans unimpressed Pricier and heavier Tesla Model S and Model X refresh leaves fans unimpressed
  • Tesla's Robotaxi service set for Austin debut on June 22 Tesla's Robotaxi service set for Austin debut on June 22
  • Tesla begins autonomous driving tests in Austin ahead of launch Tesla begins autonomous driving tests in Austin ahead of launch
  • Tesla's robotic ambitions face human-sized problem with key departure Tesla's robotic ambitions face human-sized problem with key departure

Reader comments

S
  • Slate
  • S2j
  • 01 Apr 2024

To calculate drag force, the drag coefficient is multiplied by the area of the front projection of the vehicle, so for something as big as the Cybertruck, low drag coefficient doesn't mean low drag.

  • Reply
  • Read all comments
  • Post your comment
Total reader comments: 1

  • Home
  • Compare
  • News
  • Terms
  • Reviews
  • About us
  • Tesla
  • Volkswagen
  • Audi
  • Porsche
  • BMW
  • Mercedes
  • Hyundai
  • Kia
  • Genesis
  • Renault
  • Nissan
  • Ford
  • Volvo
  • Polestar
  • Jaguar
  • Toyota
  • Mazda
  • Mini
  • MG
  • Vinfast
  • Lucid
  • Rivian
  • Cadillac
  • Chevrolet
  • GMC
  • Subaru
  • Nio
  • Xpeng
  • BYD
  • [..]

EV finder

ADVERTISEMENTS

Latest models

  • ModelCadillac
    Optiq-V
  • ModelCadillac
    Optiq
  • ModelNissan
    Leaf
  • ModelSmart
    #5 Brabus
  • ModelJeep
    Compass
  • ModelSubaru
    Solterra

Featured

  • NCM, NCA, LFP, solid-state - EV battery chemistry explained NCM, NCA, LFP, solid-state - EV battery chemistry explained
  • Benefits of dedicated EV platforms Benefits of dedicated EV platforms
  • Mirror cameras: The pros and cons Mirror cameras: The pros and cons
  • Audi Q8 55 e-tron alternatives - BMW iX xDrive50 and Polestar 3 LR Audi Q8 55 e-tron alternatives - BMW iX xDrive50 and Polestar 3 LR
  • No, your 800V Hyundai or Kia doesn't charge at 350kW No, your 800V Hyundai or Kia doesn't charge at 350kW
ADVERTISEMENTS

Reviews

  • Volkswagen ID.7 Pro review Volkswagen ID.7 Pro review
  • NIO ET7 quick review and drive NIO ET7 quick review and drive
  • Zeekr 001 with 140 kWh Qilin battery real life range test results Zeekr 001 with 140 kWh Qilin battery real life range test results
  • Mercedes EQS SUV 580 review Mercedes EQS SUV 580 review

Home News Compare About us RSS feed Facebook Twitter Instagram

© 2022-2025 ArenaEV.com Mobile version EV Finder Glossary Privacy Terms of use

From the team behind
GSMArena.com