Constructed My Own Range Extender for Tesla's Cybertruck, Achieving Nearly an Additional 100 Miles of Journey
In an intriguing development, Neil Dillingham, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News, has built a custom range extender for his Tesla Cybertruck. This move comes after Tesla refused to sell him one, sparking a DIY project that has garnered attention in the EV community.
The removable range extender adds nearly 100 miles of additional driving range, bringing the total range of the Cybertruck up to around 470 miles in certain configurations. This makes towing with the Cybertruck far more realistic than with a standard battery setup.
The extender can pull energy from multiple sources, including Tesla wall chargers, Cybertruck outlets, solar power up to 24kw, old-school generators from 1kw to 18kw (gas and propane), and household outlets 110v or 220v from 1kw to 18kw. However, it's important to note that the extender does not allow charging while on the go, only when parked.
Neil claims that the entire unit can be removed in less than 45 minutes and has no impact on his warranty. The total cost of parts for the Cybertruck range extender was around $11k.
The big question is whether Tesla has optimised software and Supercharger management to handle the extender smoothly, or if owners will need to adapt their charging habits. Neil's range extender has 40 kilowatt-hours of capacity and charges at 48 amps into the Cybertruck.
Towing efficiency with the Cybertruck's range extender will depend heavily on conditions. Buyers interested in real-world Cybertruck towing performance will need to weigh the extender’s benefits against added weight, cost, and installation logistics.
Neil's project resonates strongly as it challenges the assumption that Tesla alone decides what the Cybertruck can and cannot do. His success could pave the way for more DIY projects and customisations in the future.
In a twist of events, Neil plans to build a range extender for the Model 3 and Model Y, which he estimates will be much easier and cheaper (3k - 6k) for similar mileage. This could make range extenders a viable option for a wider range of Tesla owners.
As a seasoned expert in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles, Neil's DIY range extender project is a testament to the growing community of innovative and resourceful Tesla owners.
