The Tesla Cybertruck, known for its futuristic design and considered virtually indestructible, has become an inglorious center of attention. After being subjected to a head-to-head durability test against the Ford F-150, one of America’s most iconic pickup trucks, the Cybertruck suffered a catastrophic failure that shocked fans and skeptics alike.

The battle of the тιтans

The durability test was set up as a tug-of-war between the two trucks, with the aim of demonstrating their strength and resilience. This type of joint test is a favourite among truck enthusiasts, as it offers a simple yet brutal demonstration of torque, traction and endurance.

On one side, the Tesla Cybertruck, which flaunts its stainless steel exoskeleton and electric powertrain. On the other, the Ford F-150, a classic workhorse with decades of proven durability.

As the trucks sped up and the temperature rose, spectators waited anxiously for the result. What happened next was something of a surprise.

The moment of failure

Seconds into the tug-of-war, as both trucks collided with each other, the rear of the Cybertruck gave way completely. The structural failure caused the rear section of the Cybertruck to detach from the main body, leaving the Cybertruck immobilized and visibly damaged.

Videos of the incident quickly went viral and sparked a wave of backlash. Some Tesla critics were quick to mock the company’s durability claims, while Tesla executives speculated about possible configuration or tampering flaws.

What didn’t we do wrong?

The exact cause of the Cybertruck’s failure remains unclear, but several factors could have contributed:

Towing dynamics

:Tug-of-war testing puts extreme stress on a vehicle’s powertrain and frame, often exceeding the conditions for which they were designed.

Design vs. real-world stress

: While the Cybertruck’s exoskeleton is built to withstand impact, its overall structural design might not match the robustness of traditional trucks like the F-150 in such experimental stress tests.

Test Setup

Questions have been raised about whether the test was conducted under fair conditions, such as tire traction, weight distribution and vehicle modifications.

The aftermath

The incident has sparked intense debate among automotive enthusiasts. Critics argue that the Cybertruck’s failure highlights the gap between Tesla’s marketing claims and real-world performance. Others have called Tesla out, pointing out that the Cybertruck is still in its pre-production phase and that durability testing often pushes vehicles to their breaking points.

Meanwhile, Ford is enjoying a long-awaited PR boost, with companies celebrating the F-150’s resilience. The incident reaffirms the F-150’s reputation as a rugged, reliable workhorse that has earned its place in American pickup truck culture.

Looking forward

This spectacular showdown highlights the challenges of overcoming the compeтιтive truck market. Tesla’s Cybertruck is certainly innovative, but moments like these remind us that upending decades of industry experience is too small a feat.

While the incident is a setback for Tesla’s reputation, it also provides valuable data to improve the Cybertruck’s design before its official launch. If Tesla manages to fix these weaknesses, the Cybertruck could still prove to be a formidable compeтιтor in the trucking world.

One thing is certain: when it comes to Tesla, the world is always watching and debating its every move.