The Tesla Cybertruck has made waves globally, from European tours to eager customers in Asia securing imported models.
Yet, a particular Cybertruck in Seattle, Washington recently caught the spotlight, not for its futuristic design or performance, but for an unfortunate breakdown.
Dubbed the 'CyberStuck' by locals, this EV became an impromptu tourist attraction, sparking significant online attention before being towed.
The Tesla Cybertruck is a powerful 450kW workhorse, theoretically capable of towing up to 5000kg.
However, this comes with significant caveats. For one, the Cybertruck’s promised 800km range is halved without an additional, costly range extender. This $27,000 (around NZ$25,800) add-on consumes a third of the ute's bed space and is only available through Tesla service centres.
The high-performance 'Cyberbeast' variant boasts a 621kW tri-motor configuration but comes with an extra price tag of $20,000 (roughly NZ$32,200).
Despite these specs, some owners are grappling with unexpected issues that highlight design flaws, including suspension failures.
The 'CyberStuck' incident
One such failure occurred in Seattle, where a Cybertruck was left on the side of the road with its rear wheels awkwardly pointing inward due to a likely suspension malfunction.
While it's unclear whether this was due to a collision, the EV’s untouched body panels suggest otherwise. Photos of the stranded ute quickly went viral, earning it the nickname 'CyberStuck,' with visitors flocking to the site to take photos.
The vehicle was even pinned on Google Maps, albeit temporarily, before the entry was removed for violating the platform's policies.
As with many viral phenomena, the incident ignited an outpouring of commentary across social media platforms.
Some users even held a mock memorial service for the ute, further cementing its status as a local curiosity. According to one visitor who encountered the owner, the Cybertruck had been damaged in a minor accident weeks prior.
However, issues with insurance claims had left the vehicle stranded in its unfortunate state. The owner also reported receiving numerous messages mocking the situation, adding to their frustration.
Towed away but not forgotten
Seattle officials soon marked the vehicle for towing, citing city regulations. With high towing and storage fees in Seattle, the owner had little choice but to remove the vehicle.
The Tesla Cybertruck was eventually towed away, bringing an end to its short-lived stint as a local tourist attraction.