Tesla Cybertruck 2023: future orders cut off on Australian website

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Tesla has cut off online pre-orders for the new Cybertruck in Australia following a series of production delays over the last three years. 

On Tuesday, the Australian Tesla website removed the option to place a pre-order and replaced it with a “Get Updates” option that will likely notify would-be buyers if clearer plans become apparent.

A similar option is shown for the Model Y midsize SUV, which is expected to arrive in Australia within months, while the Model X large SUV and Model S sedan are available to pre-order with no timeline given.

Future of $150 deposits unclear

Tesla has provided no communication on the fate of the $150 deposits but the payment will almost certainly be refunded if the decision is made to not sell the pickup in Australia.

The decision to remove the pre-order feature from the Cybertruck page provides little clarity on the future of the pick-up in Australia, though it could simply be a matter of the local allocation being exhausted.

Drivers in the US, Canada and Mexico can still order the new electric dual-cab ute at a cost of USD$100. 

When is the Cybertruck actually coming?

Tesla’s chief executive officer and founder Elon Musk stated a month ago that the Cybertruck would be entering its production stage in 2023, but would be significantly adapted from the concept model we saw several years ago. 

First off, the Cybertruck will be available with a four-motor setup – likely higher in the range lineup – to compete with other electric trucks such as the Rivian R1T and GMC Hummer pickup. 

A crab mode is also set to debut for the Tesla Cybertruck – a function where the front and rear wheels turn in the same direction at slow speeds – and also turn in opposite directions to each other for greater manoeuvrability. 

Also standard on the Cybertruck will be a 6300kg towing capacity, six seats, a 19-inch central touchscreen and adaptive air suspension. 

Tesla has promised that the high-end variants of the Cybertruck will be able to accelerate to 100km/h in “as little as 2.9 seconds” and will have up to 800km of range per charge. 

The Cybertruck will also feature side mirrors, a deletion of door handles, all-terrain tyres and 360-degree surround cameras.