A recent video featuring a Tesla Cybertruck getting stuck in mud during a test drive in a Maine logging camp has sparked conversation about the truck’s off-road capabilities. The truck, driven by a logger who owns a Ford Super Duty F-250 XL, became bogged down in the muddy terrain.
Wes Morrill, the lead engineer for the Cybertruck at Tesla, responded to the incident, emphasizing the importance of off-roading experience and caution. He pointed out that any truck could have gotten stuck in the same situation, highlighting the need for drivers to learn the proper techniques for navigating off-road terrain.
Morrill also revealed that Tesla is considering implementing a “stuck detection” feature in the Cybertruck. This feature would provide drivers with pop-up suggestions on how to get unstuck, such as raising the ride height, if they find themselves in a difficult situation. The feature aims to offer helpful advice to drivers who may not be experienced in off-roading.
While the truck got stuck in the mud, the loggers who tested it were impressed by its handling and overall performance. However, they expressed that they would prefer to use the Cybertruck as a “toy” rather than a work truck, citing the limited range of around 200-300 miles as insufficient for their needs. Even the higher-end Cyberbeast version offers a range of only 301 miles.
This feedback echoes the sentiment expressed by Ford CEO Jim Farley last year who dismissed the Cybertruck as a vehicle for “Silicon Valley people.” He emphasized Ford’s focus on building trucks for “real people who do real work,” implying that the Cybertruck might be more appealing to the tech-savvy demographic than traditional pickup truck customers who rely on their vehicles for work-related tasks.
The incident serves as a reminder that even advanced electric vehicles can face challenges in off-road situations, highlighting the importance of both driver experience and technological advancements in improving off-road capability and driver assistance.
