Even though Ford has agreed to use Tesla’s EV charging charger, the relationship between the two automakers is still improving. Ford CEO Jim Farley said the Tesla Cybertruck doesn’t threaten the company’s best-selling F-series pickup trucks. Because, in his words, the Cybertruck is “for Silicon Valley people.” In an interview with CNBC, Business Insider translated, Farley said, “The truth is, America loves an underdog. We are the market leader for EV trucks and vans, and we know those customers better than anyone else.” Elon Musk could build a Cybertruck for people in Silicon Valley if he wants to. Farley said the Cybertruck was a “nice high-end product parked in front of a hotel.” He also said, “I don’t make vehicles like that.” […] I build trucks for real people who do real work, and each one is different. CEOs of car companies rarely, if ever, publicly talk about their competitors, let alone criticise their goods, as Farley did. His timing is particularly interesting given that Tesla recently confirmed Ford’s access to the Supercharger network and that the two companies may be getting closer together. Still, Farley is right when he says that the Cybertruck is like the F-150 Lightning that his company uses. The Lightning is the best electric pickup for use as a utility car out of the ones you can buy in the US right now. It has an enormous bed, the highest payload rating, the lowest starting price (though it’s not that low now), and a decent towing ability. It also works with many already installed F-150 tools and add-ons. The Tesla Cyber Truck has a squatting rear suspension to make loading more accessible, a corrosion-resistant body, seating for six people, a claimed payload of 3,500 pounds, and a towing ability of up to 14,000 pounds, all helpful in the same way. It also has a range of up to 500 miles, a plus. But some parts of the Cybertruck might make it unsuitable as a work truck. Its off-road suspension is stiff and not made to carry much weight. Even though it would cost more, air suspension can combine its payload and durability. It is unlikely to work in real life because it has high sides that make loading harder and an odd stainless steel exoskeleton. The Cybertruck has been delayed more than once, but the Lightning has been in production for almost a year, according to documents Wired got their hands on. As of January 2022, there were significant engineering problems with the Lightning. Even so, it’s been said to have been delayed for 24 months, and it’s now set to be made this year. We can compare them once they’re both on the road, but it’s hard to deny they’re alike. The two electric vehicles were made for different things. The Rivian R1T and the GMC Hummer EV will be there with the Cybertruck. They’ve also been made for a while, so Tesla will need more time to fix the problems.
