Musk boasts of nearly 150,000 Cybertruck orders despite launch gaffe
Tesla has received nearly 150,000 orders for its new electric pickup truck – despite its botched launch earlier this week.
The firm’s CEO Elon Musk said 17% of the orders are for the single-motor model, 42% are for the dual-motor version and 41% are for the tri-motor model.
The much-hyped unveiling went off script when the Cybertruck’s windows splintered twice despite Mr Musk bragging about the strength of the glass on the futuristic, stainless steel-skinned vehicle.
He told the audience in California: “You want a truck that’s really tough, not fake tough.
“You want a truck you can take a sledgehammer to, a truck that won’t scratch, doesn’t dent.”
To prove it he then directed a Tesla designer to strike the door with a sledgehammer, resulting in no damage.
But when they threw a metal ball at the driver’s side window and it splintered, Mr Musk said: “Oh my f****** God.”
More from Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s fortune hit after Tesla Cybertruck launch fiasco
Tesla’s Elon Musk says Brexit uncertainty made UK ‘too risky’ for new factory
Elon Musk will face jury trial over ‘pedo guy’ tweet
Elon Musk is a thin-skinned bully, says Thai cave rescuer
Elon Musk unveils new SpaceX rocket Starship for private-round trips to moon and Mars
Elon Musk: Tesla ‘fixing’ bug in Dog Mode air conditioning feature after pup owner’s warning
“Maybe that was a little too hard,” he added.
The passenger window also cracked when the test was repeated.
Some analysts panned the truck’s blocky, angular looks.
Placing an order costs buyers $100 (£77), which Tesla says is fully refundable.
Tesla has said the Cybertruck, which starts at $39,900 (£31,000), will be in production in 2021.
Musk saw more than three-quarters of a billion dollars wiped off his fortune after the embarrassing incident.
