“They’re cool because they look like something out of a video game and depict Kadyrov as a kind of future general,” Cancian told WIRED in an email. “They’re useless because they don’t offer any new functionality, except maybe a little bit of stealth.”
Indeed, the Cybertruck is not entirely suited to hostile and chaotic environments such as those on the front lines of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. First, the EV’s exoskeleton is actually a steel panel attached to a standard “unibody” frame, closer to a traditional car chassis, rather than the “body-on-frame” design of most pickup trucks like the Hilux. configured. According to Motor Trend, this design makes the former a weaker, less resilient vehicle. Second, while the Cybertruck is certainly capable of off-roading, it is still considerably heavier than the Hilux, so maneuverability and traction on rough terrain can be a challenge. Third, while its armor is likely to provide at least some additional range compared to traditional pickup truck-based technology, the vehicle’s bulletproofing is similar to the .45 ACP bullets used in Tesla’s tests. It seems to only work with subsonic rounds and not with the ubiquitous NATO standard. 5.56 mm bullet or shot from a .50 caliber rifle. (However, to be fair, aftermarket armor packages do exist for this vehicle.)
Beyond the design and engineering challenges, there are also important maintenance and logistics issues that are the lifeblood of automotive conflict. As Tracy points out, the Cybertruck’s unique complexity and software-first design (such as the lack of a physical connection between the steering wheel and wheels) means that spare parts are clearly in short supply and prone to catastrophic system failure. These challenges mean that vehicles cannot operate reliably and have consistent uptime. Not necessarily ideal for troops whose lives are at stake.
“It’s all about simplicity. Simplicity and availability of parts,” says Tracy. “If you’re driving a complex vehicle and something breaks down and someone needs to solve the problem on a computer, it’s going to be tough when you’re in the middle of nowhere. The advantage of the Hilux is that, for example, , even though it’s extremely durable, it can be repaired with simple tools and parts that can be found anywhere. In that respect, the Cybertruck doesn’t make much sense.
“It’s great that it’s crash-safe and bullet-proof,” he added. “But if you break the control arm and you can’t get that part, it’s completely useless.”
Additionally, the Cybertruck’s dependence on charging stations would make it “probably impossible” to support armed vehicle fleets in a long-term conflict like the one taking place in Ukraine, CSIS’s Cancian said. .
“I don’t think there are any garages or mechanics near the front lines who can repair these complex devices, which are so different from the fossil fuel vehicles that we’re used to in this region,” he says. “Additionally, I doubt there will be many charging stations in combat zones. Unlike fossil fuel vehicles, which can bring fuel to the vehicle as needed, the Cybertruck has to go to a charging point. ”
It remains to be seen how the Cybertruck will actually perform in a combat situation. But if Kadyrov’s video is any indication, it’s only a matter of time before the armored Cybertruck moves from YouTube sensation to tried-and-true, battle-proven technology.
