The Tesla Cybertruck has arguably been one of the most polarizing products in recent times. The pickup truck that looks like it has come straight out of a Cyberpunk movie definitely has some work cut out for it in terms of convincing people that it is an actually viable vehicle. Some utterly adore the truck and its sharp, innovative and otherworldly design while others are having a hard time getting over the fact that it basically looks like a low-polygon game from 20 years ago.
In any case, there is no denying the fact that under the hood, the Tesla Cybertruck packs some pretty impressive power and features. Apart from Tesla’s signature autopilot and long range battery capabilities, the Cybertruck also manages to produce an insane amount of torque and pulling power, thanks to its powerful electric motors.
According to Elon Musk, the Cybertruck is a more viable option than pretty much every other conventional gasoline driven truck. However, people aren’t quite sure about the Cybertruck’s capability to perform better than a conventional truck. The statement by Elon was also bound to illicit a response though as most truck owners in America adore their conventional trucks like the Ford F150.
So, in order to convince those people to switch sides, Elon Musk posted a video. In the video, a Tesla Cybertruck is seen pulling a Ford F150 uphill in what seems to be some sort of tug of war between the two vehicles.
Cybertruck pulls F-150 uphill pic.twitter.com/OfaqUkrDI3
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 24, 2019
However, people were quick to find and point out the flaws in the test. For example, the Cybertruck seemingly got a head start as it was the one that started pulling first. In addition to that, people also noticed that the Ford F150 was in 2WD mode instead of 4WD.
However, things got really spicy when the famous astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson called out Elon Musk on Twitter over the video. According to him, the engine power of the two vehicles didn’t matter in this test as the major source of traction for the Cybertruck was its heavier weight.
Electric vehicles are famously heavy – over both axles. It’s all about the weight borne by spinning tires. That’s the source of traction, not the engine power.
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) November 25, 2019
Elon Musk then replied with the fact that electric motors are also very much capable of producing an insane amount of torque as compared to a traditional motor. However, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, once again, was quick to correct him with the fact that a greater amount of torque does not necessarily translate into more power as the traction is still required and the Cybertruck’s weight was still assisting that.
We all love Torque. But high Torque just spins a tire in place if there’s not enough weight to provide traction. Fully load the F150, giving highest traction to its rear wheels, then try to drag that up the hill. I otherwise agree: Load both to the max and the highest torque wins
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) November 26, 2019
The entire argument was then closed by Elon Musk conceding and accepting that another test where both of the vehicles were carrying similar weights was required.
Which vehicle do you think will be able to win this fight when stacked against each other on equal terms? Let us know down in the comments below!