The Tesla Cybertruck’s wedge-shaped design has been controversial, but the electric truck’s virtually indestructible exoskeleton is undeniably impressive. During a live demonstration, the stainless steel body didn’t dent when it was pummeled with a sledgehammer. The same couldn’t be said for the “unbreakable” armored glass, though, which shattered after a steel ball was thrown at the window.
According to Tesla, the Cybertruck’s exterior is made out of Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel – the same material used by SpaceX. In its range-topping Tri-Motor configuration, the Tesla Cybertruck will have around 800 horsepower and 1000 lb-ft of torque on tap, enabling it to hit 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds and tow up to 14,000 pounds. Its high performance, imposing shape, and tough exterior could make it an ideal police vehicle.
The Tesla Cybertruck was never intended for police use, but Dubai’s police force has already ordered a Cybertruck for its fleet. Canada’s police force also wants a Cybertruck police vehicle. But what if the Tesla Cybertruck was turned into a military tactical combat vehicle? Render artist Jan Peisert has been wondering what an armored Tesla Cybertruck could look like and has teamed up with YouTube channel Electric Future to create four designs. They also consulted with vehicle armorers, military specialists, and automotive designers to “help imagine a combat Cybertruck fit for the post-apocalyptic wasteland.”
The Cybertruck’s tough exoskeleton and powerful electric powertrain provide a good base for a variety of military-style upgrades, while its low thermal signature and quiet electric motor make it suitable for stealth missions. For the “Civil” Plaid Apocalypse configuration, the designer has added armor protection to the entire body and windows, an extended front bumper, foldable solar panels, shocking door handles, and utility storage for both sides.
In addition, Cybertruck has also been imagined as a 12-seater military transport vehicle to replace the Humvee, with an additional cabin with six seats, a roof-mounted machine gun, and even a deployable drone. Taking this a stage further, another design turns the Cybertruck into an armored tank for military combat, complete with heavy armor and a 360-degree tank gun. Undercarriage shielding also protects it from mines, while the Cybertruck’s electronic components are wrapped in a faraday cage to protect them from EMP blasts.
Finally, the camouflaged “Quiet Scout” configuration imagines the Tesla Cybertruck as a stealthy truck for reconnaissance missions. While these designs are hypothetical, the military is considering adding EVs to their fleet so we can certainly imagine a future where Tesla Cybertrucks are used on the battlefield. At least the armored glass shouldn’t break in these configurations.
