Elon Musk has not been promising to deliver the Cybertruck since the dawn of time — it just feels that way.
Actually, it was only back on Nov. 21. 2019 when the Tesla (TSLA) -) CEO unveiled the concept Cybertruck in an event that was marked by the unscheduled smashing of two of the vehicle's "virtually unbreakable" windows.
Related: Sam Bankman-Fried, facing 100-year prison term, begins trial in Manhattan
Since then the Cybertruck has been the subject of talk, promises and brief appearances on social media that tend to resemble Sasquatch sightings.
Now, nearly four years later, the much-heralded vehicle is finally on the verge of being available to the public, as the Cybertruck has racked up something in the neighborhood of 1.9 million preorders as of July.
Of course, with only 375,000 units being manufactured per year, that means anyone getting in line for one now would have roughly a five-year wait.
'Tech-forward' vehicle
No matter. A launch delivery event for the Cybertruck is said to "imminent," something that could also be said of Halley's Comet, which is due to buzz by Planet Earth in 2061.
And then there's Ford (F) -) Motor Co. The iconic vehicle maker announced its F-150 Lightning in 2021.
On Oct. 3, the company said it was adding a new electric truck to its portfolio next year in the form of the F-150 Lightning Flash.
The "tech-forward" vehicle will start at $69,995, which makes it eligible for the EV tax credit provided by the Inflation Reduction Act.
With an extended-range battery, the 2024 Ford F-150 Flash has 320 miles of EPA-estimated range and comes with 15.5-inch touchscreen "for seamless interactions and navigation."
The F-150 Lightning Standard Range usually gets less than 300 miles of EPA-estimated range, while Extended Range versions can travel as far as 350 miles on a single charge.
F-150 Lightning drivers can use the BlueOval Charge Network, which includes more than 84,000 chargers across North America, and will have access to 12,000 Tesla chargers starting in 2024.
Hands-free driving
In addition, the Flash will also come with version 1.2 of Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, allowing the driver to change lanes hands-free by tapping the turn signal.
Ford is offering customers the option of activating BlueCruise at any point or trying it for 90 days after purchase.
And the Flash will come with a heat pump that can be used to keep batteries warmer.
A 2019 study by the American Automobile Association found that when the temperature dips to 20°F and the HVAC system is used to heat the inside of the vehicle, the average driving range is decreased by 41%.
Tesla, Porsche (POAHY) -) and BMW (BMWYY) -) are among the brands that offer heat pumps as standard.
There's also a wireless charging pad and a B&O Sound System with eight speakers and a subwoofer.
"The F-150 Lightning Flash is a direct outcome of engaging with and learning from our customers," Marin Gjaja, chief operating officer at Ford Model e, said in a statement. "This truck combines many of the technology-forward features our customers love in our EV lineup, at a more accessible price."
Get exclusive access to portfolio managers and their proven investing strategies with Real Money Pro. Get started now.
