Elon Musk has jumped to the defence of the Tesla Cybertruck after the electric vehicle exploded outside a Donald Trump-owned hotel in Las Vegas.
The incident on New Year’s Eve killed the driver of the vehicle and injured seven others. An investigation is now ongoing into what happened, with the driver having now been identified.
In response to events, Tesla boss Mr Musk tweeted that “the entire Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now”.
He added: “Will post more information as soon as we learn anything. We’ve never seen anything like this.”
About 80 minutes later, Mr Musk provided an update, stating that the explosion was not caused by a technical issue with the truck.
He explained: “We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.
“All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion.”
We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025
All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion. https://t.co/HRjb87YbaJ
He later added: “Appears likely to be an act of terrorism.”
Appears likely to be an act of terrorism.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025
Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way. https://t.co/MM6ehJO3SG
But what is the Tesla Cybertruck and have any of these vehicles exploded before?
What is the Tesla Cybertruck?
The Cybertruck is a battery-electric pickup truck that Tesla has been manufacturing since 2023.
Its intriguing body shape is made out of flat stainless steel sheet panels and is suggestive of low-polygon modelling.
The Cybertruck's design, according to Mr Musk, was influenced by Blade Runner and James Bond's Lotus Esprit, Wet Nelli, used as a submarine in The Spy Who Loved Me.
The stainless steel exoskeleton of the Cybertruck is very durable and impervious to corrosion, dents, and damage. It can even withstand a baseball at 70 mph thanks to its shatter-resistant armour glass.
Comparable to high-performance sports cars, the Cybertruck can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a matter of seconds.
Other interesting features include the world’s largest single wiper and washer, a front-facing camera, motorized tonneau cover and removable external mirrors.
Has a Cybertruck exploded like this before?
There have not previously been any reports of a Cybertruck exploding like this.
How to buy a Cybertruck in the UK
It is presently not feasible to purchase a Tesla Cybertruck in the UK purely because it does not fit UK or European standards. European accident requirements are not met by the Cybertruck's blunt front end and sharp angles.
It would be costly and an endeavour that Tesla doesn't appear to want to undertake to get the Cybertruck lawful and type-approved for Europe and the UK.
How to buy Tesla shares
A trading platform or online broker that provides access to US stocks can let you purchase Tesla shares. Popular choices for investors in the UK include IG, Plus500, and eToro.
If you’re interested, then it is then time to open a broking account.
What is the Tesla Cybercab?
The next car Tesla is releasing is the Cybercab, also known as the Robotaxi.
It is a self-driving, battery-electric, two-passenger car with the purpose of using like a taxi.
It’s controlled by cameras and artificial intelligence and does not have a steering wheel and pedals like a typical car. It can adapt to your preferred music, sitting arrangement, and environment automatically.
The Cybercab is intended to be a quick, practical, and reasonably priced mode of transportation. It can be ordered by a phone app, and it will transport you to your location.
It is set to launch in 2027 but no date for UK has been confirmed yet.
Starting in 2026, those in the US will be able to purchase a Cybercab and either use it as their own vehicle or rent it out when not in use.
