Tesla's highly anticipated Cybertruck is still years away from production, but there are already concerns about durability, particularly the possibility of rust. The stainless steel body, although impressive in appearance, has raised eyebrows among some automotive experts.
The reservations stem from Elon Musk's decision to use a specific grade of stainless steel for the Cybertruck's exoskeleton. Cybertruck's body is expected to be made from the same 304L stainless steel used in SpaceX's spacecraft
Musk's choice of 304L-grade stainless steel, however, is not without controversy. This particular type of steel is known for being especially prone to rust when exposed to conditions that induce stress corrosion cracking, such as salt water.
The use of 304L-grade stainless steel might lead to rust issues for the vehicle, a problem traditionally associated with older vehicles and not with Tesla. This is despite the fact that one selling point of stainless steel is its supposed resistance to corrosion.
Tesla's adoption of stainless steel for the Cybertruck is a marketing strategy. It's meant to suggest a connection between the rugged, futuristic vehicle and SpaceX's space-faring technology.
However, the benefits of this symbolic link could be outweighed by the practical implications. If the Cybertruck is prone to rusting due to its material composition, it would largely undermine the vehicle's perceived ruggedness.
It's important to remember that the version of Cybertruck presented to the public was a prototype. The final product may have a different grade of stainless steel, or perhaps even a different material altogether.
While rust is a concern with stainless steel, it doesn't mean Cybertruck will inevitably suffer from this issue. Tesla could very well treat the metal in a way that mitigates its susceptibility.
The process of galvanized coating is one such treatment that could stave off corrosion and rust. Through this process, a protective zinc layer is applied to the steel to prevent rust from forming.
Another possible solution to prevent rusting could be cold working the steel. This process involves changing the steel's structure to increase strength and resistance through rolling or hammering the material at low temperatures.
Yet another potential countermeasure could be passivation. This is a process of treating the steel with a mild, oxidant solution to remove contaminants on the surface that can lead to corrosion.
Regardless, it's clear that if Tesla does choose to stick with the 304L-grade steel, measures will need to be taken to address these concerns. If not, the reputation and sales of the Cybertruck could potentially suffer.
It's worth noting that outside the world of automotive enthusiasts, this potential problem has not gotten much mainstream press attention. This perhaps reflects a general confidence in Tesla's ability to tackle these issues.
With the Cybertruck production still years away, Tesla has plenty of time to tweak the design or research other options. The company could develop a coating or treatment to prevent rust, or they could choose a different type of stainless steel.
Another possibility is opting for a different material altogether. This seems less likely given Elon Musk's preference for the look and connotation of stainless steel, but it shouldn't be ruled out.
As Tesla has shown in the past with its innovative approach, it has the capacity to address this rust issue head-on. Whether through a change in materials, an additive process, or a technological innovation, Tesla has the means to face this challenge.
The Cybertruck is a highly anticipated vehicle and Tesla is known for their commitment to quality. It is therefore valid to expect that the company will take adequate steps to prevent rusting issues.
Until Tesla confirms the grade of stainless steel they plan on using for the production Cybertruck, everything is speculation. While some may worry about rust, current and potential Tesla owners should trust that Tesla will produce a quality vehicle.