TESLA

Expert analysis shows that the unusual profile of the Tesla Cybertruck pickup body does not interfere with its aerodynamics

In June, Elon Musk announced that the design of the Tesla Cybertruck electric pickup was finalized, and the company expects to start mass production by the middle of next year. The appearance of this vehicle leaves few people indifferent, but independent examination has shown that the aerodynamics do not particularly suffer from controversial aesthetics.

For electric vehicles in general, good aerodynamics are important to increase range, but conventional pickup trucks have so far failed to deliver a low drag coefficient, which in their case ranged from 0.55 to 0.65. According to Electrek, representatives from Numeric Systems were able to test the Tesla Cybertruck digital layout in a virtual wind tunnel. The modeling, which was based on rough ideas about the shape and proportions of a pickup truck, showed good results for a car with this type of body – the drag coefficient did not exceed 0.39. By the way, if you believe Elon Musk's early statements, that's not the limit for Cybertruck - the company hopes to reduce the number to 0.30.

According to representatives from Numeric Systems, the Cybertruck's unusual broken body profile doesn't really detract from the car's aerodynamics on top. A makeshift diffuser above the cargo area creates a low pressure area and reduces swirl. True, they still occur in the tailgate area, and in that regard there is room for improved aerodynamics. The shape of the car's side pillars and front also deteriorate, not to mention wheel arch extensions and extravagant wheel covers. However, it is too early to draw final conclusions, because it is not yet known which side mirrors a serial pickup will be equipped with, and the actual shape of the car may differ from the digital model used in the experiment.

Image source: Pacefish