The Tesla Cybertruck Sled Pull Is Impressive Even if It Doesn’t Demonstrate Much

It’s worth mentioning right away that in the film presented by the automaker, the Tesla outperformed everything else, and it wasn’t even close. While the Ford F-150 Lightning managed to pull the 20-ton sled a distance of 207 feet, the Rivian R1T achieved 257 feet. Even the robust Ford Super Duty diesel started spinning in place at 263 feet. The Cybertruck, on the other hand, didn’t give up until it reached the 318-feet mark.

While enthusiasts of sled pulling may not admit it, electric trucks are ideally suited for this, at least for a few attempts. They deliver maximum torque instantly, and more significantly, it’s consistent. The fact that the Super Duty needs to change gears puts it at a disadvantage. Every time the power flow is interrupted, the truck loses ground. Despite the fact that the 6.7-liter Power Stroke engine produces 1,050 lb-ft of torque, the need for a 10-speed transmission works against it.

Nevertheless, electric trucks can handle this level of work only a limited number of times before requiring a recharge. Internal combustion engines also consume a significant amount of fuel, but they can refuel quickly. This aspect should not be overlooked.

It’s reminiscent of Toyota using a Tundra to tow a space shuttle, or Ford towing a train with an electric F-150 prototype. Most likely, Cybertruck owners will never utilize their vehicle in this manner—it’s simply fascinating to know that they could if they so desired, for whatever reason. Plainly put in Tesla’s video, the pickup has a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds. A stunt like this does not imply that Cybertruck owners can hitch up anything they want and drive away with it.

Moreover, there are numerous unknowns about the test. What drive modes were the other trucks operating in? What types of tires were they equipped with? It’s possible that Tesla may have arranged everything in favor of the Cybertruck—it wouldn’t be the first time—but it’s not as though other manufacturers wouldn’t do the same if it were their video. Nevertheless, we have previously seen the F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T connected to a 17-ton sled in a previous instance when Edmunds performed a comparable test. The results from that test closely mirrored those of Tesla’s, for what it’s worth.

Overall, this was a marketing ploy, and it’s safe to say it was effective. The Cybertruck managed to achieve the task, regardless of the circumstances, and what was once considered purely theoretical is now proving to be quite competitive—at least momentarily.

Do you have a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly at: caleb@thedrive.com