Elon Musk’s Cybertruck, celebrated for its bulletproof stainless steel exterior, has recently faced scrutiny from new owners discovering its susceptibility to weather-related wear. Buyers of the $79,900 electric vehicle reported signs of rust on its surface after just two days of exposure to rain. One particular owner, Will, shared on a Cybertruck forum that corrosion started appearing on his vehicle after only 11 days and 381 miles of use. When he took the car to a mechanical shop, he was informed that the facility lacked the necessary tools and that it would be about a month before they could address the exterior issues.
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In response to concerns over corrosion, Musk had previously mentioned the future availability of a tungsten carbide coating to enhance the Cybertruck’s resistance to such damage, though the additional cost remains undisclosed. Will highlighted the corrosion issue with photos and a video on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, noting that the rust seemed more prevalent on the upper parts of the vehicle but was visible in various spots across the metal surface. He described how the car had been parked outdoors, subjected to cold weather, rain, and some sunlight, as reported by Daily Mail.
Another owner, Raxar, echoed Will’s experience, stating that their Cybertruck also developed rust marks after minimal exposure to rain and condensation, requiring buffing to remove. The issue raised doubts among some, with comments on the forum questioning the stainless steel’s authenticity, given its susceptibility to rust. However, it’s noted that while stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, it’s not entirely immune, especially when exposed to certain chemicals, saline, grease, or heat for extended periods. Elon Musk previously informed owners that they could purchase tungsten carbide coating to prevent corrosion.
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Speculation about the cause of the rust on Cybertrucks has led to various theories, including environmental fallout or rail dust from transportation potentially contributing to the issue. One forum user, Daryoon, suggested that the rust specks could be removed using a clay bar, indicating that the discoloration might not be due to inherent flaws in the stainless steel but rather external factors.
This situation highlights the challenges of innovating with materials like stainless steel in automotive design, balancing the trade-offs between durability and maintenance, especially under varying environmental conditions. As Cybertruck owners and enthusiasts await further solutions, such as the proposed tungsten carbide coating, the dialogue around material resilience in electric vehicles continues to evolve.
