Motor Trend Technical Director Frank Markus recently shared some insights on the Tesla Cybertruck’s eventual production. Markus was recently on the Autoline After Hours panel discussion with Munro & Associates CEO Sandy Munro and recapped some of the highlights.
For example, when discussing the tooling cost for 50,000 Cybertruck bodies per year: “Sandy sees stainless-steel blanks entering the facility in a couple of sizes, from which they are cut either via water jet or laser (water would be his preference, so as not to risk altering the steel’s heat treatment). The blanks will then be handled manually and formed on press breaks or very simple stamp operations (using manual load, clamp, break, and possibly manual tack welding) and then structurally fastened via robotic TIG welding. There would be no major paint shop, as chassis and other non Class-A surface parts that require paint or other corrosion protection would arrive painted or powder-coated by the supplier.
Forecast capital expense for 50,000 trucks: $30 million. Assuming five years of tooling amortization, that’s less than $200/truck—a fraction of what Sandy claims mainstream manufacturers assume for marketing ($800/vehicle) and legacy costs ($600/vehicle).”
The article also discusses the comparative tooling costs for 50,000 conventional (F-150-type) truck bodies/year: “Tools to handle rolls of steel coil stock, blanking dies, stamping presses and dies: $25 million; body shop with partial automation and multiple spot welders: $35 million; paint shop: $150 million. Total: $210 million.”
Curious how these figures change for 600,000 bodies per year? Then head over to the Motor Trend article here: https://www.motortrend.com/news/tesla-cybertruck-electric-pickup-will-cost-build/