While Tesla’s Cybertruck has recently been delayed again to “hopefully next year,” the hype around the electric pickup truck is so strong that some people are already working on third-party accessories for the vehicle.
Now, a Seattle-based startup Cybercat has developed an accessories kit that can quickly transform the Tesla Cybertruck into an all-electric high-performance amphibious catamaran. There is also an option for hydrofoil extension to maximize speed and efficiency on the water.
The Cybercat Catamaran will be equipped with up to five 50 kW outboard motors – for a total output of 335 horsepower – that are intended to be powered by the Cybertruck’s battery pack. The adaptive ride height of the Cybertruck and the folding inflatable pontoons of the Cybercat provide 12″ of ground clearance. Once in the water, the electric outboard motors, pontoons, and hydrofoils fold down, and the wheels retract out of the water for quick takeoff. In shallow water or around docks, Cybercat can precisely maneuver propelled by the wheel rotation of the Cybertruck.
According to the company, the Cybercat will be able to reach the top speed of 22 knots (over 25 mph) and a range of 50 to 115 miles depending on cruising speed – this is based on a Cybertruck with a range of over 500 miles on land.
The installation or breakdown can be completed by a single person in less time than it takes to launch a boat. All components fold or collapse into parts that can be easily stowed in the Cybertruck vault, preserving EV range during transport.
The pricing of the kit, which is in the early stages of development, is estimated to be between $22,900 and $32,900, depending on the number of outboard motors.
The Cybertruck was presented in 2019, and initially, Tesla announced that it would reach the market at the end of 2021. Since its launch, the pickup truck has encountered a number of delays on the road to production. Last month Elon Musk indicated that, due to supply chain problems, “hopefully” it would hit the market only in 2023.
But that hasn’t stopped the highly anticipated polygonal pickup from inspiring new concepts along the way. In December 2021, we reported about the Cybertruck-inspired CyberKAT, a miniature, remote-controlled snowcat designed to help you clear snow in the depth of winter.