Maybe it’s the retro-futuristic style or reminiscent of sci-fi and cyperpunk, but I genuinely really like the design.
I would never buy one due to the MYRIAD issues plaguing the stainless steel body, interior build quality, or give Tesla money. But still a cool looking car, if nonfunctional truck.
Then go buy an 80s car with an actual good angular design and convert it to electric.
Some similar aesthetic options:
They are angular wedge designs, but done with care and thought to manufacturing, some safety (at least from sharp edges), and almost all of them are aesthetically pleasing.
You say that like it’s easy to do for anyone. 😅
As much as any one can buy a Cybertruck for $80k, yeah.
You can get an 80s car with a dead motor for less than 1/10th a cybertruck
Well yeah but the “convert to electric” part… 😅
The remaining 75,000 should get you a pretty nice conversion. Fitting the batteries without completely ruining the handling and storage in the conversion does present a big challenge.
But there are an increasing number of shops on both sides of the Atlantic that are offering conversions.
Have you looked at the labor involved, and price? Conversions are not really feasible for everyday cars and likely never will be
Edit: $40-50k plus the original cost of the car. Are you really ready to dump that into a 1980s Subaru? Why not buy a brand new Subaru EV and save a crap load of money?
I hear you, but Subaru/Toyota EVs aren’t really that great (especially in the styling department). But we’re taking about the 80-100K budget of a cybertruck, and choosing it based on aesthetics. This is what I’d do. As mentioned elsewhere, the Ionic 5 is a good alternative as well.
Also I’ve restored 3 and a bit 60s-80s cars now, and want to do an EV or Hybrid conversion for my next project. Since I already own a base vehicle, my DIY budget is about 20k depending on how much life is left in whatever donor car’s batteries I find. But I’m not normal, I can do all the fabrication and wiring needed.
75,000 US dollars is already way more than what my brand new 2025 Volvo EX40 Single Motor Extended Range cost, including a bunch of extra features and winter tires. That’s an all-electric vehicle with a lot of range.
It doesn’t have the aesthetic, but you gotta be freaking fanatic about 80s car design of you’re willing to shell out a hundred thou on a car that you have to build yourself, or worse, have someone assemble for you (even more money).
So no, this isn’t a “just do it” kind of situation 😂
The difference in “ability to avoid serious injury or death in a crash” between an 80s and modern car is the hangup for me. Particularly in a country where I have to share the road with comically huge pickups and SUVs.
As a cool weekend “drive around a bit” car: sure. But not as a daily driver.
Yeah I hear you, it’s a hang up with me as well. Driving one is a lot like riding a bike or motorcycle, it makes me hyper focused and cautious, especially during merges and stop and go traffic.
Having a decent EV setup would at least make it capable of accelerating and keeping up with modern traffic. Which, speaking from experience, would help, but not eliminate the treat by any means.
I stopped bike commuting after moving to a more rural area where lack of bike lanes, brodozers, frauhauspanzers, and cellphone distractions have made it too risky.
The Ioniq 5 has a better ‘cyber’ look than the Truck. Like a fat hatchback.
That was going to be my next suggestion, good call. I do like it, but wish they’d make a similarly styled sporty car version.
Subaru XT and XT6
Forgot the Japanese and Korean stuff.
AW11 MR2, Celica/Supra and Hyundai Pony too.
Even the popup headlight era Accords and Preludes.
Most of those cars rotted away where I live and I haven’t seen one in at least 10 years though.
If I could get a 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX SE converted to electric with a range similar to the Model 3 LR, I’d be so happy.
Can I get an EV converted Suzuki Samurai/Jimny while we’re at it?
With the Squareback hatch replacement for extra points.
Holy shit, now I want an electric Delta. That’s actually a pretty baller idea
You make me wish I had enough money to be a car guy, these are all incredible.