A Tesla Cybertruck engineer has responded to claims that his $100,000 electric trucks started rusting within days of use.
Wes Morrill, who has worked at Tesla for more than 13 years, said images on social media of the so-called rust were simply “surface contamination,” or stains.
He also noted that the photographs, which were widely reported, showed marks that were no larger than the “head of a pin”, suggesting that the criticism had been exaggerated.
The Cybertruck was finally launched in December after a tumultuous manufacturing process and is priced at $76,390 for all-wheel drive and up to $96,390 for its Cyberbeast version.
The Cybertruck was launched in December with a price between $76,000 and $96,000.
An owner named Will posted photos showing what appear to be rust stains on the Cybertruck, saying he had owned the truck for less than two weeks, but the coating was allegedly damaged after just two days of driving in the rain.
Other Cybertruck owners have complained that their newly purchased vehicles are rusting, with one saying they were warned it would rust when the Tesla Cybertruck was delivered.
Morrill explained that the appearance of rust stains was not actually the metal on the vehicles, but rather oxidized metal particles, also known as “rust dust,” that had accumulated on the vehicle, either at the factory where it was manufactured or when it was transported. The railway.
YouTuber Justin Demaree, who hosts the Bearded Tesla Guy channel, said a Cybertruck owner brought the vehicle to him complaining of rust spots, but said it was “rust dust” that fell on the vehicle.
Rust dust can come from train tracks where there is movement of metal rubbing against metal or from automobile factories when vehicles go through the final polishing process.
tesla announces that the Cybertruck requires no major maintenance, saying that the vehicle’s “ultra-hard stainless steel exoskeleton helps reduce dents, damage and corrosion in the long term,” adding that “repairs are simple and quick.”
The owner of a Tesla Cybertruck posted photos showing rust spots on the vehicle after just 11 days of use.
Over time, these particles could build up on the vehicle and rust, making it appear as if the vehicle itself has rusted.
Morril re-published the video on X, who writes: ‘Good myth busting. Stainless steel is reactive and free iron deposited on it rusts.’
He continued: ‘This is just surface contamination and can be easily cleaned. The Bar Keeper’s Friend used here works well, citrisurf77 can also loosen the reservoir and simply clean it.
“If there’s anything stubborn, use a blue non-scratch Scotch Brite pad as it won’t leave marks on the metal.”
Despite Morrill’s assurances that the stains are not due to corrosion, a Cybertruck owner aware at the Cybertruck Owners Club, saying that when he picked up the vehicle, he was told it might rust.
“The consultant specifically mentioned that Cybertrucks develop orange rust marks in the rain and that required the vehicle to be polished,” he said.
“I know I’ve heard the story about never taking your Delorean out in the rain, but I never read anything about rust and Cybertrucks.”
The Cybertruck is the first vehicle made of stainless steel since the Delorean luxury sports car was launched in 1983.
At the time, corrosion of stainless steel was one of the main problems faced by Delorean owners depending on how it was stored.
Elon Musk announced the Cybertruck in 2019 and told people it would cost almost $40,000.
tesla announces that the Cybertruck requires no major maintenance, saying that the vehicle’s “ultra-hard stainless steel exoskeleton helps reduce dents, damage and corrosion in the long term,” adding that “repairs are simple and quick.”
The long-awaited Cybertruck was first announced in 2019, but since CEO Elon Musk launched the futuristic vehicle in December, it has received harsh criticism from buyers for its high price.
At the 2019 launch event, Musk announced that the cost would start at $39,900 and go up to $77,000 and have a range of 500 miles, but at the launch event, consumers were distraught to learn that the cheapest version, which cost $60,990, did not It won’t be released until 2025 and only has a range of 250 miles.
Tesla received additional complaints for including a stipulation in the purchase contract that says the company can sue the buyer if it resells the Cybertruck within a year of purchase.
“Tesla may request injunctive measures to prevent the transfer of title to the Vehicle or demand compensation for damages in the amount of $50,000 or the value received as consideration for the sale or transfer, whichever is greater,” the clause says.
He adds: “Tesla may also refuse to sell you future vehicles.”