Cybertruck: A Vision of Transportation in a Post-Collapse World

Recently, Elon Musk confirmed that Tesla's eagerly awaited Cybertruck will begin deliveries to customers on November 30th. The production timeline for the truck experienced multiple delays. Initially slated for a 2022 release, it was then pushed to 2023, and now, it's finally set for distribution. Given the staggering reports of over 2 million preorders, it won't be long before the Cybertruck becomes a common sight on our roads.

Is that a good thing?

There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for the Cybertruck. It aligns with current automotive trends; in 2022, a whopping 72.9% of total passenger car sales were attributed to SUVs and pickup trucks. The growing preference for trucks and SUVs among Americans can be attributed to safetyism. Drivers appreciate the elevated driving position offered by these vehicles, providing better visibility on the road.

In this piece I argue that Elon Musk’s new Cybertruck is not just safetyism but goes further into survivalism. At its core, safetyism prioritizes the minimization of harm and danger, aiming to create vehicles that protect their occupants from the everyday risks of driving. Think of car accidents or handling in the rain. But the world itself is normal. The Cybertruck certainly checks these boxes. But its characteristics extend beyond just safety. It is a car built for a collapsed world. Survival. Not safety.

The Cybertruck resembles a vehicle built to withstand more than just traffic accidents; the design of the car suggests resilience against extreme post-apocalyptic scenarios. This durability mirrors the survivalist's emphasis on preparation for unforeseen calamities, whether they be natural disasters, societal collapses, or other large-scale disruptions.

A completely different vibe

I Predict It Will Be Very Popular

The Cybertruck is poised to make a significant impact in the automotive market, and it's highly probable that it will become a popular choice for many drivers. Reflecting on the automotive landscape just a decade ago, Teslas were a rare sight on the roads. Their presence was akin to spotting an exotic bird – unusual and attention-grabbing. But the times have changed dramatically.

Today, Teslas have seamlessly integrated into the vehicular tapestry of our streets, standing shoulder to shoulder with other established car brands. Their transition from an exclusive rarity to a ubiquitous presence underscores the brand's growth and the public's increasing acceptance of electric vehicles. Given this trajectory, it wouldn't be surprising if the Cybertruck follows a similar path, moving from a novel concept to a common sight on highways and city streets alike.

The proliferation of Teslas on our roads is undeniable, but the influence of Tesla extends beyond just its own vehicles. Many competing car manufacturers have taken cues from Tesla's innovative approaches, integrating elements of its design and technology into their own electric car models.

One of Tesla's most distinct design choices was its minimalist interior, characterized by a large central touchscreen — reminiscent of an iPad — that replaced the myriad of traditional buttons and controls. This streamlined design was a departure from the norm and set a new standard for modern car interiors. Other car brands have adopted this design philosophy, showcasing simplified interiors dominated by touchscreens. Tesla shaped the trajectory of the electric car industry and set design benchmarks that others now strive to emulate.

Another compelling reason for the anticipated popularity of the Cybertruck is the allure of its uniqueness. In today's automotive landscape, there's a striking homogeneity in vehicle design. Most cars, regardless of brand, seem to converge towards similar shapes, curves, and even color palettes. This uniformity often leaves consumers yearning for something distinct and refreshing.

Enter the Cybertruck. Its design is a radical departure from the conventional. With its sharp angles, stainless steel finish, and futuristic aesthetics, it challenges the status quo of automotive design. For drivers, this offers an opportunity not just to drive, but to make a statement. In a sea of vehicles that often blur into one another, the Cybertruck promises to stand out, offering its owners a unique blend of novelty and individuality. In essence, while many cars today bear a familial resemblance to each other, the Cybertruck boldly ventures into uncharted design territory, appealing to those who crave distinction on the road.

I wholeheartedly advocate for greater diversity, especially in design. In recent times, there's been an overwhelming uniformity in the way things look, from products to architecture. This homogeneity can be stifling, and a dash of variety is sorely needed to invigorate our surroundings. I even wrote about this trend and call it the Refinement Culture.

However, for me, the Cybertruck doesn't offer the kind of diversity I had hoped for. While it undeniably breaks the mold, its design direction feels troubling. Rather than moving away from the current trend of sterile simplicity, the Cybertruck seems to introduce an even more jarring aesthetic — one that evokes feelings of negativity, dystopia, and even aggression. Instead of presenting a vision of a brighter, hopeful future, its design suggests a harsher, more foreboding world ahead. In my view, while diversity in design is essential, it's equally important to ensure that it fosters positivity and optimism, rather than bleakness and hostility.

In This Newsletter

1) Why Do I Hate the Cyber Truck

2) Cybertruck Specs: I’ll explain how the cyber truck will be able to handle

3) Elon Musk’s Obsession with Collapse: Elon is a smart guy but he’s obsessed with collapse. Should we take him seriously?

Why I Hate The Cyber Truck

Look at this thing. Just take a look at it.

When you look at the Cybertruck, what strikes you immediately? Design interpretations are subjective, but it's hard to ignore the Cybertruck's distinct, aggressive angularity. Its sharp edges and flat surfaces don't just remind one of brutalist architecture; they scream it. Brutalist designs, known for their raw and unembellished nature, can come off as cold and even oppressive. Here is a good write up on the specific design choices they made.

There's a clear militaristic undertone to the Cybertruck. Its armor-like build and metallic sheen suggest a vehicle built more for defense than leisure. And the use of matte stainless steel, without any paint or fancy trim, only amplifies its industrial, no-nonsense vibe. It doesn’t hint at a bright, shiny future. Instead, it feels like a vehicle ready for a world where the primary goal is survival.

This isn't a car conceived with a rosy vision of the future. This screams dystopian drive, made for a world perpetually under grey skies, a result of global attempts gone awry trying to combat climate change with hasty geoengineering.

Imagine driving over sprawling homeless encampments on the way to work in crime-ridden and riot prone downtowns of American cities.

The contemporary pickup isn't exactly a paragon of beauty. Yet its design leans away from a militant stance and avoids conjuring images of a post-apocalyptic world.

Classic models often radiate a jovial and upbeat aura, painting the world in a more favorable light.

There are new car companies trying to inject a more optimistic future. But is that what the consumer wants? The consumer seems to be interested in safety.

The Cybertruck and The Fallen World

It’s not just the exterior design. The Cybertruck really does have features for a collapsed world.

The Cybertruck may be the only truck that actually comes bulletproof. Tesla recently shot a tommy gun at the Cybertruck to test how bulletproof it was. And it worked. None of the bullets went through.

Crafted from ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel, the vehicle's shell can withstand 9mm caliber bullets. This ensures that its metallic frame acts as a barrier against such small arms fire, solidifying its "bulletproof" status against this caliber.

What kind of scenario are we even thinking about where people will be shooting at your expensive car?

^{In the gray haze of 2052, cities had morphed into vast urban wastelands, and the once-clear skies were now perpetually overcast. Society, fragmented by decades of resource wars and political upheaval, had birthed dangerous factions, with each staking claim to different territories. In this treacherous landscape, I navigated the ruined streets in my Cybertruck, its cold stainless steel exoskeleton gleaming faintly in the dim light, a relic from a more hopeful time. The vehicle's electric hum was a stark contrast to the usual cacophony of old combustion engines, making it an oddity in this era.}

^{As I passed through an old commercial district, the unmistakable sound of gunshots rang out, echoing through the abandoned skyscrapers. Bullets pelted the side of the Cybertruck, creating sharp, metallic pings but failing to penetrate the vehicle's armored exterior. A group of faction rebels, notorious for their hatred of anything from the old world, emerged from the shadows, their intent clear. The Cybertruck's advanced acceleration surged as I pressed down on the accelerator, leaving the rebels in a cloud of dust. Inside the safety of its walls, the world outside seemed even more distant, a grim reminder of a past that had once promised a bright, interconnected future.}

The boasts several features that seem tailored for a world riddled with unchecked crime and strife.

Sentry Mode:

1. Sentry Mode: uses the vehicle’s cameras to keep a watchful eye on its surroundings and notify owners if any suspicious activity is detected. It also records footage in case of a break-in.

2. High Ground Clearance: With its adaptive air suspension, the Cybertruck can achieve a ground clearance of up to 16 inches, suggesting the need to navigate rough, ruined terrains or obstacles commonly found in dystopian settings.

3. Off-Road Capabilities: The significant approach and departure angles, combined with its off-road mode, make the Cybertruck appear fit for a world where traditional roads might be less maintained or nonexistent.

4. Vault-Like Storage: The truck's bed, referred to as "the vault," has a sturdy, retractable cover, giving it a secure, impenetrable feel, perfect for protecting precious cargo in a world of scarcity.

5. Massive Towing Capacity: The ability to tow large weights hints at a need to haul significant supplies, perhaps because of migration or fleeing from danger.

6. Integrated Light Bars: Instead of traditional headlights, the Cybertruck sports a unibrow-like light bar at the front and a similar strip at the rear. This minimalist, unified lighting is different from contemporary vehicles and adds to its futuristic appearance.

Is Elon Musk Right About Collapse?

Subscribe to Premium Membership to read the rest.