Why would you need to protect bulletproof metal?
Dark Mode
Despite arguing that its brand-new Cybertruck's stainless steel body panels don't need any paint for protection, Tesla is now offering customers a "self-healing" coat of "premium color paint films" to fully black out their vehicle, as seen on the company's website.
The result is a matte-black, polygonal wedge of metal on four wheels that makes it stand out even more on public streets, for better or for worse.
Tesla claims the coating "protects against scratches" and is "more environmentally friendly than traditional vinyl wraps."
But there's one little problem: the privilege will cost a whopping $6,500, putting the cost of a blacked-out, top-trim Cybertruck well over $100,000. Sure, the truck technically starts at $60,990 for a much less powerful single-motor variant — but it won't be available until 2025, according to the company, if it ever sees the light of day.
That's not to mention the company's insistence on making the Cybertruck bulletproof. Why cover a stainless steel armor with a flimsy coat of paint if it's designed to withstand the bullets of an unloading Tommy Gun?
Wrapped Up
The film comes in two finishes: Satin Black and Satin White. The white, in particular, looks like a substantial departure from the truck's naked stainless steel look.
It's an interesting change of heart, considering Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously said in 2021 that "Tesla Cybertruck can come in any color as long as it’s nothing."
We got our first glimpse at a matte black Cybertruck a couple of weeks ago, when Tesla chief designer Franz von Holzhausen was spotted driving around Southern California. The fit and finish of his truck, however, left plenty to be desired.
As Electrek points out, Tesla already offers similar wraps for its Model 3 and Y, which are made out of more expensive PPF film compared to a more conventional vinyl material. PPF is often used to protect paint and tends to last longer.
If customers want to save $1,500 and retain the stainless steel look of their Cybertrucks, they can opt for a "satin clear paint film," which may not protect their vehicle from bullet holes — but at least it might make it slightly less of a fingerprint magnet.
More on the Cybertruck: Tesla Fans Furious at Disastrous Cybertruck Reveal
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