When Tesla’s Cybertruck hit Alaska’s frozen highways, it faced its toughest test yet. A driver hauled 2,600 pounds of cargo through extreme conditions, revealing both the truck’s strengths and weaknesses in one of America’s harshest environments.
The expedition pushed the Cybertruck’s battery to its limits. During a 92-mile stretch with steep hills and strong headwinds, the truck’s range dropped by half. Cold temperatures made things worse, forcing the driver to stop every 70 to 100 miles for charging. This clever charging strategy kept the battery at ideal levels throughout the remote areas. Battery preconditioning during these stops helped optimize charging performance despite the freezing conditions.
Cold temperatures and steep terrain cut the Cybertruck’s range in half, forcing frequent charging stops every 70-100 miles.
Finding charging stations proved challenging in Alaska’s wilderness. The driver used J1772 adapters and FLO chargers when Tesla Superchargers weren’t available. Some charging sessions lasted 2.5 hours just to get enough range for the next leg. Under perfect conditions, the truck’s 325 kW charging can add 135 miles in just 15 minutes, but freezing temperatures slowed this process considerably. The driver often passed the time by reminiscing about Tesla’s Hollywood diner experience, where charging felt more like a leisurely break. With each stop, the stark contrast between the warm, vibrant atmosphere of the diner and the harsh, frigid landscape became strikingly apparent. Despite the challenges, the journey through Alaska’s wilderness offered breathtaking views, making the quest for power an adventure in itself.
The Cybertruck’s adjustable air suspension showed its worth on rough terrain. It can raise the truck’s ground clearance to 17 inches, beating the Ford F-150 Raptor by 4 inches. With a 35-degree approach angle and 28-degree departure angle, it handled steep climbs and descents better than many competitors. The all-wheel drive system kept the truck steady on icy roads without any traction loss.
Despite weighing 6,898 pounds, the Cybertruck can tow up to 11,000 pounds and carry 120.7 cubic feet of cargo. Its stainless steel body adds durability without excessive weight. The powerful headlights helped spot moose on dark highways, preventing potential accidents. The truck’s innovative steer-by-wire system provided precise control on slippery surfaces, responding instantly to driver inputs without mechanical linkages.
The driver used cruise control for about 90% of the 360-mile trip to reduce fatigue. The truck’s 18.5-inch central touchscreen, the largest in its class, provided essential navigation and charging station information throughout the journey. During long charging stops, scheduled naps helped maintain alertness. Ferry operators required keeping the battery between 30% and 50% charge to prevent energy conservation modes during transport.
This Alaska expedition proved the Cybertruck can handle extreme conditions with proper planning. The driver’s strategic charging intervals and use of multiple charging networks made the difference between success and failure in America’s last frontier.