Cybertruck Attacks
Part 2. One Year Anniversary
After one year of running my Cybertruck I can report that I am completely satisfied with the vehicle. I have over 26,000 miles on my truck, of which about half are from local travel, and the other half from my cross-country touring to see family and our state capitols and other historic architecture of interest. What I have found is that the vehicle is very comfortable, it has a smooth ride, and the self driving system is making great progress. That system makes the long trips far more relaxing and enjoyable than they used to be. I have seen some reports of ten recalls, but that is not the case for my truck. I have had three so far, to replace the windshield wiper motor, and replace a trim panel around the bed of the truck, and the two trim panels between the windshield and door frames. When I bought the truck I expected recalls, because it has a lot of new technology. One disappointment. Tesla has backed out of production for the long range battery that promised to boost the range closer to 500 miles. I would have bought it, but fortunately I have found that there are so many new charging stations now that I really don’t need it. I suppose they came to that conclusion too. So, it’s been a great first year, but then came the politics.
Unfortunately, I am now dealing with ongoing attacks, from liberals I think, in reaction to Elon Musk’s work for the President. I hate grouping people into liberals and conservatives, but I don’t know how else to describe it. So far I have had oil sprayed on my tires twice, in Huntsville Alabama and in Boston Massachusetts. As the wheels spin the oil comes out and splatters up onto the side of the truck. It has taken about a month in total to clean up and wear off. Aggravating, but no permanent damage done. In addition I have had one person give me a thumbs down, one blaring down on their horn shouting something out their window, and three others give me the “f*** you” finger as they passed. Insulting, I mean really, it’s just a truck.
So, I voted for Biden in 2020 and Harris in 2024, and have never been attacked by conservatives for all the liberal bumper stickers I’ve had over the years. I feel betrayed by both Elon Musk and the Democrats. It seems like Democrats should know that the vast majority of Tesla owners really care about the environment, meaning they are probably voting for the things Democrats support, and they are now feeling as I feel, betrayed. Tesla employees probably feel the same way. And get this, all the rude attacks I’ve seen so far have come from people driving gas guzzling vehicles. So, to them I say “go suck on your tail pipe” and maybe then you’ll see who the real villains are.
In contrast, I still get positive comments and questions about the Cybertruck, now down to about once or twice a week. I’m glad to show it to anyone interested and have continued to enjoy the vehicle. I think Tesla is still the best electric vehicle with the best self driving system available to date, so I’ll be vigilant and hang in there with Tesla. Those of us committed to saving our planet can weather this storm too.
Now, back to work and fun.
We had storms here in Huntsville while I was off visiting family in Boston, but I’m back now, cleaning up the mess, and putting my truck to work.
Travel Notes
If you are into travel stories and travel writing be sure to visit my Travel Log. I visited a lot of capitols and other historic sites east of the Mississippi in my Model 3, and am now traveling west in my Cybertruck.
Notes and References
Story and photographs by David Smitherman.