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What is the payload of the cyber truck?

The payload of the Tesla Cybertruck is 3,500 pounds (approximately 1,587 kilograms).


In practical terms, payload is the maximum combined weight of cargo and passengers that the vehicle can safely carry without exceeding its weight rating. This article explains the official figure, how engineers calculate it, and what it means for real-world use.


Official payload specification


To help readers understand what the number means, here are the key facts published by the manufacturer:



  • Payload capacity: 3,500 pounds (1,587 kg).


In short, 3,500 pounds represents the maximum combined weight of cargo and people the Cybertruck can carry while remaining within its certified weight limit. Real-world payload may vary with added equipment, options, and fuel.


How payload is calculated


Payload is determined by the relationship between the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and its curb weight. The GVWR is the maximum safe weight the vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo and fluids. Curb weight is the weight of the vehicle in its standard configuration with no payload. The exact numbers depend on trim and options, so the payload can differ slightly from one unit to another.



  • Formula: Payload = GVWR − Curb Weight.

  • Payload includes the weight of passengers and cargo added to the vehicle, beyond its own empty weight.


Because GVWR and curb weight vary by configuration, individual Cybertrucks may have very slightly different usable payloads even though Tesla lists 3,500 pounds as the official rating.


Practical implications for owners


A 3,500-pound payload is substantial for a pickup, enabling heavy cargo and multiple passengers. Carrying loads near the limit can affect performance, handling, braking, and range, so real-world use often includes a safety margin below the maximum.


Use-case considerations


When planning loads, consider typical tasks like transporting tools and equipment, camping gear, or work crews with gear. Always balance cargo with passengers to stay within the published payload limit and to maintain safe driving dynamics.


Owners should consult the latest official Tesla specifications for their exact configuration, as payload figures can vary slightly with options and production status.


Summary


The Cybertruck is marketed with a payload capacity of 3,500 pounds, reflecting its design for heavy-duty cargo and passenger loading. Understanding payload helps buyers plan how they will use the vehicle for work, recreation, and daily tasks, while staying within safe and certified weight limits. For the most precise guidance, refer to Tesla’s current specifications for your specific trim and production year.

Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Cybertruck?


Cybertruck bed shape
The Cybertruck's bed shape mirrors that of traditional pickup trucks. With the tailgate down, you can haul a 4 x 8 ft. sheet of plywood or drywall.



Is Tesla making an $8000 truck?


No, Tesla is not making an $8,000 truck; the base price for the new Cybertruck starts at around $69,990, and some reports of an $8,000 price are associated with misinformation or misunderstandings. While one buyer reported an $8,000 discount on a Cybertruck, it was not a retail price but a specific deal with a delivery delay, according to Torque News. Some online content incorrectly claims that Tesla or another company is releasing an $8,000 truck, but this is misleading. 

  • Actual Cybertruck Price: The starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the base Cybertruck is around $69,990$ 69 comma 990$69,990, before any options, taxes, or fees. 
  • Misinformation: Some online content incorrectly suggests an $8,000 truck is available or coming soon, which is not a factual claim from Tesla. 
  • $8,000 Discount: In one instance, a buyer received an $8,000$ 8 comma 000$8,000 discount on a Cybertruck, but this was a special promotion, not the vehicle's base price, and the buyer experienced a delay in delivery, notes Torque News. 



Is the Cybertruck a 1.2 ton truck?


With a respectable 2,500 pounds of payload capacity, Cybertruck lands squarely in the middle of the half-ton pickup class and bests its EV rivals on payload by nearly 1,000 pounds.



What is the payload of a Cybertruck?


The payload of the Tesla Cybertruck is up to 2,500 pounds, but this weight must be distributed across the truck's bed, frunk, and cab. The bed can hold up to 1,310 pounds, the frunk can hold 441 pounds, and the under-bed storage can hold 220 pounds, with the remaining weight going into the cab.
 
Payload distribution

  • Total maximum payload: 2,500 pounds
  • Bed: Up to 1,310 pounds
  • Frunk: Up to 441 pounds
  • Under-bed storage: Up to 220 pounds
  • Cab: The remaining weight (approximately 529 pounds) must be placed in the cab 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.