Tesla is ‘Rusty’

At the 2019 unveiling of the CyberTruck, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk touted the electric vehicle’s “ultra-hard stainless steel” exterior as potentially “literally bulletproof.” Yet, it seems the truck’s body might not even withstand a water pistol, according to some owners who have reported rust issues.

Certain types of steel, enriched with chromium and other elements like nickel and molybdenum, are known for their superior corrosion resistance. This resistance is due to a thin, protective layer of chromium oxide that forms on the surface.

However, stainless steel can still suffer from discoloration, manifesting as small, dark brown pits, especially when exposed to sea salt and high temperatures. This pitting indicates that the protective chromium oxide layer has been compromised, allowing corrosion to set in.

Tesla advises owners to promptly clean off any corrosive substances (such as grease, oil, bird droppings, tree sap, dead insects, tar, road salt, and industrial fallout) from the Cybertruck’s exterior to prevent damage. For tough stains like tar and stubborn grease, the company recommends using denatured alcohol, followed by a rinse with water and a gentle, non-detergent soap to eliminate any residue of the alcohol.

Unlike nearly every other vehicle, the Cybertruck is sold without a clear coat finish. Instead, Tesla offers a $5,000 urethane-based protective film as an optional add-on. Given the potential for rust, perhaps Tesla should consider including this protective film as a standard feature to prevent the need for expensive recalls in the future.