Tesla Cybercat turns ute into catamaran
US inventor prepares to offer unique option on Tesla Cybertruck that transforms pick-up into amphibious vehicleWhen the Tesla Cybertruck broke cover in November 2019, complete with ‘shatterproof’ glass, it turned conventional vehicle design on its head.
And now in early 2022 we’re staring down the barrel at yet another unconventional Tesla-based product, the Tesla Cybercat and Cybercat Foiler amphibious vehicles.
Invented by a mechanical engineer in the US, Anthony Diamond, the idea revolves around a self-contained kit that can be stored in the high-performance all-electric pick-up and then assembled by a single person to create a catamaran conversion for water crossings.
The Tesla Cybercat has a top speed of 40km/h (25mph) or 22 knots, while the Cybercat Foiler has improved hydrodynamics and therefore a greater top speed of around 60km/h (40mph) or 35 knots.
At cruising speeds of 10km/h or five knots, both Cybercat vessels have a claimed range of 185km (115 miles). Propulsion is supplied via outboard motors.
Sound too good to be true?
Despite the production version of the Tesla Cybertruck still being under wraps, which would make designing and executing a retrofitted marine conversion such as the Cybercat near impossible at present, Diamond is confident of commercially launching the project and is currently offering “future reservation priority status” to those who are interested.
“I’ve dreamed about having a way to easily and quickly hop across the water whenever I desired, that was inexpensive, didn’t require boat parking and, most importantly, was clean given my background in climate tech,” he said.
The Tesla Cybertruck has been beset by delays, and despite Australia lining up as one of the top global markets for the full-size EV pick-up, it’s arrival here could still be years away.
Still, if Aston Martin can design a submarine and Jeep is plotting a Wrangler that can drive underwater, why can’t the Tesla Cybertruck become an amphibious catamaran?
For a deep dive on the engineering and materials proposed for the Cybercat, check out the full story on our sister site boatsales.com.au.
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