Elon Musk confirmed that Tesla plans to use a different alloy for the upcoming Cybertruck electric van.
When Tesla introduced the Cybertruck last year, one of the most interesting features was the fact that the vehicle will not be built using a traditional body system, but rather an exoskeleton.
The automaker wrote about the exoskeleton:
Cybertruck is built with an outer shell made for maximum durability and passenger protection. Starting with an almost impenetrable exoskeleton, each component is engineered for superior strength and endurance, from Ultra-Hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel structural cladding to Tesla armored glass. “
Tesla said they were using the best steel they could make:
“If there was something better, we would use it. Help eliminate dents, damage and long-term corrosion with a smooth, monochromatic exoskeleton that places the shell on the exterior of the car and gives you and your passengers maximum protection. ”
At launch, CEO Elon Musk said he is using the same alloy as SpaceX’s next interplanetary spacecraft:
“We are going to use the same alloy on the Starship rocket.”
Now on Twitter, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX confirmed that the planned alloy for the spacecraft has changed:
“We are rapidly changing alloy components and forming methods, so traditional names like 304L will become an approximation.”
Musk then confirmed that the change will carry over to the Tesla Cybertruck as well:
yes
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 21, 2020
Electrek previously reported that Tesla and SpaceX are partnering to create new materials for use on Earth and in space.
They have been forming material engineering teams to develop new advanced materials for their respective products.
It started in 2016 when we reported in an exclusive story that Elon Musk hired the Apple alloy expert Charles Kuehmann will direct materials engineering at his two companies simultaneously.
Kuehmann and his team have been developing new alloys for SpaceX and Tesla.
It looks like the one planned for Starship and Cybertruck is still evolving before production.
The team also develops its own variations of existing alloys, such as 304L. PSP describes 304L:
304L alloy, a T-300 series stainless steel austenitic, which has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Type 304L has a maximum carbon is 0.030. It is the “18/8 stainless” standard commonly found in pans and kitchen tools. 304L Alloys is the most versatile and widely used alloy in the stainless steel family. Ideal for a wide variety of domestic and commercial applications, Alloys 304L exhibits excellent corrosion resistance and has high ease of manufacture, excellent formability. Austenitic stainless steels are also considered to be the most weldable of high alloy steels and can be welded by all resistance and fusion welding processes.
Tesla plans to bring the Cybertruck electric pickup up for production in late 2021.
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