Tesla starts taking configurations of $79k non-Foundation Cybertrucks
Over ten months after deliveries started, Tesla is now taking configurations for the non-Foundation series Cybertruck.
The first Cybertruck deliveries occurred on November 30th last year, so we’re just over ten months past that date.
As it often does, Tesla started fulfilling deliveries from the top down – it shipped higher-optioned, limited-edition models first, expecting to ship cheaper versions later. It did this previously with the Roadster, Model S and Model X, for example.
With the Cybertruck, this took the form of the fully-loaded “Foundation Series,” which is a package that includes several options and costs an additional $20k.
But unlike Tesla’s previous “Founders” or “Signature” series vehicles which had hundreds or a thousand vehicles in them, the Foundation series lasted much longer, with tens of thousands of trucks delivered with the optional Foundation package.
Originally, Tesla said that it would start delivering non-Foundation series vehicles months ago, but in July it pushed that timeline back to “late 2024”.
Well, now that time is here, as Tesla has started sending emails to reservation holders inviting them to configure their non-Foundation series vehicles, with an expected delivery timeline of Oct-Nov 2024 – so, within the next month or two.
The website’s standard Design your Cybertruck page only shows the Foundation series so far, but for those who have existing reservations, emails have started going out inviting them to configure.
It looks like these will likely be sent out in batches, and it’s likely that those who reserved earlier will get access first. So it may still be some time before everyone gets invited, depending on how long the mythical million-Cybertruck order backlog actually is.
Without the Foundation package, the All-Wheel Drive model starts at $79,990, and the Beast model starts at $99,990.
Despite the lower base price, which is under the $80,000 MSRP cap for the US Federal EV Tax Credit, Tesla makes no mention of the tax credit on its website. This could be just a clerical issue that will be sorted out, or it could be an actual issue preventing credit availability on the Cybertruck. We’d ask Tesla to clear this up, but, well…
The new base price of just under $80k is a nice ratchet downwards from the previously sky-high, six-digit-minimum price for the truck, but it’s still a far cry from what the truck was originally announced at.
Back in 2019, when the truck was first unveiled, it was promised at a starting price of $39,900 – half of today’s base pricing. Even the top-end tri-motor AWD version was predicted to cost $69,900, $10k less than the current base price. These models were supposed to be available in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Tesla said in the past that it intends to release a further lower-end rear-wheel-drive-only version of the Cybertruck in the future, but it recently removed the single-motor option from its website. So it could be that “double the promised price” is the lowest we’ll ever see. Stay tuned.
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The Mockingbird Solar Center, Ørsted’s largest solar project globally, is now online, next to protected prairie donated by the renewable energy giant.
This massive 468-megawatt (MW) solar farm is set to power 80,000 homes and businesses, providing a major boost to the Texas grid.
But the launch of Mockingbird Solar isn’t just about clean energy – it’s also about restoring precious ecosystems. Ørsted has donated 953 acres of the Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland, which sits next to the solar center, to The Nature Conservancy. The donated land is now the Smiley Meadow Preserve, a protected area for tallgrass prairie that’s home to more than 400 species of grasses and wildflowers.
Tallgrass prairies are some of the rarest ecosystems in the US, with less than 1% of Texas’ original tallgrass prairies still in existence. Tallgrass prairie does a lot of heavy lifting for the environment, including storing carbon, preventing floods, and providing crucial habitats for pollinators.
“Native prairies are the rarest landscapes left in Texas – so much so that many people have never seen one,” said David Bezanson, land protection strategy program director for The Nature Conservancy in Texas. He added that preserving Smiley Meadow will not only conserve one of the best prairie remnants left but also help restore other prairie habitats and boost regional biodiversity.
The Mockingbird Solar Center, a half-billion-dollar project, is part of Ørsted’s $20 billion push to expand renewable energy production across the US. Beyond generating electricity, it will inject $75 million into local property taxes, benefiting schools and other public services. The project also created over 550 construction jobs and will continue to be supported by operations staff moving forward.
Ørsted worked with US companies, including First Solar, for solar panels and partnered with local businesses like Drake Construction and Pfifer Farms for construction materials. It also gave more than $50,000 to local volunteer fire departments in Roxton and Brookston.
With Mockingbird Solar now up and running, Ørsted has more than 6 gigawatts of onshore wind, solar, and battery storage projects either in operation or being built across the US.
Read more: Ørsted got a huge Tesla battery storage system for the world’s single-largest offshore wind farm
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Jeep’s first global luxury electric SUV will arrive at US dealerships any day. Despite its $72,000 price tag, lease prices for the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV start at just $599 per month.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV lease prices
After unveiling its first global electric SUV, Jeep’s CEO said the Wagoneer S “marks a new chapter” in its storied history.
Jeep claims the Wagoneer S packs “exhilarating performance.” With 600 hp and 617 lb-ft of torque, the big-body SUV can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Its 100 kWh battery pack also gives it a driving range of over 300 miles.
The electric SUV is unmistakably still a Jeep, but it did get several upgrades to distinguish it as an EV. The grille is now enclosed without the need to cool a massive engine, giving it a sporty, more modern look.
Jeep revamped its design with a new illuminated seven-slot grille with ambient cast lightning. It also fine-tuned its profile, adding flush door handles, a rear wing, and integrated fins for better airflow.
The first Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition models get exclusive dark accent design elements like 20″ Gloss Black Wheels.
Inside, the electric SUV is loaded with the latest tech and connectivity, including a best-in-class 45″ of usable screen space. The setup includes a 12.3″ center screen and an exclusive 10.25″ interactive front passenger screen.
Jeep already announced that the 2024 Wagoneer S EV will start at $71,995, but now the company has revealed lease prices for the first time.
According to Jeep, the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition can be leased for $599 per month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year). The deal includes $4,999 due at signing and a $7,500 EV incentive. However, you may want to act fast, as Jeep’s offer is only good until December 2, 2024.
| Jeep Wagoneer S vs Tesla Model Y | Starting Price | Range | Lease Price |
| Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition | $71,995 | +300 miles | $599/mo |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | $44,990 | 320 miles | $299/mo |
| Tesla Model Y AWD | $47,990 | 308 miles | $399/mo |
| Tesla Model Y AWD Performance | $51,490 | 279 miles | $599/mo |
In comparison, Tesla Model Y RWD lease prices start at $299 for 36 months with $2,999 down (10,000 miles). The Performance AWD model starts at $599 per month. In an end-of-year promo, Tesla also offers 3 months of free Supercharging and Full Self-Driving.
Ready to drive off in your new electric SUV? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to view offers on the Jeep Wagoneer S and Tesla Model Y at a dealer near you.
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