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There’s something special about a first road trip in a new vehicle, especially when it’s one as polarizing as the Tesla Cybertruck. While plenty of people still question its design and presence on the road, real owners are building a different narrative. This time, it comes from a long-distance trip that revealed not just the practical side of the Cybertruck, but its cost efficiency too. That was what caught my attention while scrolling through the “Tesla Cybertruck Owners” group on Facebook this morning. I found a post from Taylor Holden who had just completed his very first road trip in the Cybertruck spanning 1,100 miles over two days, and he relied heavily on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature to do the heavy lifting. But the thing that really stood out wasn’t just the tech, but the cost. Here’s how he put it:
“Just did our first roadtrip in it. 1100 miles. We broke it up over two days and mostly had FSD do the work. Spent about $119 in electricity. Way way better than my old F150 Raptor.”
What Owners Are Saying
Brian Miller chimed in under Taylor’s post and provided a breakdown that only solidified the contrast: “I also have an F150 Raptor. Enjoying that amazing 12 mpg. Translation: 1100 miles = 92 gals at 3.50/gal. $321. Nice pivot!” Greg Abrams added a bit of regional perspective to that with a touch of humor: “In California you’d be greeted with Gavin Newsom pricing at the gas pumps. Add about one dollar more per gallon!” That extra cost is a daily reality for West Coast drivers, and it only reinforces how much of a game changer EV ownership can be.
Luke Sanchez offered another perspective that highlights the everyday affordability of the Cybertruck: “Dang, I’d only be able to go 300 miles in my Jaguar F-PACE with $120. Probably only 150 miles in my F-350. I love my Cybertruck for long distance traveling. I can go from my place in Palm Springs to LA and back for $6 if I charge at home to 100%. Nothing like a Tesla.” Charging at home is definitely a key detail here. Many EV owners who take advantage of off-peak or solar charging at home see even lower costs than Taylor’s.
Another comment from William Murray brought up a subtle yet underrated benefit of EV travel: “I like that when you stop to recharge, there is no swiping of a card and going through all of the annoying prompts on gas pumps these days. No having to stand by the vehicle while it refuels and then going in to use the restroom to get snacks. Park, plug, and head in.” It’s a good reminder that EVs aren’t just about what’s under the hood, as they also redefine the whole travel experience. Many people are loving that change.
Let’s Talk About the Numbers
So what does $119 over 1,100 miles really boil down to? About 10.8 cents per mile. For context, many Tesla Model 3 and Model Y owners who charge at home often report costs around 4–5 cents per mile. But the Cybertruck is a full-size electric pickup with a heavy frame and significantly higher energy consumption.
For a vehicle that likely consumes 400–500 Wh/mi on a long road trip, a per-mile cost of 10.8¢ is actually pretty impressive. That’s especially true since Taylor was most likely Supercharging for this entire trip. And when you consider that most pickup trucks on gas land somewhere in the 20–30¢ per mile range depending on efficiency and fuel prices, this is a major win.
While some critics online have complained that the Cybertruck isn’t energy efficient enough or doesn’t get the same miles per kWh as smaller EVs, this real-world road trip proves otherwise. In fact, some owners have put the Cybertruck through even more extreme tests and still come away with costs that are manageable compared to ICE alternatives.
FSD and the New Era of Road Tripping
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The other major point in Taylor’s story is Full Self-Driving. While the feature still requires hands on the wheel and constant driver supervision, it’s clear how much it eases fatigue on multi-day trips. Not having to manually steer through endless highway miles or keep adjusting speed is a luxury more people are appreciating as they take longer trips in Teslas.
This level of semi-autonomy not only redefines what we expect from a vehicle but also redefines how we drive. That’s part of the reason Cybertruck owners continue defending their trucks, even when met with skepticism from traditional truck communities. They’re experiencing something fundamentally different. It’s also why so many people, even those who once scoffed at the Cybertruck, are starting to change their minds once they drive one.
A Balance Between Truck and Efficiency
Taylor used the Cybertruck the way it was meant to be used—a capable, no-nonsense long-haul EV. That’s what makes this story so refreshing too. It strips away the hype, the memes, and the viral videos, and instead puts the Cybertruck in the context of something simple and real. These kinds of moments matter, because they bring attention back to what the truck actually does, not just what people think it is.
Plus, if you told me a few years ago that a massive stainless-steel electric truck would be able to handle a multi-day road trip at just over 10¢ per mile, I would’ve had questions. But now? It’s not just real, it’s become a standard.
Key Takeaways for EV Truck Owners and Shoppers
- 10.8¢ per mile is a win: Especially for a large vehicle like the Cybertruck using Superchargers.
- Home charging can bring costs even lower: Owners like Luke report round-trips for as little as $6.
- FSD changes road trip dynamics: It doesn’t drive for you, but it does reduce fatigue in a meaningful way.
- The real value of EVs goes beyond fuel savings: It’s also about convenience, comfort, and the overall experience.
- Gas pricing isn’t just high, it’s unpredictable: Although electricity prices are also subject to fluctuation, gas price volatility makes EV’s more attractive.
- The Cybertruck isn’t just for hype: Owners are using it to carry heavy loads, take their grandfathers on last drives, and challenge assumptions.
Let’s Hear From You
Have you taken your EV on a long-distance trip? How did it compare to what you used to drive?
And what do you think about Full Self-Driving on trips like this? Does it make the experience more relaxing? Or do you still prefer to stay fully hands-on?
Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear your opinion.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: Tesla’s gallery.
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Source: torquenews.com
