Tesla's blocky, futuristic Cybertruck — a vehicle that looks like a low-poly model in real life — was recently spotted riding around the company's track in Fremont, California. Drone footage captured Tesla's prototype truck from multiple angles, revealing a new member of the model that even Musk wasn't satisfied with.
Vehicles must have certain components, which has proven to be an obstacle to some of Tesla's more ambitious concepts. Shortly after the video was posted online, some viewers noticed the seemingly inappropriate side mirrors on the Cybertruck prototype, but most focused on the giant windshield wiper.
The video was released on Dec. 10 by YouTube channel Chilean A|100; a drone was used to capture footage of a series of Tesla cars, including a Cybertruck model. The car is characterized by a long windshield that seems to blend in with the hood, giving it a sharp, clean look. The only question? Remove water droplets sufficiently when it rains.
Tesla's current solution seems to be nothing more than a long windshield wiper that, while simple enough, looks out of place and a bit outdated, otherwise reminiscent of sci-fi. Musk isn't happy with the design either, at least based on tweets he posted in response to criticism of the windshield wipers.
Musk suggested that a different, more attractive alternative could be developed to replace traditional wipers, but with that comes additional complexity. The wiper is currently in its very simple form and can be easily replaced by the driver if necessary. If it means more hassle during routine maintenance, is the more attractive Cybertruck alternative worth the change?
Of course, Tesla has the potential to design a solution that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain, just like a normal windshield wipers. Tesla also has the potential to bring to market the giant wiper we see on the prototype, making it look like a big black knife that periodically sweeps through the glass.
Tesla/USPTO
Back in September 2019, Electrek discovered Tesla's patent for a future windshield wiper that would use a single blade, an "electromagnetic moving block, and a rail. The patent shows that a rain and snow detection system can trigger the wiper to move back and forth on the windshield.
However, it's not uncommon for companies to patent technology they never ended up on the market, and the electromagnetic wiper concept is likely to fall into that category. For now, at least for now, the block Cybertruck is equipped with a completely ordinary wiper, and we will have to wait for future updates to see if it still exists.