Tesla Engineer Takes on Cybertruck Rust Debate, Clears the Air

Feb 20, 2024 08:08 PM EST

(Photo : PEXELS/Vladimir Srajber)

The Tesla Cybertruck, a highly anticipated vehicle, has quickly come under intense scrutiny despite being in customers' hands for just a few months. The rust on the pickup has become a major and recent cause of concern. Amidst this growing unease, the lead engineer responsible for the Cybertruck has stepped forward to address and conclusively resolve the ongoing debate surrounding the rust issue.

Tesla's Engineer Address Rust Debate

With the Cybertruck being a high-profile release, the appearance of rust has understandably raised eyebrows. Owners have expressed dismay over the visible signs of rust on their latest investment. Photos circulating show numerous spots of rust on various panels. Given the price for purchasing a Tesla Cybertruck, such reports have sparked significant alarm. Moreover, the truck in question prides itself for toughness and durability.

As Valentine's Day came around, reports surfaced about several Cybertruck owners expressing dissatisfaction over what appeared to be rust forming on the surface of their trucks. Images from these owners showcased an array of rust spots on different panels, fueling concerns within the owner community and beyond.

According to DPA International, Tesla engineer Wes Morrill stated the rust spots appearing on the stainless-steel bodywork are considered normal and easily removable. Morrill directly addressed the recent reports indicating that the pick-up's exterior begins to exhibit specks of rust following exposure to rain, affirming that these small orange spots, resembling the size of a pinhead, are likely attributed to surface contamination.

Morrill clarified the presence of apparent rusting on the Cybertruck as originating from metal particles that could have accumulated during the vehicles' manufacturing process or while being transported on railway wagons. Moreover, he cited a YouTube video to clear the issue. On the social media platform X, Morrill conveyed that the rusting was not a result of the Cybertruck's metal itself, but rather the result of dust settling on its surface.

In his post, the Cybertruck engineer debunked the misconception. He highlighted the reactivity of stainless steel and explaining that the rusting was solely due to surface contamination, emphasizing that it can be easily cleaned off. He affirmed that stainless is reactive and free iron that sits on it will rust.

Solution to Cybertruck Rusting

As per CarScoops, Morrill, the lead engineer for the Tesla Cybertruck, took to X to commend the efforts of a certain YouTuber who is actively addressing the Cybertruck rust issue. This YouTuber discovered that the problem actually stems from contaminants settling onto the body panels, creating the appearance of rust.

In reality, it is the particulates that are undergoing rusting, not the panels themselves, and household products such as Barkeeper's Friend or Windex can effectively eliminate them. Additionally, Morrill mentioned the effectiveness of Citrisurf 77 for the same problem and suggested the use of a non-scratch Scotch Brite pad. However, despite the potential efficacy of these methods, a persistent issue remains.

If these spots manifest after just a day or two of exposure to the natural environment, then regular cleaning using these products will likely become a weekly necessity for most Cybertruck owners.