Rapper 2 Chainz is no stranger to over-the-top products and experiences. In fact, the entertainer starred in an entire four-season reality series dedicated to testing some of the most luxurious products and experiences that companies have to offer.
2 Chainz recently appeared on a YouTube episode of Club Shay Shay hosted by podcaster and former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe. The two admired the rapper’s car collection as 2 Chainz explained his love for a certain Tesla model that has been under scrutiny lately.
2 Chainz owns a controversial Tesla EV, here’s what he likes about it
In the Club Shay Shay YouTube video, Shannon Sharpe asks 2 Chainz if he ever drives himself or if he is always chauffeured. 2 Chainz responds ” I drive myself. It’s about convenience, right? I have the Cybertruck.” He goes on to say it’s “one of the most comfortable, and convenient, and easy-driving cars that I have.”
Let’s address each of 2 Chainz’s comments regarding the Cybertruck. As for its comfort, Tesla’s entire lineup is luxury-adjacent, featuring a distinct refined and uncluttered cabin design. Several owners in a Cybertruck owner’s forum say that the EV has a smooth ride quality. Its ride quality and driving dynamics also support the rapper’s “easy-driving” statement.
As a celebrity, 2 Chainz said he enjoys avoiding public gas stations thanks to the EV’s fully electric powertrain. This can ring true for any EV if home charging or avoiding gas stations is considered convenient to a driver. But why is the Cybertruck a point of controversy in the first place?
Did Tesla Cybertruck pre-orders pan out?
Tesla’s Cybertruck has been making headlines for years because of its historic number of pre-orders, unconventional design, and unique features. Tesla received over a million pre-orders for the Cybertruck, according to technology publication Wired. However, the automaker only sold 38,965 units in 2024, said Business Insider.
So, what’s the conversion rate on pre-orders for the Cybertruck? If the units sold in 2024 were all from pre-orders, the rate of conversion would only be 3.9%. It could be significantly less since some Cybertruck sales in 2024 weren’t pre-orders. Ultimately, hundreds of thousands of potential buyers chose not to fulfill their orders, and many of them could have had reasons related to the EV’s design flaws.
Tesla Cybertruck design flaws
The Cybertruck’s design flaws are well-documented by several publications including Business Insider. Aside from a potentially dangerous front-trunk closing mechanism, rear visibility is also a huge issue for many drivers due to the truck’s unique boxy design.
The 2024 Cybertruck was recalled a whopping eight times, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Sure, the EV is innovative, but eight recalls in a single year is cause for concern for any vehicle.
How much does a Tesla Cybertruck cost?
If you’re willing to pay top dollar, the Tesla Cybertruck isn’t a bad EV in terms of performance. The Tesla Cybertruck starts at $69,990. Every trim is eligible for the current federal electric vehicle tax incentive of $7,500, according to Tesla’s website.
The most impressive of the Cybertruck trims is the Cyberbeast. It starts at $99,990 and has an estimated driving range of 301 miles. The EV rockets from 0-60 in an otherworldly 2.6 seconds, which isn’t typical for such a large vehicle.
Tesla Cyberbeast features
Performance launch mode
Premium interior with suede textile trim
Tri-motor all-wheel drive
128-mph top speed
The Cybertruck may not be the best option for every driver, but it does boast impressive acceleration as well as sporting a unique exterior design. For better or worse, it’s one of a kind.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2 Chainz calls this controversial Tesla EV ‘comfortable, convenient’
