Tesla reveals way to protect the Cybertruck's stainless steel body

Tesla has given US owners of the Cybertruck a tried-and-tested way of protecting their electric pickup’s stainless steel bodywork – but it comes at a hefty price.

The company will offer a choice of five vinyl wraps for the striking ute, albeit through just four Tesla service centres in California.

It’s not the first time Tesla has offered wraps instead of more paint colours, as last year it launched seven vinyl choices for the Model Y and Model 3 in the US – in addition to the five paint finishes available from the factory.

Like the wraps offered for the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, the Cybertruck’s vinyl options are made from a self-healing urethane-based film, claimed to be twice as thick as most third-party vinyl wraps to protect the base stainless steel body panels from scratches.

Pricing ranges from US$6000 to US$6500 (A$9150 to A$9915), which includes installation.

The five colours on offer include:

• Satin Abyss Blue
• Satin Rose Gold
• Slip Grey
• Satin Ceramic White
• Satin Stealth Black

Tesla Cybertruck owners also have the option of ordering a US$5000 (A$7630) clear satin vinyl wrap to protect the stainless steel body panels, which have recently caused concern for owners who have reported seeing “rust” appearing on their pickups.

Stainless steel isn’t meant to rust, and Wes Morrill – the Tesla Cybertruck’s lead engineer – has claimed the surface blemishes are merely caused by iron in the atmosphere (such as brake dust) which has landed on the body panels.

This can be cleaned off with certain stainless steel cleaning products, or can be prevented by having the aforementioned clear wrap applied.

The Tesla Cybertruck’s owner’s manual says “it is normal for the stainless steel exterior to mature over time, resulting in minor changes to the reflective properties and colour of the metal”.

Tesla advises owners to “not wait until the Cybertruck is due for a complete wash” and to “immediately remove corrosive substances (such as grease, oil, bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, far spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc)”.

MORE: Everything Tesla Cybertruck