A Tesla owner took matters into his own hands after the company quietly abandoned plans for a six-seat Cybertruck configuration. The father of four commissioned a custom modification to fit an additional seat in the truck’s center console, sharing the results with a Tesla enthusiast group on Facebook.
Tesla’s Broken Promise
Tesla originally teased a six-seat Cybertruck layout in promotional materials, but the feature never materialized in production models. Many speculate this was due to safety concerns and regulatory hurdles surrounding center-seat safety standards. The decision left some buyers with families feeling shortchanged, as the Cybertruck’s unique design had initially attracted those needing more passenger space.
The DIY Solution
The custom setup involves removing the center console and replacing it with a narrow, upright seat secured with a seatbelt. While the upholstery matches the original interior, the modification raises serious safety questions. The truck includes a driver-side inboard airbag that could pose a risk to the center passenger in a crash, and no frontal airbag is present for that position.
Crash Risk
There are also concerns about the seat’s structural integrity. It’s unclear whether the mounting points are strong enough to withstand the forces of a collision. The owner’s motivation is understandable – wanting to transport his entire family in one vehicle – but the aftermarket modification introduces a level of risk not present in factory-built cars.
Tesla’s Pattern of Unfulfilled Promises
This isn’t the first time Tesla has showcased features that later disappeared from production vehicles. The company previously demonstrated a front bench seat option, which was also scrapped. This pattern of bold announcements followed by quiet rollbacks has become a recurring theme under Elon Musk’s leadership.
The situation highlights a broader industry trend where manufacturers sometimes overpromise features to generate hype, only to scale them back due to technical or regulatory constraints.
The owner’s DIY solution underscores the demand for larger seating options in electric trucks. For families prioritizing safety and practicality, the Tesla Model X remains a more reliable choice, as it offers factory-installed seating for up to seven passengers.
Ultimately, while the custom Cybertruck modification demonstrates ingenuity, it also serves as a reminder that aftermarket alterations can compromise vehicle safety.
