Is the Tesla Cybertruck Bulletproof? Debunking the Myths

Despite the widespread reports and myths surrounding the Tesla Cybertruck, it is far from being bulletproof. The concept of a vehicle, especially an electric pickup, being indestructible is more of a fiction than a reality. As one expert put it, 'there is one test that no man-made object can ever survive.'

The Tempting Myth of Bulletproof Glass

Back in 2019, Tesla seemed to hint at the possibility of using bulletproof glass in their Cybertruck with the disclosure of a new patent. However, this was just a marketing ploy rather than a realistic feature. At the launch event, when Tesla design director Franz von Holzhausen threw a steel ball at the side window, the result was predictable - the window shattered.

Elon Musk, the driving force behind Tesla, insisted on trying again, but the result was the same. This video circulated online, further fueling the belief that Tesla was aiming for a truly indestructible vehicle. Yet, with the newly issued patent, we have a better understanding of how this multi-layer glass works.

Bulletproof or Tempered? The Actual Mechanism

The patent states that the supposed bulletproof glass should withstand a 2-joule shock with only a 10% chance of failure. This translates to a rock falling from a height of 40 cm (15.8 inches) having a very low chance of breaking the glass. The glass works thanks to several different layers, each serving a specific purpose.

Inner Glass: Chemically treated to increase its flexibility and strength. Adhesive Layer: Energy-absorbing, made of borosilicate salt glass containing boron oxide, making it more resistant to thermal shock. Outer Glass: Provides additional strength and protection.

Tesla's primary motivation for using this advanced glass is not to protect the occupants from shells fired at the vehicle, but to prevent rock chipping, thus extending the life of the glass. This is especially critical for windshields, which are vulnerable to gravel damage and are expensive to replace.

Reality Check: Practical Use and YouTube Tests

One of the first things a YouTuber who orders a Cybertruck might do is attempt to shoot at the window. However, the inevitable result is that the glass will shatter. This is because the glass used in the Cybertruck is not truly bulletproof - it is tempered glass. The terms 'bulletproof' and 'tempered' are not interchangeable.

For reference, the energy of a 9mm bullet is hundreds of joules, far beyond what the Cybertruck's glass is designed to handle. While the vehicle's thick stainless steel body provides some protection, the glass itself is not designed to withstand such impacts.

Conclusion

While the Tesla Cybertruck may be a marvel of modern engineering, boasting features such as bulletproof glass, it is not truly bulletproof. The term 'bulletproof' is often a marketing tool, and in reality, the glass used in the Cybertruck is tempered, designed to withstand rocks and hail but not high-velocity projectiles like bullets. So, the next time you see a video purporting to prove the Cybertruck is bulletproof, remember - it's just a feature that's misunderstood.