The Tesla Cybertruck has generated a lot of buzz since its reveal, with many people wondering about its unique stainless steel exoskeleton. Tesla claims the vehicle offers some ballistic protection, specifically that it can withstand impact from a 9mm handgun round. Various tests conducted by YouTubers show the Cybertruck’s body panels can indeed stop some smaller caliber bullets, but it’s not fully bulletproof against larger rounds like .50 caliber rifles.
The vehicle’s durability comes from its Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless steel exterior. This material choice gives the Cybertruck significant advantages over traditional automotive sheet metal. The stainless steel construction provides resistance against dents, damage, and apparently some ballistic threats, making it tougher than conventional vehicles on the road today.
While the Cybertruck offers more protection than regular cars, it’s important to understand its limitations. The windows, despite being marketed as tough, don’t appear to offer the same level of ballistic protection as the body panels. And though it can stop some bullets, the Cybertruck isn’t built to military or armored vehicle standards.
The Tesla Cybertruck has captured a ton of attention for its bold design and claims of toughness, but is it really bulletproof? Let’s break it down and look at what we know about its armor capabilities—both from Tesla’s claims and real-world testing.
Tesla’s Claims: Bullet-Resistant, Not Bulletproof
When Elon Musk first unveiled the Cybertruck in 2019, he emphasized its “Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled Stainless Steel” exoskeleton. Tesla calls this material the same alloy SpaceX uses for its spacecraft. According to Musk, the body panels are designed to be bullet-resistant—specifically against 9mm handgun rounds.
What Does Bullet-Resistant Actually Mean?
- Bullet-resistant typically refers to something that can withstand some ballistic impacts without penetration but is not completely impervious to all types of bullets.
- Tesla has only ever mentioned resistance to handgun rounds, not higher-caliber rifle ammunition.
Real-World Testing: What Happens in Practice?
1. Elon Musk’s Personal Claims (2023 Update):
- Musk shared that his own Cybertruck was tested with a Tommy Gun, a 9mm handgun, and a shotgun at close range. According to him, it “didn’t even dent” the stainless steel body.
2. Independent Testing:
- Some third-party testers have fired 9mm rounds at the Cybertruck prototype panels. Results suggest that the metal body can withstand small-caliber handgun fire, but the windows are a different story.
What About the Windows?
- The armored glass demo fail at the 2019 reveal is infamous. Tesla has since improved the armor glass, but:
- It’s not certified ballistic glass.
- It won’t stop bullets the way the body panels might resist lower-caliber rounds.
For actual bulletproof windows, you’d need special ballistic glass, which Tesla does not offer as a standard option.
⚠️ Important Caveats
- The Cybertruck isn’t military-grade armor—it’s bullet-resistant for some small arms fire.
- Rifles, armor-piercing rounds, and high-powered weapons are a different story. The Cybertruck isn’t rated to stop those.
- It’s also important to mention bullet resistance can vary depending on distance, bullet type, and the specific part of the vehicle being hit.
So, Is the Tesla Cybertruck Bulletproof?
- No, not in the traditional sense like an armored vehicle used by military or security forces.
- But it does offer some protection against small-caliber handgun rounds, making it bullet-resistant, not bulletproof.
Bottom Line
The Tesla Cybertruck brings impressive toughness to the table. If you’re worried about a 9mm pistol, you’re likely covered. But if you expect Call of Duty levels of firepower, you’ll need a custom armored vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- The Cybertruck can stop some smaller caliber bullets like 9mm rounds but isn’t fully bulletproof against larger ammunition.
- Its Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless steel body provides significantly more protection than traditional vehicles.
- Tesla designed the Cybertruck for improved durability and safety, not as a fully bulletproof tactical vehicle.
Cybertruck Design and Durability
The Tesla Cybertruck features unique design elements that set it apart from traditional pickup trucks, with particular attention to durability features that have sparked discussions about its protective capabilities.
Stainless Steel Body
The Cybertruck’s exterior is constructed from what Tesla calls “Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless steel.” This material choice represents a significant departure from the aluminum and standard steel used in most modern pickup trucks.
The unusual angular exoskeleton design isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s engineered for strength. According to Tesla, this steel composition offers enhanced protection against dents, damage, and even certain types of bullets.
Tests conducted by YouTuber Zack Nelson (JerryRigEverything) explored these claims by firing various caliber rounds at the vehicle. His results indicated the Cybertruck’s body could withstand smaller caliber rounds like .22 and 9mm pistol ammunition.
However, the steel body showed vulnerability when faced with higher-powered ammunition. Rifle rounds, particularly .223 and .50 caliber, were able to penetrate the exterior.
Armor Glass Composition
The Cybertruck’s windows feature what Tesla markets as “Armor Glass,” designed to absorb and redirect impact force. This specialized glass composition is intended to provide greater protection than standard automotive glass.
Despite Tesla’s claims, the windows have shown mixed results in real-world testing. During the initial Cybertruck reveal, a demonstration intended to showcase the glass strength resulted in unexpected windshield damage when a metal ball was thrown at it.
Later tests by various reviewers have shown the glass can withstand certain impacts but isn’t impervious to breakage. The armor glass appears to offer improved hail protection compared to standard vehicle glass.
Repair estimates for damaged Armor Glass suggest replacements could be significantly more expensive than conventional automotive glass due to its specialized composition and installation requirements.
Ballistic Resistance and Safety
The Tesla Cybertruck has generated significant discussion about its protective capabilities. Tests have shown varying levels of resistance to different ammunition types, with the vehicle’s stainless steel exterior offering more protection than typical consumer vehicles.
Protection Against Firearms
The Cybertruck’s exterior is made from a 1.8mm thick stainless “super alloy” that provides some ballistic resistance. Tesla initially claimed the vehicle is bulletproof against 9mm rounds, though they did not mention any official armor rating certification.
Multiple independent tests have been conducted to verify these claims. Video demonstrations show the Cybertruck being tested against various ammunition, including .22, .17, 9mm, .223, and even .50-caliber rifles.
Results indicate that most smaller caliber rounds do not penetrate the passenger compartment. This level of protection exceeds what’s found in standard consumer vehicles, whose thin metal exteriors offer minimal ballistic resistance.
However, it’s important to note that the Cybertruck is not a fully armored vehicle. Higher caliber rounds can still penetrate its exterior.
Glass Roof and Misfire Incidents
The Cybertruck’s glass components have received mixed reviews regarding their durability. Tesla markets the vehicle with “Tesla Armor Glass,” suggesting enhanced protection compared to standard automotive glass.
Several documented incidents show the glass roof holding up well against moderate impacts. However, the infamous window-breaking incident during the Cybertruck’s unveiling raised questions about its actual durability.
Some Cybertruck owners have reported misfire incidents where firearms were accidentally discharged near or inside the vehicle. These cases provide real-world data on how the glass performs against ballistic threats.
Repair bills for damaged Cybertruck glass can be substantial due to the specialized materials and construction. Owners should understand that while the vehicle offers improved protection, it’s not impervious to all damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tesla’s Cybertruck has generated many questions about its bulletproof capabilities, pricing, and special features. Here are answers to some common questions based on current information as of March 2025.
What is the cost of the bulletproof Tesla Cybertruck?
The base Tesla Cybertruck starts at $60,990 for the rear-wheel drive model. The standard stainless steel exterior that offers some bullet resistance is included in this price.
However, this base price doesn’t include additional armor upgrades that would make the vehicle truly bulletproof against more powerful weapons.
How effective are the Tesla Cybertruck’s bulletproof windows?
Tesla Cybertruck windows have limited bullet resistance in their standard form. Tests show they may withstand some impacts but are not fully bulletproof.
The windows performed inconsistently during demonstrations, including the famous failed test during the vehicle’s unveiling. They may resist some 9mm rounds, but repeated shots or more powerful ammunition will likely break through.
What is the price range for the various models of the Tesla Cybertruck?
The Tesla Cybertruck comes in three main configurations with varying prices. The single-motor rear-wheel drive starts at $60,990.
The dual-motor all-wheel drive model is priced at $79,990. The top-tier “Cyberbeast” with three motors starts at $99,990.
Additional features and customizations can push the price significantly higher depending on the options selected.
What was the issue with the Tesla Cybertruck’s glass during the demonstration?
During the Cybertruck’s 2019 unveiling, Tesla’s chief designer threw a metal ball at the vehicle’s “armor glass” windows, which unexpectedly cracked.
Elon Musk later explained that the glass was weakened by an earlier sledgehammer demonstration that damaged the base of the window. This incident raised questions about the actual bulletproof capabilities of the vehicle.
Are all Tesla vehicles equipped with bulletproof features?
No, not all Tesla vehicles have bulletproof features. The Cybertruck is the only Tesla model that comes with a stainless steel exterior designed to offer some bullet resistance.
Standard Tesla models like the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y do not have bulletproof bodies or windows. These vehicles use conventional automotive materials without special ballistic protection.
What are the armored enhancement options available for the Cybertruck?
While Tesla offers the Cybertruck with its standard stainless steel body that can allegedly resist 9mm rounds, third-party companies like Armormax provide additional protection options.
These aftermarket enhancements can include ballistic glass replacements, reinforced body panels, and underbody protection. Full armoring packages can protect against various threat levels, from handguns to high-powered rifles.
The cost of these upgrades varies based on protection level, with comprehensive packages potentially adding $30,000 to $100,000 to the vehicle’s price.
