Tesla is procuring stainless steel panels for its upcoming Cybertruck from Finnish company Outokumpu Oyj, according to sources familiar with the matter, reports Bloomberg.
The materials are expected to be shipped to Tesla’s assembly plant in Austin, Texas. Outokumpu, Europe’s largest stainless steel producer, is known for collaborating with automakers, particularly for exhaust systems.
The stainless steel panels are a significant feature of the Cybertruck, which is not yet in full production. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has previously stated that the material is “bulletproof” and has promised updates on the Cybertruck’s production in an upcoming conference call on October 18. Unlike other trucks that use high-strength steel or aluminum panels, the Cybertruck’s use of stainless steel is unique and contributes to its futuristic appearance.
The stainless steel could be sourced from Outokumpu’s plant in Calvert, Alabama. The material is generally two to three times more expensive than regular steel.
The decision to use stainless steel is groundbreaking in the automotive sector, although it’s not expected to significantly impact the steel industry. Outokumpu’s stainless steel is typically used in bridges, railways, washing machines, and refrigerators.
It’s worth noting that Outokumpu also supplies SpaceX with stainless steel for Starship.
The Cybertruck is slated to join other electric trucks in the market, such as Ford’s F-150 Lightning and Rivian Automotive Inc.’s R1T. However, Tesla has not yet provided a sales forecast for the Cybertruck, which has been delayed by at least two years due to design and production challenges.
