FYI: A Tesla Cybertruck owner in Missouri saves nearly $65 daily on fuel costs by using the electric vehicle to tow his construction trailer, replacing his gas-guzzling Dodge Ram.
Tesla Cybertruck Saves Contractor Nearly $65 Daily in Fuel Costs
A Missouri-based contractor and Tesla Cybertruck owner recently shared an observation that has captivated the electric vehicle community. Dan Burke, who owns and operates White Wolf Construction & Home Inspection, reported significant fuel savings after switching to his Cybertruck for towing his construction trailer around town.
Substantial Fuel Savings
Burke took to social media platform X to detail his experience, explaining that despite some range reduction due to towing, the Cybertruck’s performance suits his day-to-day needs perfectly. Remarkably, Burke estimates he’s saving approximately $65 per day in fuel alone.
"Cybertruck doing the work. It’s replaced my Ram as the around-town tow vehicle for the construction trailer. Even with reduced range, most of my trips are 15-20 miles each way a few times a day. Saves me almost $65 a day in fuel!!" – Dan Burke (@DeBergo), X, August 13, 2024.
Comparison to a Dodge Ram
Naturally, such a significant claim drew skepticism online. However, Burke’s explanation sheds light on why his savings are so high. His previous towing vehicle, a Dodge Ram, was equipped with multiple performance modifications and a towing tune that required premium fuel while averaging only 9 miles per gallon (mpg). On a typical day, Burke noted that his Ram guzzled around $70 worth of fuel.
Efficient Charging at Home
The transition to the Cybertruck has dramatically lowered Burke’s fuel expenses. Charging his Tesla at home during off-peak hours costs him merely 4.5 cents per kWh. With his daily activities centered around local driving distances, the Cybertruck suits his operational needs exquisitely, enabling savings of approximately $65 daily, roughly $325 weekly, and about $1,300 monthly.
"$65 a DAY in fuel savings… That’s dude’s Cybertruck payment, paid for… In FUEL SAVINGS. EV trucks are a no-brainer for 95% of the truck population." – Greggertruck (@greggertruck), X, August 13, 2024.
In a detailed post, Burke broke down the numbers:
"That’s how much gas I put in my Ram almost every day when I pull this trailer. It weighs 6300-ish pounds on a normal day, and the Ram gets right at 9 mpg pulling it. The Ram has a bunch of performance mods, which is great for power but sucks down fuel—premium fuel, no less, because of the towing tune I run on it. The Cybertruck is averaging 675 wh/mi on the same drive if I stay off the highway. On the highway, it’s around 824-875 depending on wind. So on a typical day, 160 miles /9mpg x 3.95 = $70. If I charge at my house, off-peak it’s 4.5 cents a kWh. 100 kWh back to the battery at 4.5 cents, and that’s about $65 a day in savings."
"Buying a Cybertruck for a work truck is a no-brainer. You save on fuel, maintenance, and it’s fast and fun to drive on top of that." – Dan Burke (@DeBergo), X, August 14, 2024.
Viable Choice for Business Use
While Burke’s case may appear unique due to the specific nature of his business, his story illustrates the significant cost-saving potential of electric vehicles like the Cybertruck for similar enterprises. Small to medium-sized businesses with short to medium distance towing needs could reap comparable benefits by integrating Tesla’s electric pickup truck into their operations.
Conclusion
Dan Burke’s experience underscores the substantial economic advantages of switching to electric vehicles. As Tesla continues to evolve its Cybertruck lineup, more business owners might find it a compelling choice for reducing operational costs.
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Authored by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
