When Elon Musk first unveiled the Tesla Cybertruck, he made a bold promise: “It’s bulletproof.”
At the time, the claim sounded like something straight out of a sci-fi movie—a futuristic, all-electric vehicle that could withstand gunfire and still drive away unscathed.
But then came the infamous 2020 unveiling—where Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, threw a metal ball at the Cybertruck’s “unbreakable” windows… and shattered them in front of a live audience.
It was one of the most embarrassing moments in Tesla’s history, and it left many wondering: Is the Cybertruck really bulletproof, or is this just another Elon Musk exaggeration?
Now, years later, Musk is doubling down on his claim. In a recent statement, he once again insisted that the Cybertruck’s armor plating is the real deal—and this time, he has the proof to back it up.
So, is he telling the truth? Or is this just another attempt to hype up Tesla’s most controversial vehicle? Let’s break it down.
Elon Musk’s Original Bulletproof Promise
When Musk first announced the Cybertruck, he described it as a “Tesla-armored tank” built for both the apocalypse and everyday driving.
Here’s what he originally claimed:
The Cybertruck’s exoskeleton is made of ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel—the same material used in SpaceX’s Starship rockets.
The windows are made from Tesla Armor Glass, designed to withstand heavy impacts.
The truck’s body is resistant to small arms fire, meaning it can take bullets from a 9mm handgun without sustaining damage.
At first, these claims sounded almost too good to be true. A bulletproof, all-electric truck that could survive real-world attacks? It sounded more like something from a video game than reality.
But Musk insisted it was real—until that now-infamous demo happened.
The Cybertruck Window Fail: What Really Happened?
The 2020 Cybertruck reveal was supposed to be a historic moment, showcasing Tesla’s breakthrough in vehicle durability.
To demonstrate the strength of Tesla Armor Glass, Musk invited Franz von Holzhausen to throw a metal ball at the truck’s window.
And then… CRACK.
The supposedly “shatterproof” window completely broke, leaving Musk visibly shocked.
Trying to recover, Musk asked Franz to throw the ball at a second window—and it shattered too.
The audience was stunned. A vehicle that was supposed to be the toughest truck ever built had just failed its biggest durability test… on live television.
Musk later explained that the test had already compromised the glass because the team had earlier hit the truck’s door with a sledgehammer. But the damage was done—the internet exploded with memes, and people questioned whether the Cybertruck was actually as strong as Musk claimed.
Musk’s Latest Bulletproof Test: Real or Staged?
Fast forward to 2024, and Musk is now doubling down on the Cybertruck’s bulletproof design—and this time, he has video evidence.
A new Tesla promo video recently surfaced, showing Musk’s team shooting the Cybertruck with a 9mm handgun.
The result? No damage to the truck’s body.
The glass? That wasn’t tested this time (probably for good reason).
Musk himself even posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“We actually shot the Cybertruck with a Tommy gun & it didn’t even dent. This is literally a bulletproof truck.”
The internet erupted once again—this time with mixed reactions.
Some praised Tesla for actually delivering on their original promise.
Others called the test staged, questioning whether Tesla only showed the successful shots and ignored any failures.
So… what’s the truth?
Is the Cybertruck ACTUALLY Bulletproof?
To separate fact from fiction, let’s analyze what we know:
-
The body is made of ultra-hard stainless steel – This material is indeed incredibly strong and can stop certain bullets, particularly 9mm rounds. So, yes—the body is bullet-resistant.
The glass is still questionable – Tesla hasn’t repeated a live glass test since the infamous 2020 fail, so we still don’t know if the windows can withstand bullets.
Higher-caliber bullets might be a problem – While the truck’s body panels can likely handle small arms fire, it’s unclear if they can withstand rifle rounds or armor-piercing bullets.
So, in simple terms: The Cybertruck is bullet-resistant, but probably not fully bulletproof.
Why Would Elon Musk Want a Bulletproof Truck?
Most people don’t need a bulletproof truck. So why is Musk so focused on making it?
Here’s why it actually makes sense:
-
It’s a marketing strategy – Saying the Cybertruck is “bulletproof” makes it sound way cooler than just calling it “tough.” It helps generate hype and boost sales.
It’s useful for certain buyers – Some people (like wealthy individuals, off-road enthusiasts, and preppers) actually do want an armored vehicle.
It fits Musk’s futuristic vision – Musk wants Tesla to be seen as the company of the future, and what’s more futuristic than a bulletproof, all-electric truck?
Should You Buy a Cybertruck for Its “Bulletproof” Feature?
If you’re considering buying a Cybertruck just because it’s “bulletproof”, here’s what you should know:
✔ The stainless steel body is durable and resistant to small arms fire.
✔ It’s probably one of the toughest electric trucks on the market.
❌ The glass is still a mystery, and Tesla hasn’t tested it in public since 2020.
❌ It’s not an armored military vehicle—it likely won’t withstand rifle rounds or high-caliber bullets.
So, if you’re expecting a full-on Batmobile, you might be disappointed. But if you just want a tough, futuristic truck that turns heads, the Cybertruck is still one of the most unique vehicles ever built.
Final Verdict: Is Musk Telling the Truth?
Elon Musk has a history of making big claims, and sometimes they turn out to be half-true.
With the Cybertruck, the body is indeed bullet-resistant, but the windows remain questionable. So while Musk’s claim isn’t completely false, it’s not 100% accurate either.
But let’s be honest—that won’t stop Tesla fans from lining up to buy one.
What do you think? Is the Cybertruck’s bulletproof feature a game-changer or just clever marketing? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
