This review analyzes the practical feasibility of using the Tesla Cybertruck as a temporary sleep or camping environment, focusing exclusively on the vehicle’s interior cabin constraints and the performance of its dedicated "Camp Mode" functionality. The test was conducted overnight in sub-freezing conditions (approx. -3°C) by a 1.88-meter (6’2”) individual utilizing the rear passenger area, as the vault (bed) is physically separated from the cabin and lacks climate control access. The narrator confirms that sleeping is possible, but highly constrained, necessitating a curled or crouched position, leading to discomfort and circulatory issues. The vehicle’s Camp Mode successfully maintained a comfortable interior temperature (21°C) over 7.5 hours, resulting in an 11% battery drain (from 88% to 77%) from the 124 kWh pack. This demonstrates the viability of utilizing the HVAC system for extended periods, despite the ergonomic shortcomings of the sleeping area.
Target Review Group: Automotive Journalists, Vehicle Ergonomists, and Electric Vehicle Camping Enthusiasts.
Cybertruck Overnight Utilization and Ergonomic Analysis
0:09 Vehicle Context: The test utilizes a rented Tesla Cybertruck (CT), noted as one of less than 1,000 currently available worldwide. The narrator is 1.88 meters tall (6’2”).
1:06 Vault Isolation: The CT’s bed (Ladefläche/Vault) is sealed from the cabin. The rear window is fixed and the section is inaccessible, preventing the use of the vault area for climate-controlled sleeping.
1:37 Cabin Space Assessment: The rear passenger doors open 90 degrees. The rear seats must be folded upward to create a flat(ish) floor space.
2:05 Ergonomic Constraint: A lying test (Liegetest) confirms the 1.88m individual cannot fully extend in the rear cabin space. The knees must be bent, and the head rests against the back of the front seat/panel.
2:23 Camp Mode Functionality: The vehicle is equipped with Camp Mode, which keeps the HVAC system active, maintains a set temperature (22°C/71.6°F), and secures the vehicle until the battery level reaches 20%.
2:44 Battery and Climate Setup: The vehicle started with 93% charge (124 kWh battery, 476 km range). The interior temperature was set to 21°C (69.8°F). The external temperature was 3°C (37.4°F) with snow expected later.
4:03 Lighting Intrusion: The cabin ceiling features a large glass area, which allows light intrusion at sunrise, as no window shades or covers were available.
6:09 Overnight Conditions: The test began at 1:36 AM with 88% battery charge (452 km range) and an external temperature of 3°C. The cabin temperature was held at a consistent 21°C throughout the night.
6:29 Initial Comfort Report: The narrator noted the inability to stretch legs fully but described the experience as "cosy" and "not terrible" despite the spatial limitation.
7:24 Morning Findings (09:00 AM): After 7.5 hours of sleep, the narrator reported waking up multiple times due to restricted circulation, noting that his legs were often in an elevated or cramped position ("eingeschlafen") leading to tingling.
8:00 Usability Conclusion: While the Camp Mode successfully maintained comfortable temperature and air quality, the sleeping area is "not ideal" and "not comfortable." However, the functionality makes the CT viable for emergency or short-duration sleeping, unlike the original Tesla Roadster.
8:34 Energy Consumption Metric: The battery started at 88% (452 km range) and ended at 77% (396 km range), indicating an 11% drop over approximately 7.5 hours of continuous HVAC operation in cold conditions.