Tesla hands over keys for first cybertrucks

Tesla has delivered the first of its futuristic Cybertrucks to a select number of customers.

It marks the release of the electric car maker's first new vehicle since the Model Y more than three years ago.

The Cybertruck, which is made of a stainless steel alloy, puts Tesla in competition with electric car rivals Rivian and Ford.

The deliveries took place during an event in Austin that the company livestreamed.

The cheapest Cybertruck costs £50,000, while a fully loaded model, described as the 'Cyberbeast', costs £80,000, significantly more than the £32,000 price tag that CEO Elon Musk first announced in 2019.

Futuristic: Elon Musk pictured at the event with the new vehicle

Musk warned last month that it would take some time for Tesla to make money on the vehicle.

Production of the Cybertruck has been plagued by issues, including pandemic-related supply chain delays.

Jessica Caldwell, an analyst at online auto industry expert Edmunds, said the launch was a “real test” for Tesla.