Electrify Expo’s BJ Birtwell Discusses Cybertruck, Online Electric Vehicle Buying, And More

BJ Birtwell, CEO and Founder of Electrify Expo, the largest and most exciting electric vehicle event in the United States, appeared on Electrify Podcast live on November 30, 2023, with host Jarod DeAnda.

During the podcast, Birtwell shared some insightful thoughts, stating, “Tesla has been able to successfully navigate direct sales.” He then highlighted the significance of Amazon entering the automotive retail space, noting, “63% of American consumers shop on Amazon. Now they’re getting into the retail car business.”

Exploring further, Birtwell described the convenience offered by this new approach: “The way that I understand it, you can have your car directly delivered to you from Amazon, you can get financed through Amazon, and you can also choose to have the dealer deliver it [your electric car]. This is huge!” He emphasized the impact on consumers, saying, “If consumers are not getting answers to their questions on the dealer level, well guess what happens? Electrify Expo becomes ‘point of sale’.”

Birtwell highlighted Electrify Expo’s role in providing answers and hands-on experiences, saying, “Not only are consumers getting their questions answered, but you’re also able to test out everything imaginable. By the time you leave Expo, you know what you want to buy, and you just transact on Amazon.”

He then predicted a broader industry shift, stating, “This [news] is pointing that other manufacturers are [likely] going to follow suit. This doesn’t look like it’s just going to be a Hyundai-thing. Hyundai just so happens to be leading the way.” He also expressed hope for dealers, suggesting, “Dealers can benefit from this because if dealers are delivering cars I’m sure they’re cut into this deal.”

Birtwell concluded by highlighting the optimal consumer experience created by Electrify Expo. This shift in the automotive industry is pushing towards a radical shift in the car-buying process. Traditional in-person dealership visits are gradually being replaced by more adaptable, convenient, and time-efficient alternatives.

Shift in Electric Vehicle Trends: Electrify Expo’s Mainstream Appeal and Growth

Birtwell mentioned that Electrify Expo’s attendees have shifted from the primarily eco-conscious early electric vehicle adopters to the more mainstream early majority consumer segment. These attendees are considering adopting EVs for a variety of reasons. Paramount among these reasons is the long-term savings an EV provides over gas-powered, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Birtwell compared the global shift from gas to electric and hybrid cars as wide and far-reaching as the initial movement to motor vehicles from horse-drawn carriages.

Electrify Expo has seen incredible growth over the last two and a half years, including the 15 shows completed so far. There are three new cities added to the Expo’s calendar for 2024, which are Denver, CO, Phoenix, AZ, and Orlando, FL. Birtwell thanked electric vehicle expert Loren McDonald of EVAdoption.com for speaking about the state of the EV nation at Electrify Expo’s Industry Day in Austin, Texas, in November 2023, as an important part of the Electrify Expo.

Tesla Participates in Electrify Expo

Tesla joined the Electrify Expo as an exhibitor for events coming up in 2024. The company originally joined the Expo in 2023 as the only touring EV event in which the company has participated, making a significant change to its previous marketing strategy. A wide variety of other EV makers participate in the shows as well.  An unprecedented closer look at Tesla’s Cybertruck occurred at the recent Electrify Expo in Austin, Texas.

Tesla Cybertruck Delivery Event on November 30, 2023, in Austin, TX

First unveiled in 2019, the Cybertruck is Tesla’s first truck. The futuristic vehicle looks like something straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie, with a stainless-steel exterior, called an “exoskeleton”. The Tesla Cybertruck saga has been nothing short of a cinematic thriller. With unexpected delays, dramatic pricing increases, and intriguing spy shots, the journey has been a wild ride. 

Approximately a Dozen Trucks Were Delivered to Owners During a Live-Streamed Broadcast On X, Elon Musk’s Social Media Platform

A live broadcast of the delivery event was streamed on Musk’s social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The event concluded in less than half an hour. During the live-streamed broadcast, approximately a dozen trucks were handed off to their new owners. This live event allowed Tesla enthusiasts and prospective customers around the world to witness this pivotal moment.

Cybertruck Assessment: Electric Vehicle Enthusiasm, Market Potential, and Utility

Loren McDonald, CEO of EVAdoption, said about the Cybertruck: “The Cybertruck is clearly unique and has many impressive capabilities, but it also fell well short of expectations in both range and price. The truck, however, will see strong demand from Tesla fans and urban road and weekend warriors – in essence, people seeking the new, greener, and futuristic Hummer. But one interesting unknown is will the Cybertruck also become popular for work usage by construction companies and fleets, in essence replacing Ford F-150s, or will it be mostly used by consumers who want to say, “Look at me”?”

The Cybertruck Offers An Impressive Payload

The Cybertruck features a payload capacity of 2,500 pounds and an 11,000-pound towing capacity. These numbers aren’t just impressive; they firmly establish the Cybertruck as a heavyweight in the electric truck market. Regarding payload, the Cybertruck’s 2,500-pound capacity means it can handle substantial cargo with ease. Whether it’s construction materials, equipment, or other hefty loads, the Cybertruck is up to the task.

Range, Speed, and Revised Pricing

Tesla’s Cybertruck comes in three trims: Cyberbeast, All-Wheel Drive, and Rear-Wheel Drive. Prices have increased significantly since they were first announced in 2019. Those changes are noted below.

Tesla’s Cybertruck will have a starting price of $60,990 for the rear-wheel drive model, which is expected to be available in 2025. The vehicle’s estimated range is 250 miles, and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a commendable 6.5 seconds. $39,900 was the starting price in 2019.

For those seeking more power and traction, the all-wheel drive iteration of the Cybertruck comes with a price tag of $79,990 and is slated for delivery in 2024. This model impresses with an estimated range of 340 miles, 0 to 60 acceleration in a swift 4.1 seconds, and a top speed of 112 miles per hour. $49,900 was the price in 2019.

At the premium end of the spectrum is the “Cyberbeast” model, starting at $99,990 with deliveries commencing next year. This version boasts an estimated range of 320 miles, a blistering 0 to 60 acceleration time of 2.6 seconds, and can reach top speeds of 130 miles per hour, according to Tesla’s figures. The 2019 price for this model was $60,990.

The Cybertruck Is Attracting Massive Attention Around the World

Electric vehicle adoption experts, pundits, and advocates point to the truck’s high price, heavy weight, and limited availability as downsides to its support for EV adoption. However, the unmistakable look of the truck has gained worldwide attention, and that attention benefits the EV revolution as more attention is focused on electric vehicles. Because of this, the overall benefit to EV adoption that the truck provides is a marketing function, increasing awareness of electric vehicles through its many media appearances.

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