Cybertruck Owner Reveals How His Pickup Slashes Costs by Thousands Each Year

 

When Tesla first rolled out the Cybertruck, its sharp-angled design and sci-fi aesthetics stole headlines. But beneath the buzz about its looks and tech, a quiet revolution has been unfolding: owners are discovering just how much money they can save by ditching their gas-powered pickups.

Mike Harlan, a construction manager from Denver, Colorado, bought his Cybertruck early in 2024. Now, a year into ownership, he’s candid about the results: “This thing doesn’t just turn heads—it’s saving me a small fortune.”

We sat down with Harlan to unpack the ways his Cybertruck has transformed not only how he drives but also how he budgets.

1. The Fuel Factor: Instant, Big Savings

For pickup owners, fuel costs are often their biggest ongoing expense. Harlan’s previous ride, a RAM 1500, averaged 16 miles per gallon. With 25,000 miles driven each year, he shelled out over $5,500 annually just to keep his truck moving—especially painful with gas prices regularly spiking above $4 per gallon.

“The first month with the Cybertruck was like a revelation,” Harlan explains. “Instead of watching the gas needle drop, I just plug in at night.”

The Cybertruck uses roughly 30 kWh to travel 100 miles. At Colorado’s average electricity rate of about $0.13 per kWh, Harlan’s annual ‘fuel’ bill has dropped to around $975—an eye-popping $4,500 in yearly savings.

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2. No Oil, No Fuss: Minimal Maintenance

The maintenance demands of a traditional pickup—oil changes, spark plugs, belts, and exhaust work—are well known to any owner. Harlan says he was used to spending around $1,300 a year just keeping his RAM in fighting shape, not including surprise breakdowns.

“With the Cybertruck, I almost feel guilty,” he jokes. “No oil changes, no engine problems, and even my brake wear is way down because of regenerative braking.”

In his first year, Harlan’s maintenance costs totaled just $220, mainly for tire rotations and a routine systems check.

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3. Tax Breaks and Early-Bird Bonuses

One of the hidden financial perks for EV buyers comes at tax time. Harlan was able to capitalize on a $7,500 federal EV tax credit and a $2,000 state rebate, dramatically reducing his Cybertruck’s upfront cost.

“These incentives aren’t going to last forever,” Harlan points out. “But if you’re early to adopt, they’re a fantastic cushion.”

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4. Insurance: Not as Scary as Expected

One worry Harlan had before purchasing was insurance. With the Cybertruck’s high-tech components and unique design, he braced for a hefty premium. To his surprise, the bump in his policy was moderate—about $180 extra per year.

“For the savings elsewhere, it’s a no-brainer,” he says.

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5. Durability and Depreciation: Holding Value

Harlan also notes that Tesla vehicles, despite critics, have a reputation for holding their value longer than many traditional trucks. The Cybertruck’s stainless-steel bodywork has proven remarkably tough on job sites, shrugging off dents and scratches that would have sent his RAM to the body shop.

“Trucks are tools,” Harlan says, “and the Cybertruck feels bulletproof. I expect it to stay in great condition far longer than any gas truck I’ve owned.”

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6. Bonus: Solar-Powered Freedom

Earlier this year, Harlan went one step further and installed solar panels on his garage. Now, his Cybertruck is powered mostly by the sun.

“Once the solar was up, my fuel savings basically doubled,” he explains. “I’m paying next to nothing to drive now—it’s like free miles.”

This synergy between renewable energy and electric vehicles, Harlan says, is one of the most satisfying parts of his setup.

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Unexpected Wins

Beyond pure cost-cutting, Harlan highlights several perks that are harder to quantify. The tech-rich cabin—with features like Autopilot, giant touchscreen controls, and over-the-air updates—has elevated his daily commute and worksite travel.

“Honestly, driving the Cybertruck feels like stepping into the future,” Harlan reflects. “Every month it gets a little better thanks to software updates. My old RAM never did that.”

He also points out the environmental win. “I’m not burning gas anymore. That’s huge. I didn’t realize how much it mattered to me until I stopped.”

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Is It for Everyone?

Harlan acknowledges that the Cybertruck isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. “If you’re hauling huge trailers across remote areas without good charging infrastructure, you might hit limits,” he admits. “But for my mix of city and suburban driving, plus job sites, it’s perfect.”

He advises anyone considering the switch to think carefully about their driving patterns and charging options but stresses that “if the fit is right, the savings are very real.”

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Crucial Numbers: A Year of Savings

• Fuel Savings: ~$4,500/year

• Maintenance Savings: ~$1,000/year

• Tax Credits/Rebates: ~$9,500 (one-time)

• Insurance Increase: ~$180/year

• Solar Charging: ~$0 ongoing fuel cost (after installation)

In total, Harlan estimates he’s saving between $5,500 and $6,000 annually compared to his gas-powered truck—and that’s before factoring in resale value and long-term durability.

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The Road Ahead

As electric vehicles become more mainstream and charging infrastructure grows, stories like Harlan’s are likely to multiply. For now, he’s thrilled to be ahead of the curve.

“My only regret?” he grins. “Not buying it sooner.”