The Tesla Cybertruck will always be remembered as the truck with the shattered windows. During the 2019 launch event, Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s chief designer, attempted to demonstrate that the truck’s windows were unbreakable. He threw a steel ball at the windows, and to everyone’s surprise, they shattered. Many argued that this was not a failure but a well-planned PR stunt. Regardless, the incident kept people talking about the Cybertruck for years, making headlines guaranteed.
Later on, Tesla released a behind-the-scenes video showing Franz von Holzhausen hitting the windows with a ball without any breakage. This suggests that the pickup truck’s windows are indeed more durable than regular car windows, except for armored vehicles. However, when Tesla began delivering the Cybertruck on November 30, 2023, they didn’t recreate the 2019 experience. Instead of a steel ball, Franz von Holzhausen used a soft baseball and threw it in a clumsy manner. As expected, the windows remained intact, allowing Tesla to revisit the previous incident without any consequences.
Franz von Holzhausen was probably the happiest person, considering that the Cybertruck on stage during the Delivery Day event turned out to be his own vehicle. This explained the lackluster throw that was later captured in an official press kit photo. Tesla slightly changed its tone, stating that the Cybertruck’s windows are “rock-proof” instead of shatterproof. While that’s a nice statement, some people still want to witness what that actually means.
That’s where Taras Maksimuk comes in, the individual behind the popular YouTube channel TechRax. The Ukrainian YouTuber gained fame for boiling, hammering, and blending various objects, mainly iPhones. Two years ago, his encounter with a Tesla didn’t end well for the car’s center screen, as Taras used a hammer to destroy it. Now, his 7.6 million subscribers were treated to a recreation of the Cybertruck’s steel-ball moment. But this time, it wasn’t just an easter egg; it was an actual steel ball throw.
If you’ve ever wondered whether the Cybertruck delivered to real customers has windows that can withstand shattering, you can find out by watching the TechRax video below. Taras throws a steel ball at the truck’s windows, and they hold up fairly well against the abuse. Some may argue that the ball used was smaller than the one Franz used in 2019, making it lighter and causing less damage. Nevertheless, it’s commendable to see someone daring enough to do this in the name of science.
Replacing the Cybertruck’s side windows is not overly expensive, as indicated by the Tesla parts catalog. The front door windows are priced at $260, while the rear door windows are slightly cheaper at $225. These prices are for the parts alone and do not include labor and taxes. So, if you own a Cybertruck and want to test its window durability, the cost of fixing any potential damage won’t break the bank. However, keep in mind that it may take a while before Tesla has the replacement parts available and schedules a repair, so proceed with caution.