The Tesla Cybertruck, an icon of automotive innovation, has more to offer than meets the eye. In a captivating episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Tesla’s Head of Design, Franz von Holzhausen, and Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, unveil a fascinating feature that goes beyond the Cybertruck’s striking design – its colossal windshield wiper.
Moravy delves into the challenges faced by the engineering team in creating a wiper that aligns with the Cybertruck’s aerodynamic profile. The gigantic size and strategic placement of the wiper presented obstacles that demanded ingenious solutions. To address aerodynamic concerns, Tesla ingeniously integrated a spoiler into the wiper arm. This design innovation ensures that air resistance presses the wiper against the windshield, preventing any unwanted flapping during high-speed drives.
The Cybertruck’s distinctively sharp and flat windshield shape posed additional challenges. The engineering team meticulously fine-tuned the angles and timing of the wiper to optimize water clearance, diverting it efficiently to the sides. Moravy emphasizes that this alone would be considered a substantial innovation by most companies, but for Tesla, it was just one facet of the overall engineering marvel.
Powering such a colossal wiper requires a robust motor, and Moravy reveals that it boasts “600 or 800 watts of power.” This formidable force ensures the wiper moves with the necessary speed to effectively clear water from the windshield.
The collaboration between the engineering team and von Holzhousen’s design crew was crucial in finding the right balance for the wiper. Initially, the desire was to create a smaller wiper for aesthetics. However, practicality took precedence, as the larger size was essential to keep the front-mounted cameras, located behind the windshield, free from water obstruction.
Von Holzhousen sheds light on an alternative wiper layout that was considered during the design process. The concept involved concealing the wiper blades under the hood, with the ability to pop out when needed. However, the team opted for simplicity and functionality, choosing to mount the wiper to the A-pillar, proving more aerodynamically effective.
While the hour-long video explores various aspects of the Cybertruck, from infotainment screen adjustments to off-road capabilities, the spotlight on the windshield wiper showcases Tesla’s commitment to innovation and problem-solving in every design detail. As the Cybertruck continues to redefine automotive standards, its aerodynamically optimized wiper stands as a testament to Tesla’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
Intrigued viewers also witness Jay Leno’s unconventional comparison of the Cybertruck to the Chevrolet Corvair, adding an unexpected twist to this exploration of automotive ingenuity.
