Viral Video of Tesla Cybertruck Withstanding Rock Impact is AI-Generated

A seemingly remarkable video showcasing the Tesla Cybertruck’s durability has been making rounds across social media platforms, garnering large numbers of views and shares.

Social Media Posts

A widely shared video appears to show a Tesla Cybertruck withstanding a direct hit from a large rock that was dropped onto it by construction equipment. The video has been shared on multiple platforms.

Source | Archive

Source | Archive

Fact Check

Our analysis of the footage reveals clear signs of of digital manipulation, likely AI-generated. The rock’s impact behavior defies physics, it disintegrates into a cloud of dust instead of breaking apart or ricocheting as a real rock would. Furthermore, the Cybertruck’s surface shows no impact marks or residual dust after the collision, which would be impossible in a genuine test scenario.

Additionally, in a later frame, the Cybertruck’s passenger-side door suddenly vanishes from the video, with no door parts or pieces visible anywhere. This kind of error commonly appears in AI-generated videos when the software fails to maintain consistent objects throughout the animation.

To verify if the video was computer-generated, we analyzed it using Hive Moderation, a specialized AI detection tool. The results strongly indicated that the video was created using artificial intelligence, supporting what we noticed in our visual inspection.

Using reverse image search, we found that the video is similar to work by @realisticaivid, who creates AI-generated car videos. When we contacted this creator, they told us two important things: first, they didn’t make the viral Facebook video, and second, someone had taken their original content without permission. The creator pointed to an Instagram account, @lexraym, as the likely source of this unauthorized copy.

Left: Video made by @realisticaivid, posted 4 weeks ago.

Right: Video made by @lexraym, posted 2 weeks ago.

Tesla’s Official Durability Claims

While this viral video has been proven to be fabricated, Tesla has conducted official demonstrations and documented real-world incidents regarding the Cybertruck’s durability. The vehicle uses an “exoskeleton” design with stainless steel panels tested against sledgehammer impacts. The “Armor Glass” windows underwent multiple tests, with initial challenges and subsequent improvements in impact resistance. According to Tesla’s specifications, the truck bed has a capacity exceeding 1,000 pounds. In one documented case, the vehicle was involved in an explosion in Las Vegas, where the design reportedly contributed to damage mitigation. These demonstrations and incidents, while noteworthy, are very different from what is shown in this fabricated viral video.

Conclusion

Our investigation reveals that this viral video of a Tesla Cybertruck being struck by a large rock is fabricated. The footage was digitally created and does not reflect actual testing conditions. While Tesla has documented the Cybertruck’s durability through legitimate demonstrations and real-world tests, this particular video is misleading.