I think the Tesla flat stainless steel idea was quite novel. Depending on the SS for integral strength is a good idea = OK for a prototype. The brakes are a bolt-on from another vehicle. Impact/crush resistance are at the prototype stage, same with most of the other items criticised = fine for prototypes, which undergo progressive design iterations to reach the saleable product. As for the long length of time gone by - ??, they may have overworked a scarce resource as well as underhired that same scarce resource to the point where they lack staff for tasks? The EV boom has soaked up all available new hires. On the other hand, piston ring honers for V-8's are available.
this is increasingly looking like the Delorean of trucks. There's a reason why no other vehicle looks like this, with those jarring angles and straight lines. I think this has a chance of being the white elephant of the Tesla range
Vehicle design is identical across dozens of brands because risk minimization and asset maximization not because the brand have found the perfect designs.
