Love it or hate it, the Tesla Cybertruck has taken the world by storm. Whether you think it was designed with just a ruler, or it looks like the coolest thing since sliced cheese, you can’t deny it’s a conversation starter, unlike no other car in the world.

However, behind its wedged shape and armored shell (and glass), sits an entirely new 48V vehicle architecture and other associated hardware and software that will see duty in many future Tesla models.

To find out more, Tesla-aficionado and gearhead Youtuber Sandy Munro sat down with the creators of the Tesla Cybertruck to find out the method behind the madness and these are five of the coolest things you need to know about it.

1. Why was the Cybertruck the first to get the 48V architecture, not the Model Y before it?

Despite its hi-tech image, all other Models still relied on a conventional 12V electrical network, because that's what a large majority of automotive components, from headlights to horns, even the on-board computer, are designed by suppliers to run 12V. 

The Cybertruck is the first production vehicle to run exclusively on 48V, doing away with a conventional 12V battery. Moving to 48V architecture required new factory tooling, motors, sensors, and even a new electrical system layout. This is why Tesla had to wait for a total model to justify the spending on plant upgrades.

Tesla even had to figure out how to jumpstart the car if the battery was dead – for this, there is a converter circuit that detects if the car is being jumped by a 12V car or another 48V car and allows the car to be restarted.

Also read: Over 100 units of Tesla Model 3 Highland are now in Malaysia, deliveries begin today at Cyberjaya

2. The Cybertruck is controlled by its own LAN network called ‘Etherloop’

The Cybertruck introduced a revolutionary Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) network, called the ‘Etherloop’ that replaces a traditional wiring system in the Cybertruck, this resulted in a 68 percent reduction of wiring required in the Cybertruck which saved weight, despite having more endpoints (i.e.: sensors, lights, and other components) than in previous models.

According to David Lau, head of Tesla’s software engineering department, the Etherloop allowed engineers to place controllers (like routers) closer to the endpoints, rather than wire a bunch of cables from a computer upfront to the rear of the car.

Also read: Cyberjaya too far? Head to Tesla Malaysia's Flagship Experience Centre in Pavilion Damansara Heights

3. Tesla calls the Cybertruck’s exoskeleton ‘Hard Freaking Stainless’ or HFS

You might know by now that the Cybertruck’s ‘aircraft grade’ stainless steel will repel bullets and arrows. To create the Cybertruck’s body panels Tesla had to develop its own steel material, blending different metals – to achieve a steel that is not only tough, resistant to corrosion, and also able to bend/fold to create the Cybertruck’s unique body.

They simply call it ‘Hard Freaking Stainless’ now according to Lars Moravy, VP of Vehicle Engineering. The steel then goes through a proprietary forming process called ‘Airbending’ to create its precise creases and shapes.

Also read: Review: Tesla Model 3 Highland LR AWD in Malaysia, does it live up to the hype?

4. This is how the Cybertruck's Gigacast structure looks like

The Cybertruck major structural components are produced using Gigacasting technology, allowing for greater strength and faster production.

In the Cybertruck the rear crash structure was designed with different-sized rib structures that progressively get stronger towards the bulkhead of the vehicle. Thus, the ribs work to progressively absorb and dissipate crash forces from the rear. 

5. Despite its styling, aerodynamics are good

Despite its wedge-like styling, the Cybertruck’s aerodynamics are quite impressive.

Especially at the rear, where the roof and creases in the flanks of the truck help clean up airflow as it passes over and at the side of the vehicle. This aids aerodynamics and especially energy consumption, especially when towing.

Alas, we can't get too excited about the Tesla Cybertruck as it is only produced in left-hand drive for the US market. The Cybertruck is produced at Gigafactory Texas alongside the Model Y.