As a psychologist covering vast distances across Arizona to reach my patients, reliable transportation isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Stepping out of my Tesla Cybertruck after hours on the road, I’m struck by the absence of the usual fatigue. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about maintaining the mental sharpness required for a demanding day of psychological assessments. My Cybertruck, affectionately nicknamed ‘Brick House’, has become an indispensable tool in my profession, ensuring I arrive ready to focus and offer compassion to those who need it most.
However, my experience with the Cybertruck often extends beyond its practical benefits. Public perception frequently casts it as a political statement, overshadowing its genuine utility in my daily life and work.
From Childhood Dreams to Cybertruck Reality: The Need for Self-Driving
My journey to the Cybertruck began with grueling weekly commutes in 2012, driving between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, for doctoral training. These Interstate 10 drives were relentless. Exhaustion became a constant companion, sometimes forcing me to pull over for brief naps just to ensure safe arrival. During those tiring drives, I often found myself recalling “The Jetsons,” my favorite childhood cartoon, and their self-driving cars – a futuristic vision I longed for in my own reality. I yearned for a car that could handle the driving, freeing up my mental energy.
In early 2013, Tesla emerged with its promise of Full Self-Driving technology. From that moment, I knew my next vehicle would be a Tesla. Finally, in 2021, I leased a Tesla Model 3 Long Range with Full Self-Driving, lovingly named Ma’Lady. For three years and over 35,000 miles, Ma’Lady and I traversed Arizona, providing psychological evaluations in remote communities. More than just a car, Ma’Lady was a lifeline, enhancing my safety on Arizona’s often challenging roads. Interestingly, the Model 3 never attracted the kind of polarized reactions I would later experience with the Cybertruck.
Why the Cybertruck Became the Ideal Vehicle
As my Model 3 lease concluded in 2024, the decision for my next car was driven by business needs. Needing a vehicle large enough to qualify under specific tax codes, the Cybertruck stood out as the only viable option. My long-awaited Cybertruck reservation materialized, but it arrived amidst a wave of controversy surrounding Tesla, the Cybertruck itself, and Elon Musk. I initially hesitated.
I briefly considered another vehicle with driver-assist features, but it paled in comparison to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving capabilities. The intense exhaustion after long drives in the alternative vehicle, combined with patient consultations and report writing, was a stark reminder of my previous struggles. A health scare further emphasized the critical need to minimize stress. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system was, and is, a significant stress reducer for my extensive Arizona travels. Leaving the hospital, I immediately secured a check and expedited it to Tesla. Within days, I was picking up my Cybertruck.
The Unexpected Attention and Reactions to the Cybertruck
Driving the Cybertruck has brought forth a range of reactions, often quite unexpected. Children’s responses are delightful; they wave, excitedly photograph my unique stainless-steel vehicle, and often approach with innocent curiosity. These heartwarming interactions are a genuine pleasure.
However, adult reactions are frequently disheartening. I’ve encountered everything from rude gestures and angry stares to aggressive driving maneuvers. Even a close friend expressed his disapproval of Tesla’s CEO, refusing to ride in my Cybertruck. With increasing controversies surrounding Tesla and Elon Musk, particularly since the 2025 presidential inauguration, I worry about escalating aggression directed at my Cybertruck, potentially moving beyond mere disapproval to physical confrontations.
It feels as though driving a Cybertruck makes me a target for adults’ opinions about Musk. It’s important to note that my decision to purchase the truck predated his heightened political polarization. While I cannot ignore Musk’s controversial actions, the financial investment in the Cybertruck is significant and not easily reversed.
Cybertruck’s Core Function: Safety and Stress Reduction
For me, the Cybertruck is far from a frivolous purchase or an attempt to make a statement. It’s fundamentally about functionality and safety. Arizona’s highways, often narrow two-lane roads shared with fatigued drivers, can be hazardous. The Cybertruck’s advanced technology is crucial; it helps maintain lane discipline, actively monitors for potential hazards, and significantly lessens the mental strain of long drives.
Selling or trading in the truck to avoid negative public reactions isn’t financially viable. Looking ahead, I am hopeful that other manufacturers will develop comparable Full Self-Driving systems, allowing me to consider brands that may align better with public sentiment when the time comes for another vehicle purchase. For now, I am focused on leveraging the considerable benefits the Cybertruck offers, particularly its contribution to safety and reduced driving stress in my demanding profession as a traveling psychologist.
