Returning from vacation to find a $100,000+ electric vehicle completely unresponsive would be a nightmare for any EV owner. That’s exactly what happened to AJ Esguerra, a Tesla Cybertruck owner, who came back after two weeks away to discover that his vehicle wouldn’t power on—even though it had been plugged in to charge the entire time.
This unusual incident, which unfolded in scorching-hot Arizona, has raised serious questions about EV reliability, heat resistance, and charging behavior. However, the culprit turned out to be less dramatic than many feared, and Tesla’s service team provided a swift resolution.
What You Need to Know: Key Points of the Cybertruck Incident
- Tesla Cybertruck owner left vehicle plugged in for two weeks during vacation
- Upon return, the vehicle was completely unresponsive and had lost connectivity
- Arizona’s extreme heat was initially suspected as a possible cause
- Social media speculation included overheating, bricked battery, or charging error
- Tesla service quickly responded, towed the vehicle, and diagnosed the issue
- The actual cause: a failed power converter—not the charger or heat
- Tesla covered all repairs under warranty and confirmed the car can be left plugged in indefinitely
A Troubling Discovery After Vacation
AJ Esguerra had taken the standard precaution of leaving his Tesla Cybertruck connected to a charger before leaving for a two-week vacation. Upon returning, he found the vehicle completely dead. His Tesla app showed that the last connection occurred 11 days earlier, hinting at a possible internal failure.
Esguerra turned to the Cybertruck Owner’s Club on Facebook for advice, posting:
“Need some help—we were on vacation for 2 weeks and just returned and the CT won’t power on at all.”
Initially, he feared that Arizona’s record-breaking summer heat—combined with constant charging—had damaged the battery. Given the size and complexity of the Cybertruck’s battery system, that concern wasn’t far-fetched.
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Online Reactions and Owner Concerns
The responses to Esguerra’s post varied wildly. Some members of the group reassured him to contact Tesla service immediately. Others, however, jumped to worst-case scenarios, with one commenter bluntly stating, “It’s bricked bro…” and another jokingly suggesting, “An insurance fire is the only solution.”
Fortunately, Esguerra didn’t have to wait long for answers. Tesla’s customer service reacted quickly through the app, dispatched assistance, and arranged a tow to a nearby service center. From there, the diagnosis was surprisingly mundane—but significant.
The Real Cause: Power Converter Failure
Tesla’s technicians discovered that the Cybertruck’s power converter had failed. Contrary to speculation, the issue was not caused by overheating or prolonged charging. According to Esguerra, Tesla explicitly reassured him that Cybertruck owners can safely leave the vehicle plugged in for extended periods without issue.
“They recommend to keep it on the charger at all times,” he reported. “It will stop charging when it’s full.”
Tesla also mentioned that many of their customers—especially seasonal residents known as “snowbirds”—routinely leave their vehicles plugged in for months without experiencing problems.
This insight helps debunk the myth that continuous charging, even in extreme climates, poses a risk to Tesla EVs. Instead, it highlights the importance of robust internal components, such as power converters, which act as a bridge between the charging hardware and the battery system.
A Positive Outcome for the Owner
The best part of this story? Tesla covered the full cost of diagnostics, repairs, and towing under warranty. Esguerra noted that the service experience was efficient and professional. He’s now back on the road, with no long-term damage to the truck or its battery.
In a space where customer service in the EV industry is often criticized, this incident serves as a rare positive example of responsive support and technical transparency. Tesla didn’t just fix the problem—they helped clarify owner concerns about charging practices and heat management.
Specifications Table – Cybertruck Charging Incident Overview
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Tesla Cybertruck |
| Owner | AJ Esguerra |
| Location | Arizona, USA |
| Incident | Vehicle dead after 2 weeks plugged in |
| Environment | Record heat conditions |
| Tesla App Status | Last connected 11 days prior |
| Cause of Failure | Power converter malfunction |
| Tesla’s Recommendation | Keep vehicle plugged in continuously |
| Repair Status | Covered under warranty |
| Service Response | Quick app reply, tow, diagnosis, repair |
Lessons for EV Owners: Heat and Charging Aren’t Always the Villain
While the incident initially sparked fear among other Tesla owners, it ultimately offered reassurance. Heat and long-term charging were not responsible for the Cybertruck’s failure. Instead, a faulty component—one that could fail in any type of vehicle—was the root cause.
EV owners can take comfort in Tesla’s recommendation that keeping a vehicle plugged in long-term is both safe and advisable. As Tesla continues refining the Cybertruck and expanding its delivery base, transparency in service handling and component reliability will remain key factors for customer trust.
This case underscores the importance of manufacturer support and demonstrates that sometimes, even complex vehicles can face simple issues—with simple fixes.
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