When Braden Smith, an Idaho farmer, takes his Tesla Cybertruck for a spin around Idaho Falls, he often receives either a “middle finger or a thumbs up.”

“It’s crazy because I’m genuinely a nice person,” Smith, 34, told YSL News.

Braden, who also creates online content, has gained popularity for his unexpected choice of vehicle: using a sleek electric Cybertruck for managing his family’s 2,000-acre wheat and potato farm, rather than opting for a conventional heavy-duty truck. His TikTok videos have gone viral, accumulating millions of views since he acquired the Cybertruck in April.

“It’s been a blast,” Smith shared about his experience with the Cybertruck. “Often, when I engage with people, they’re quite doubtful about it. You could weld all day with this thing and it would still function perfectly. It’s been great for farm work.”

Swapping an F-250 for a ‘Stainless Steel Fridge’

Prior to his Cybertruck purchase, Smith frequently traded in his pickups. In December 2023, while considering a trade-in for his F-250, he received an invitation to customize a Cybertruck.

He explained that the decision was partly motivated by the 50-amp plug at the back of the Cybertruck, which he utilizes to power his welder and plasma cutter.

“If you break down everything I wanted in a farm vehicle, this covers most of those needs,” he mentioned. “Though, it is a bit unfortunate that it resembles a stainless steel fridge.”

Braden Smith’s Viral Beginning with a TikTok of Singing Cats

Smith’s journey to viral fame began with a TikTok in May 2021, featuring a wallpaper of cats performing Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” This post has garnered over 16 million views.

“It just exploded,” Smith recalled about the 2021 TikTok. “We thought it was intriguing, so we decided to continue creating content.”

Smith felt the video was “pretty silly,” but once it “took off,” he recognized the potential for monetizing content.

Braden Smith Didn’t Buy the Cybertruck to ‘Go Green’

Although Smith drives his Cybertruck daily and saves on fuel, he clarified that he didn’t purchase the vehicle with the intention of being environmentally friendly.

“People often say it’s great that I’m going green, but when they see my license plate that reads ‘Coal Fed,’ they start to look puzzled,” Smith noted.

He mentioned a minor drawback related to the Cybertruck’s towing capabilities.

Although towing isn’t a major issue since he lives approximately 40 minutes away from his farm in Rexburg, he admitted that the vehicle may struggle to tow heavy loads for distances longer than 150 to 200 miles.

What Exactly Is the Cybertruck?

Unveiled by Tesla’s founder, Elon Musk, in 2019, the Cybertruck is promoted as an electric pickup truck designed for “any adventure,” as per the automotive brand.

“Finally, the future will look like the future,” Musk stated during the Cybertruck’s reveal in 2019.

However, the vehicle has faced some challenges, with Tesla having issued several voluntary recalls since its launch, including a recall for windshield wiper issues and trunk bed trim problems in June affecting thousands of trucks.

Other Farmers May Follow Suit with Cybertrucks

Despite some minor towing limitations and curious glances from locals, Smith expressed his enjoyment of the Cybertruck, noting it’s a completely different experience from any vehicle he’s previously driven or used on the farm.

“It’s incredibly fast (and) a joy to drive,” he commented about the Cybertruck. “I can cruise at 60 miles an hour down my dirt roads without a hitch.”

Smith believes that Cybertrucks could catch the attention of more farmers in the future, particularly once Tesla releases more affordable and easily accessible models.

“It’s amusing because as I drive by, people comment on the expensive price, yet they don’t bat an eye at the high-end King Ranches, Denalis, and other top-tier pickups,” he said. “I really think there’s potential for others to start adopting Cybertrucks.”