Cybertruck outfitter to open R&D office in Austin

A lot of suppliers and tech companies want to be close to Tesla's new HQ in Austin.

Here's one that makes a lot of sense. 

Stream It, Inc., which makes a high-tech camper topper for the forthcoming Tesla Cybertruck, said Feb. 24 it has relocated its R&D facility from Las Vegas to a 6,000-square-foot location off U.S. Highway 183 — less than 10 miles from Tesla Inc.'s new headquarters.

Stream It's CEO, Lance King, is based there in addition to about 10 employees. The manufacturing facility expects to add 60 to 100 new hires next year.  

The company recently launched a StartEngine crowdfunding campaign with $544,000 in investments and counting in support of its camper, called the CyberLandr.

The device has even earned a blip of praise from Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) founder Elon Musk, who called it "cool" in a tweet.

The truck add-on is designed to have solar panels, StarLink satellite internet and multiple configurations for long-term use. In December, the company announced it had surpassed $100 million worth of orders. 

The CyberLandr, which is still under development, aims to have a minimal impact on the range of the electric truck because it folds down into the truck bed. It's operated by an app, and it's design, as described in a StartEngine campaign, includes features ranging from a radiant heated floor to an induction cooktop and a dry flush toilet.

The company says the CyberLandr will retail for $49,995. When it was first revealed in 2019, Tesla gave the Cybertruck a starting price of $39,900, with additional models at higher prices.

It appears Stream It will have a little extra time for development given that last month Tesla pushed back the release of its much publicized truck to 2023.

CyberLandr is part of a growing cottage industry being developed around Tesla.

Several weeks ago, an entrepreneur named Anthony Diamond developed a new conceptual product called the Cybercat Catamaran, which is a kit that makes the Cybertruck capable of traveling on water. The device would have a top speed of about 25 MPH, and it is projected to cost $22,900 to $32,900.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of more traditional third-party add-ons, such as the car covers, seat covers and charging kits made by companies like Evannex.

Tesla itself has made a lineup of accessories and toys, as well. Its lifestyle store has a Giga Texas belt buckle, wireless chargers and even a Cyberquad ATV for kids.