Tesla discontinued the cheapest version of the Cybertruck just five months after its release. Dismal sales of this stripped-down $69,990 electric pickup truck clearly indicate the Cybertruck is a commercial failure.
Tesla discontinues the cheapest Cybertruck version.
The rear-wheel-drive version of the electric pickup truck, which launched in April 2024 for $69,990, failed to gain traction with buyers. The decision to discontinue this model reflects the continued market struggles of the controversial electric vehicle.
The stripped-down Long Range version costs $10,000 less than the all-wheel-drive version but offers significantly fewer features.
Tesla omitted several key features: adaptive air suspension, a power cargo cover, a rear passenger touchscreen, a cargo area power outlet, and even the taillight bar. Furthermore, the vehicle has only one motor instead of two.
Ford surpasses Tesla.
The Ford F-150 Lightning has now surpassed the Cybertruck as the best-selling electric pickup truck. Tesla still holds a record: the Cybertruck was the most recalled vehicle in the US market in the first quarter of 2025 (Source: Autor Motor Sport). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ordered the recall
of all Cybertrucks produced at the time because parts bonding the stainless steel body could detach. Another recall involved a sticking accelerator pedal and brake malfunctions.
Failed to Meet Sales Targets
The Cybertruck fell far short of all its targets and is often called an "undeniable commercial failure." Elon Musk initially announced plans to sell up to 500,000 Cybertrucks by 2024, and the company claimed to have received 2 million pre-orders. However, Tesla has only sold approximately 20,000 Cybertrucks per year.
What are your thoughts on Tesla's Cybertruck strategy? Can the company salvage the electric pickup truck? Or is the project ultimately a failure?
