The Tesla Cybertruck is dead.
Gone. Fin. Muerto. Ceased to exist. An ex-Cybertruck. It’s pining for the fjords.
Yes, the controversial truck, with its unique styling, will be ceasing production soon. That’s what Tesla boss Elon Musk says.
So, the Cybertruck isn’t fully dead yet, it’s only mostly dead. Production will wind down with a projected end date of mid-2027.
Sales of the Cybertruck began late in 2023. There were 11 voluntary recalls along the way. It can be hard to find an accurate number when it comes to Tesla sales — the automaker doesn’t break sales out by model — estimates suggest that Tesla didn’t hit its projected sales of 250,000 per year. Reports indicate the company sold about 20,000 last year, down from just shy of 39,000 the prior year.
Musk says that this is all so the company can focus on robotaxis. The Cybertruck is built in a Texas plant alongside Tesla’s Model Y and the Cybercab robotaxi.
While it’s possible that Cybertruck production could move to another facility, comments made by Musk in response to users on social media seem to suggest it’s done for good.
The niche truck was very polarizing, with ownership seeming to be an indicator of one’s politics — politics that weren’t very popular.
It also experienced recalls and wasn’t particularly well-reviewed. Politics aside, those issues matter more for a vehicle’s success.
Tim’s Take
I’ve been harsh on Musk and his brand of politics, and I understand why the Cybertruck became an avatar for ugly beliefs, as well as a symbol to fight against. That said, I was bummed that Musk’s words and actions made the thing so political, since I would love to have evaluated it purely as a vehicle. I never got the chance to drive one, but I’ve seen it up close, sat in one, and read reviews from trusted journalists. The Cybertruck wasn’t just a hated bit of rolling politics, it also failed as a vehicle.
I did try to keep an open mind when I first saw photos, but the minute I saw one in person, all I saw was an ugly truck that belonged in a Mad Max flick, not on my neighborhood streets. Unlike another failed angular vehicle from 40 years ago, the DeLorean, the Cybertruck never had the kind of cool that would make people overlook its styling. Nor, apparently, did it have the right kind of on- or off-road performance, or even luxury, to overcome its unfortunate looks. In a different world, something this niche and unique could be cool, but Musk poisoned the well. Even if he hadn’t, the truck itself didn’t have any of the redeeming features that could’ve made it cool.
A certain type of bro who bedecks himself in Oakley sunglasses, too-tight T-shirts, and an oversized watch will miss it. Most of the rest of us won’t.
[Images: Tesla]
