Tesla to Discontinue Cybertruck Production Amid Growing Challenges

The Cybertruck, Tesla’s once highly-anticipated electric pickup, is nearing the end of its production run. Initially unveiled in 2019, CEO Elon Musk described the vehicle as Tesla’s ‘best product ever.’ However, it faced challenges in meeting sales targets and became a focal point for criticism.

Production at Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory will cease around 2027’s midpoint. This shift is part of Tesla’s strategy to focus on the Cybercab, as Musk announced last Friday. The Cybertruck’s striking design and Elon Musk’s involvement in controversial political activities added to its cultural significance but also drew backlash and protests.

Victor Botnari, a Cybertruck owner and auto repair business owner in Las Vegas, expressed his disbelief at the production halt. He praised the Cybertruck for its driving experience, highlighting its self-driving capabilities. Botnari expected the model to remain in production for at least a decade, finding the decision to end it after three years surprisingly brief.

Musk’s earlier predictions suggested that Tesla might sell 250,000 to 500,000 units annually upon full production. However, reality fell short. In 2025, Kelley Blue Book estimated 20,237 Cybertrucks were sold in the U.S., a significant decrease from the previous year. Sales figures for 2026 further declined to 11,586 by September, a 28% drop from the same period the previous year.

Timeline of Events

November 2019: The Cybertruck was unveiled on November 21, 2019, in California. Musk touted its futuristic design and durability at the event. Despite a mishap during a demonstration—where windows meant to be shatter-resistant cracked—the truck generated significant interest.

November 2023: The first Cybertruck deliveries commenced on November 30, 2023, after several delays attributed to supply chain issues. Initial starting prices were $39,900, although actual prices at launch were much higher.

2024: Multiple recalls plagued the Cybertruck’s market years, stemming from safety and quality-control concerns.

January 1, 2025: A Cybertruck exploded outside a Las Vegas hotel, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries. Authorities found gasoline and fireworks in the bed, determining the explosion was intentional.

2025: Public protests against Tesla’s political associations, particularly Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration, led to the ‘Tesla Takedown’ movement. This included demonstrations and vandalism targeting Tesla properties and vehicles, with the Cybertruck often becoming a symbol of the opposition.

Botnari shared that his Cybertruck even attracted negative attention, recounting being yelled at while driving. He expressed concerns over the vehicle’s political entanglements, emphasizing its quality rather than its associations.

Reasons for Discontinuing the Cybertruck

Musk’s announcement focused on reallocating resources towards the Cybercab, a robotic taxi. Although production of the Cybertruck will cease, support and spare parts availability for owners will continue. Tesla’s lead engineer, Wes Morrill, assured that service for the vehicle will persist, similar to previous models such as the Model S and Model X.

What Is a Cybercab?

The Cybercab represents Tesla’s move into autonomous vehicle services. Revealed in October 2024, this vehicle is designed for a Robotaxi network. It features futuristic styling and is devoid of traditional controls, operating fully autonomously.

Production began in 2026, with rides launching in Austin, Texas, later that year. The Cybercab aims to broaden the scope of driverless ride-hailing, with services gradually expanding to new areas.