The Rise and Fall of the Controversial Cybertruck

The Tesla Cybertruck, known for its striking appearance, is ending production. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that production will pause until mid-next year. Over the past three years, Tesla delivered about 76,000 units, a number far below expectations set by the company, as reported by Cox Automotive.

The vehicle’s unique design attracted significant attention but also limited its appeal, said Stephanie Valdez Streaty from Cox Automotive. Despite modest sales, the Cybertruck had a notable cultural and political influence.

Cybertruck’s Key Moments

2019: Unveiling Event

The Cybertruck debuted in November 2019 at Tesla’s design center in Hawthorne, California. The truck, inspired by ‘Blade Runner,’ was set to start at $39,900. Musk claimed production would begin in late 2021 with three trims offering ranges of 250, 300, and 500 miles.

2019: Window Demonstration

During the unveiling, a demonstration of the truck’s durability went awry. Musk asserted that the car’s steel skin could withstand bullets. However, when Tesla’s chief designer Franz von Holzhausen threw a metal ball at the driver’s window, it shattered. The rear-seat window followed suit. Despite this, Musk announced 146,000 reservations made with a $100 deposit each.

2019: Tug-of-War with Ford

After the launch, Musk shared a video comparing the Cybertruck and the Ford F-150 in a tug-of-war. Critics debated the fairness of the test, suspecting an all-wheel-drive Cybertruck was pitted against a two-wheel-drive F-150.

2021: Delays and Sightings

Originally, Tesla planned to deliver the Cybertruck by late 2021. Supply chain issues delayed this timeline. Tesla continued generating public interest by showcasing prototypes at dealerships, such as in New York City in 2021.

2023: Start of Production

Production commenced in mid-2023 after two years of delays.

2023: Racing Event

At a delivery event in November 2023, a video showed a Cybertruck racing a Porsche while towing one, and finishing first. Tesla did not specify the model of the Porsche.

2023: Celebrity Deliveries

Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian was among the first to receive a Cybertruck during a livestreamed event.

2024: Celebrity Parking Trouble

In January 2024, Pharrell Williams was photographed having difficulty parking a Cybertruck, a spectacle that ended with valet assistance.

2024: Winter Struggles

Videos of Cybertrucks struggling in snowy conditions gained attention on social media, contradicting Musk’s assertions of its ruggedness.

2024: Recalls

By April 2024, Tesla had issued 11 recalls, addressing issues from loose accelerator pads to problems with body panels.

2025: Political Symbol

With Donald Trump back in the White House and Musk playing a public role, the Cybertruck became a symbol of political affiliations, sparking protests at Tesla locations.

2025: White House Showcase

In March 2025, Trump and Musk held a press event featuring Tesla vehicles, including a Cybertruck, which reinforced political connections.

2025: SpaceX Partnership

SpaceX reported purchasing thousands of Cybertrucks from Tesla, further intertwining Musk’s companies.