Tesla will wind down production of its Cybertruck at its Texas factory next year, according to CEO Elon Musk. The announcement has sparked speculation about the future of the polarizing electric vehicle, which has struggled with disappointing sales since its launch in 2023.
A Shift Towards Robotaxis
Musk did not specify whether Tesla will cease Cybertruck production entirely or relocate manufacturing elsewhere. However, he indicated the decision is intended to "make room" for increased production of Tesla's self-driving Cybercab vehicles. The Cybercab, a robotaxi concept, represents Tesla's push into autonomous ride-hailing.
Wes Morrill, the lead engineer on the Cybertruck project, appeared to confirm the discontinuation in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "Cybertruck was an incredible technology development platform and lives on through Cybercab." The statement suggests the Cybertruck's legacy may be as a testbed for technologies now being applied to the Cybercab.
Fans Mourn, Musk Responds
Reaction from Tesla enthusiasts has been swift and emotional. One fan lamented the news, calling the Cybertruck "the best vehicle Tesla has ever made" and expressing dismay that it would be "discontinued next year." Musk replied to the post with a single word: "true," before adding, "But the Cybertruck fleet will be around for a long time," implying that existing vehicles will continue to be supported.
The Cybertruck has always been a passion project for Musk, who has repeatedly praised it. In March, he said it was "way more awesome than people realise," and in April he called it the "best product Tesla has ever made to date." Yet, consumer enthusiasm has not matched his own.
A Rocky Road
The vehicle's journey has been anything but smooth. Its 2019 unveiling turned into a public relations disaster when Musk attempted to demonstrate the Cybertruck's "unbreakable" glass, only for it to shatter on stage. Despite the embarrassment, Tesla reported 146,000 pre-orders for the truck while it was still in development.
When the Cybertruck finally reached the market in 2023, it retained its distinctive angular design and stainless steel body. Fans praised its retro-futuristic look, with some comparing it to something "straight out of Blade Runner." Critics, however, were less generous, mocking its appearance and calling it "ugly as sin."
Quality issues have also plagued the vehicle. Several recalls have been issued, including one in 2025 affecting more than 46,000 Cybertrucks over concerns that a piece of trim could detach. These setbacks have likely contributed to lackluster sales.
Pricing and Market Challenges
Affordability has been another hurdle. At launch, Musk said Tesla needed to "make it at a price that people can afford," with the base model starting at $61,000 (then £48,000). By 2026, the high-end "Cyberbeast" variant is priced at $102,000, placing it firmly in luxury territory.
The Cybertruck was seen as Tesla's attempt to break into the lucrative US pickup truck market, but it has struggled to gain traction against established competitors. With production winding down, Tesla appears to be pivoting towards autonomous vehicles, where it faces its own set of challenges and opportunities.
As the sun sets on the Cybertruck's manufacturing run, Musk's focus is clearly on the future. The Cybercab, which is designed without a steering wheel or pedals, is central to Tesla's vision of a robotaxi network. Whether that bet pays off remains to be seen, but for now, the Cybertruck's story is one of bold innovation, controversial design, and unmet expectations.
