Tesla Struggles with Cybertruck Sales Amidst Promises of High Production
Tesla, the electric vehicle leader under Elon Musk’s direction, is facing significant challenges in the pickup truck sector, particularly with its Cybertruck model. Musk previously claimed that production could reach 250,000 units annually. However, last quarter, only 5,400 Cybertrucks were sold, marking a dramatic decline.
According to a recent report, sales of the Cybertruck—marketed by Musk as an “apocalypse-proof” vehicle—have dropped sharply. Specifically, there was a 62.6 percent decrease in sales compared to the same quarter last year, as outlined by data from Cox Automotive. This slump happened despite a general surge in electric vehicle sales, as consumers rushed to take advantage of federal tax incentives before they expired.
The Cybertruck debuted in 2019, with high hopes for production. However, nearly two years after its November 2023 launch, it hasn’t met those expectations. In 2025, Tesla has sold roughly 16,000 units, which is quite disappointing in light of the ambitious projections.
Competition is fierce, especially from Ford’s F-150 Lightning, which sold 10,000 units in the same quarter, surpassing Cybertruck sales. The challenges facing the Cybertruck include its steep price and unconventional design, which have contributed to weak sales throughout the year.
When it first launched, the Cybertruck’s price hovered around $100,000—well above the initial $39,990 figure Musk had advertised. Though Tesla has since released lower-cost models, the cheapest option still approaches $80,000, following the discontinuation of a $70,000 version with limited features.
Additionally, Tesla is contending with multiple lawsuits concerning the Cybertruck. Some allegations suggest design flaws, such as an incident where a fire was so severe that it completely disintegrated the driver’s skeleton.
In a different but related case, the company faces accusations regarding defects in the Cybertruck’s door handles after a tragic crash that resulted in the deaths of three teenagers. The incident, which occurred in Piedmont, California, also claimed the life of the 19-year-old driver and a 20-year-old passenger. A witness reportedly rescued another occupant by breaking a window with a tree branch.
The legal complaint asserts that an electronic door mechanism powered by a 12-volt battery could fail in a collision, effectively trapping passengers inside. It criticizes the manual release mechanism as difficult to find and suggests that Tesla was aware of these problems but failed to take appropriate action.
A lawyer involved in the case referred to the incident as a “horror story,” blaming Tesla for not adequately addressing known issues. He noted that the company seems to prioritize sales over ensuring the safety of its vehicles.
