The Tesla Cybertruck Turns Out To Be A Failure

Elon Musk previously expressed that the demand for the Cybertruck was exceptionally high, with over a million reservations secured. However, recent data suggests that interest in this electric pickup has significantly waned.

Initially expected to lead its market segment, the Cybertruck now trails behind the Ford F-150 Lightning, as reported by Auto News, referencing registration figures from S&P Global Mobility. In March, 2,598 F-150 Lightnings were registered compared to 2,170 Cybertrucks. While the margin is only 428 vehicles, this outcome marks a significant win for Ford and a substantial setback for Tesla.

This trend is not an isolated incident. In the U.S., 7,913 electric Ford pickups were registered in the first quarter, placing the F-150 Lightning 787 vehicles ahead of Tesla (7,126) for the year. The sales figures of 7,126 cars in three months suggest that Cybertruck sales for the year could be significantly lower than initially anticipated.

The Cybertruck’s underperformance can be attributed to the production model’s failure to meet Tesla’s earlier commitments. Tesla initially claimed a starting price of $39,900 for the base rear-wheel-drive variant in 2019. However, the current cheapest rear-wheel-drive model is priced at $69,990. Furthermore, the rear-wheel-drive variant now costs more than the initially announced price of the four-wheel-drive model. The four-wheel-drive model was intended to start at $49,900 but is currently selling for $79,990.

With multiple unmet promises, such as the ability to float briefly or being bulletproof, the Cybertruck’s prospects are bleak. The vehicle’s struggles are exacerbated by Elon Musk’s controversial foray into politics, affecting Tesla’s public image negatively. The question now arises whether the Cybertruck can bounce back or if it will be remembered as a major failure in the modern auto industry. The mounting evidence seems to point towards the latter scenario.