Tesla's Cybertruck, known for its polarizing science-fiction design, will see its production cease around mid-2027, CEO Elon Musk announced Friday on his social media platform X. The move is intended to free up capacity for the company's Cybercab robotaxi.
The decision marks an unexpected end for a vehicle that Musk, Tesla's CEO, had championed as its best product. Since its dramatic 2019 unveiling, the Cybertruck has been a subject of both intense interest and criticism.
During the initial reveal, a demonstration of the truck's supposedly unbreakable glass failed when a Tesla designer shattered windows by throwing a metal ball at them. Musk, however, remained undeterred, envisioning the Cybertruck as a futuristic "battle tank" that could outperform sports cars and traditional pickup trucks.
Despite its unique design, sales figures for the Cybertruck have fallen short of initial projections. Kelley Blue Book estimated that Tesla sold just over 20,000 Cybertrucks last year, a decrease from the previous year, with sales declining further in the first nine months of this year.
Musk's public statements and alliances, particularly with right-wing figures, have also alienated some customers and contributed to a divisive public image for both him and the vehicle. This polarization extended to protests, vandalism against Tesla property, and calls for boycotts.
For some enthusiasts, like Ross Blankenship, the Cybertruck represented a fascination with future technology and a connection to science fiction. However, the vehicle's transformation into a political symbol became a source of disappointment for those who admired it purely for its innovative design and engineering.
The winding down of Cybertruck production aligns with Tesla's strategic pivot towards autonomous vehicle technology, which Musk views as the company's future.