Tesla plans to cease Cybertruck production at its Texas gigafactory around the middle of next year, CEO Elon Musk announced Friday. Musk stated on X that the pause is intended to allow the automaker to increase output of its newly launched Cybercab model, which is central to Tesla's robotaxi ambitions.
The Austin plant is currently the only known Tesla facility capable of manufacturing the Cybertruck's specialized components, though it remains unclear if production will be moved or halted entirely. Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Musk described the Cybertruck as "the best vehicle Tesla has ever made" and referred to the production wind-down as "the end of an era." He assured that "Cybertruck fleet will be around for a long time."
Polarizing Design and Market Challenges
Launched in 2023, the Cybertruck was envisioned as a futuristic competitor to traditional pickup trucks from manufacturers like General Motors and Ford. However, the vehicle has reportedly struggled to meet expectations, partly due to its unconventional, sharp-edged stainless-steel design.
This polarizing aesthetic and design have limited its appeal outside the U.S. market. Regulatory hurdles in parts of Europe prevented Tesla from accessing potentially significant markets that could have boosted the pickup's sales volume. The Cybertruck has also been subject to multiple recalls and quality control issues, with Tesla adjusting prices on several occasions.
Tesla does not release specific sales figures for the Cybertruck, grouping it into an "Other Models" category. This category reported 8,295 deliveries in the third quarter, a decrease from 12,364 deliveries in the second quarter.
Wes Morrill, Cybertruck's lead engineer, commented on X that the truck "was an incredible technology development platform and lives on through Cybercab."
Shifting Focus to Autonomous Future
The Cybercab, notably lacking a steering wheel, pedals, or mirrors, represents a key component of Musk's strategy to transform Tesla into an AI and robotics company. Musk has expressed his vision for the Cybercab to be Tesla's primary autonomous model, serving as the foundation for a global network of robotaxis.
Following years of delayed self-driving targets, Tesla began offering paid rides in a limited fleet of Cybercabs in Austin in September. However, the company still needs to address inquiries from U.S. auto safety regulators regarding its self-certification process for federal motor vehicle safety standards.