Cybertruck Trouble

Cybertruck Woes

The Tesla Cybertruck has been a wild ride for those who’ve had their eye on it since it was first announced. Despite the futuristic design and all the buzz, things haven’t exactly gone smoothly lately. Around 2,400 Cybertrucks, costing a whopping $200 million, are sitting in lots unsold, even with nearly 2 million reservations recorded back in July 2023. This has left many hopeful customers in a bind, finding it tough to trade in their existing vehicles because dealers simply aren’t biting. It’s like trying to sell a winter coat in the middle of summer – the demand just isn’t there right now.

Sales Slip

Back in September, Cybertruck sales hit over 5,000 in a single month, but it’s been downhill since. Tesla decided to ditch the special Foundation Series badges earlier than planned, slashing prices by $20,000 in an attempt to move units. This seemed like a solid play to attract more buyers, but then they went and wiped all the Foundation Series trucks from their inventory page entirely. For those early adopters who managed to snag a Foundation Series, resale values have not held up well at all, dropping by an alarming 55% over the last year. Just in the past month, values have slid another 6%. It seems like the used Cybertruck market is about as stable as a house of cards in a windstorm.

Owner Insights

Take Kumait Jaroje from Worcester, Massachusetts, for example. He’s been experiencing a fair amount of grief just driving his Cybertruck around town. Not only does he and his family face harassment over the vehicle, but when he tried to trade it in, Tesla reportedly turned him away. It’s hard enough dealing with mechanical issues, but when your car turns you into a neighborhood celebrity – for the wrong reasons – that’s a different ballgame.

Driving Experience

Behind the wheel, the Cybertruck is a bit of an enigma. On paper, it boasts impressive acceleration, but its sheer size can make it feel more like steering a boat than a traditional pickup. The handling isn’t as tight or responsive as a Ford F-150 Lightning or even Rivian’s R1T. Inside, the minimalist design is classic Tesla, featuring screens that rival the size of a small televisions, yet some traditional truck fans might miss the tactile controls they’re used to.

Final Thoughts

As if the situation wasn’t already precarious, there’s been some bad news on the battery front as well. Tesla recently removed the Cybertruck’s range extender from its online configurator, a move that could keep its future prospects in the doldrums. Initially offering a 470-mile range, this was knocked down to 445 miles, still below the 500-plus miles initially promised for their tri-motor powerhouse. For now, the best range available stands at 325 miles. Without the range extender, potential buyers might be wary of jumping on board, and Tesla’s not making any immediate clarifications on what’s next. It’s a strange time for the Cybertruck, that’s for sure.