Tesla Axes Cheapest Cybertruck, Hikes Prices on Remaining Models

Tesla has made significant changes to its Cybertruck lineup, according to a report from Jalopnik. The electric vehicle manufacturer has discontinued its entry-level rear-wheel drive (RWD) model and substantially increased prices on the remaining variants.

Cybertruck’s New Price Floor

The most affordable Cybertruck option, previously priced at $60,990, has been removed from Tesla’s offerings. This move effectively raises the starting price of the Cybertruck by a staggering $39,000, as the all-wheel drive (AWD) model now serves as the new base variant.

Price Hikes Across the Board

Tesla didn’t stop at eliminating the cheapest option. The company also implemented significant price increases on the remaining Cybertruck models:

• The AWD Cybertruck now costs $99,990, a $20,000 increase from its previous price point.
• The top-tier Cyberbeast, featuring a tri-motor setup, saw its price jump to $119,990 from $99,990.

These price hikes are particularly striking when compared to Tesla’s initial 2019 announcement, which promised a starting price of $39,990 for the Cybertruck.

Delivery Timeline Updates

Despite the price increases, Tesla has offered a silver lining by improving delivery estimates:

• AWD Cybertruck deliveries are now expected between August and September 2024.
• Cyberbeast orders are slated for October to December 2024.

These timelines represent an improvement over previous estimates, which had pegged deliveries for 2025.

Recent Cybertruck Challenges

The Cybertruck has faced its share of difficulties recently. Tesla issued two recalls for the vehicle this year:

1. A recall addressing faulty accelerator pedals
2. Another recall concerning problematic wiper blades

These issues come amid broader challenges for Tesla, including declining profits, ongoing federal investigations, and various lawsuits.

EVXL’s Take

The dramatic price increases and elimination of the entry-level Cybertruck model represent a significant shift in Tesla’s strategy for its electric pickup. While potentially disappointing for budget-conscious EV enthusiasts, this move aligns with broader industry trends of rising EV prices due to supply chain pressures and increasing raw material costs.

Despite these challenges, the electric truck market continues to evolve rapidly. As we’ve seen in our recent coverage of Tesla, the company has a history of making bold moves that often pay off in the long run. The Cybertruck’s unique design and capabilities may still attract buyers willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge EV technology, even at these higher price points.