Tesla's Cybertruck sales have plummeted, but the reason may not be just Elon Musk's proximity to Donald Trump; here's what’s really behind the drop

Tesla's hyped-up Cybertruck sales have dropped. Cox Automotive data revealed that US Cybertruck sales fell 32.5% during the January to February period, down to only 2,619 units, reported Auto Blog. Even though CEO Elon Musk had claimed that the Cybertruck is the company's "best product ever," according to the report.

The Bigger Picture: Tesla's Sales Slump

Although the Cybertruck decline is not an exception, it's part of an overall slowdown at Tesla, according to Auto Blog. During the same period, the US sales of the company as a whole declined by 10%, including a 17.5% decline in the Model 3 sedan, reported Auto Blog.

Elon Musk's Controversial Public Image

One of the reasons why the Cybertruck has failed may be the changing attitude towards Tesla itself, considerably due to Musk's polarizing public image, as per the report. The CEO's political position and controversies have rendered him a polarizing character, sending away past enthusiasts and would-be buyers, according to Auto Blog. Protests against Tesla dealerships have taken place, with a few consumers complaining about Musk's conduct and policies, as per the report.

Is the Cybertruck Just Too Niche?

The Cybertruck itself may also be struggling because of its design and price, as per the report. The Cybertruck is bold and has features like a steer-by-wire system, and four-wheel steering, reported Auto Blog. But its niche appeal may be constraining its wider market potential, according to Auto Blog

Price is also an obstacle. Tesla originally promised the Cybertruck would begin at $39,900, but that escalated to about $70,000, reported Auto Blog. That was on top of the fact that special edition trucks were originally set above $100,000, as per the report. For many consumers, the high price and unusual design may be too much to consider worth buying.

Reliability Concerns and Recalls

On top of the issues, Tesla recently recalled several Cybertrucks. More than 46,000 of them were recalled because a trim panel malfunction had the potential to make the panels come off when driving, and another was over issues with the accelerator pedal in the truck, as per Auto Blog. These only worsened reliability fears about the truck, further making buyers sceptical.

FAQs

Why did Cybertruck sales drop?
The sales drop is due to a combination of factors, including public perception of Tesla, the truck's niche appeal, and higher pricing, as per Auto Blog.

How much does the Cybertruck cost now?
The Cybertruck now starts at about $70,000, much higher than the initially promised $39,900, reported Auto Blog.