What went wrong with Tesla Cybertruck? Elon Musk says production will wind down in mid-2027

Tesla Cybertruck arrived with enormous expectations but its journey from unveiling to production was marked by delays, rising prices and repeated recalls. Now, Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the company will wind down production at its Texas factory around mid 2027 to make room for more Cybercab vehicles.

The announcement comes after a difficult run for the stainless-steel electric pickup. Which took four years to reach customers and struggled to turn early interest into sustained sales.

Is Tesla Cybertruck Production Discontinued

Musk wrote on social media X, "Tesla will be winding down production of the Cybertruck at Gigafactory Texas around the middle of next year to make room for increased Cybercab production."

Tesla Cybertruck launch was overshadowed by cracked windows

The problems began at the Cybertruck's unveiling on November 21, 2019. Musk attempted to demonstrate the strength of its supposedly shatterproof windows by having metal balls thrown at them, but two windows cracked during the presentation, as per a Reuters report.

The pickup's unusual stainless-steel design also attracted attention. Inspired by the look of Blade Runner, the Cybertruck was expected to help strengthen Tesla's brand.

Cybertruck discontinued: More than a million preorders didn't translate into sales

The Cybertruck initially generated considerable interest. Tesla accepted reservations with refundable $100 deposits. Musk said the company had received 146,000 orders by November 23, 2019 and announced 250,000 preorders within five days of the unveiling.

However, those reservations didn't ensure purchases because customers could get their deposits back.

The gap between early interest and actual sales became increasingly clear after the vehicle reached the market. Cox Automotive reported that Cybertruck sales totalled around 71,000 since its 2023 launch. Tesla had built capacity at its Austin factory to produce as many as 250,000 trucks annually but sales remained far below that level.

Tesla doesn't officially disclose Cybertruck sales separately, instead grouping the pickup under its 'Other Models' category in delivery reports.

Production delays pushed deliveries back by years

Tesla initially planned to begin Cybertruck production in late 2021. By August that year, the company had pushed the timeline to 2022. Musk later cited supply chain shortages as production slipped further into 2023.

The first truck rolled off the production line at Gigafactory Texas in July 2023, although Tesla described it as pilot production. Customer deliveries began on November 30, 2023.

Cybertruck prices climbed sharply after its unveiling

The original pricing was another promise Tesla failed to maintain. At the 2019 unveiling, the company listed the single motor version at $39,900, the dual motor model at $49,900 and the tri motor version at $69,900.

Then by late 2023, the base price had increased to $60,990.

Tesla introduced a dual motor, all wheel drive version for $59,990 in February 2026, describing it as the truck's lowest price yet. Musk said the offer would last only 10 days and the price rose to $69,990 in March and $74,990 in August.

Tesla raised prices again shortly before Musk announced the production wind-down. The dual-motor version was listed at $82,490, the Premium trim at $92,490 and the Cyberbeast at $102,490.

The company also failed to deliver on its original promise of up to 500 miles of range for the top-end model.

Eleven recalls added to the Cybertruck's problems

The pickup's difficulties continued after deliveries began. Tesla issued 11 Cybertruck recalls since the model went on sale in late 2023, according to Reuters report citing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some involved physical repairs, others were addressed through software updates.

Tesla shifts factory space towards Cybercab production

Musk said Tesla will wind down Cybertruck production at Gigafactory Texas around the middle of 2027 to make room for increased Cybercab production.

The Cybercab is central to Tesla's robotaxi ambitions. The vehicle has no steering wheel or pedals and the company expects it to become part of its driverless ride-hailing network. Tesla has also said it eventually plans to sell the vehicle to consumers.

The production shift follows Tesla's decision to cancel the Model S sedan and Model X SUV. Musk previously said the space used to manufacture those vehicles at its Fremont factory would be needed for Optimus humanoid robot production.

The Cybertruck announcement does not clarify whether production will move to another facility or stop altogether. Musk's statement specifically refers to winding down production at Gigafactory Texas.