- Tesla to wind down Cybertruck production by mid-2027
- Manufacturing capacity to be redirected towards the Cybercab
Tesla is preparing to wind down Cybertruck production at its Texas Gigafactory around June–July 2027. The decision marks the end of one of the most ambitious and talked-about electric vehicle projects in recent years. What was once expected to redefine the pickup truck segment has struggled to translate its popularity into sustained sales, prompting Tesla to reconsider its priorities.
A Radical Idea That Challenged Convention
First unveiled in November 2019, the Cybertruck was unlike anything else on the road. Its angular design, stainless-steel body, and unconventional proportions challenged everything buyers associated with a traditional pickup. Tesla promised impressive performance and durability, while Elon Musk projected annual sales of around 250,000 units.
The initial response was encouraging, with Tesla claiming hundreds of thousands of reservations. However, customer deliveries began only in November 2023, following considerable delays. More importantly, the production-ready version arrived with significant changes to its specifications and pricing.
The original entry-level price of USD 39,900 (approximately Rs. 37.48 lakh) eventually became USD 60,990 (approximately Rs. 57.29 lakh) at launch. Subsequent price revisions pushed the pickup further upmarket, making it considerably more expensive than initially promised.
Controversies and Declining Demand
The Cybertruck was never short of headlines, although not all worked in Tesla’s favour. Its unveiling became infamous after the supposedly shatter-resistant glass cracked during a live demonstration. Its unconventional design also divided opinion, raising questions about practicality, visibility, and everyday usability.
The stainless-steel construction brought its own challenges. The vehicle’s exterior design and pedestrian safety considerations made it difficult to meet European regulatory requirements, limiting its international appeal.
Tesla also faced several quality and safety-related issues. The Cybertruck has been subject to multiple recalls, including an accelerator pedal defect in 2024 and an exterior trim issue in 2025.
Sales have been another concern. According to Kelley Blue Book data, Tesla sold 38,965 Cybertrucks in the US in 2024. This dropped to 20,237 units in 2025, registering a 48 per cent decline. The numbers are a far cry from Musk’s original sales ambitions and suggest that the initial excitement did not translate into lasting demand.
Why is Tesla Ending Production?
Interestingly, Musk has disputed suggestions that the Cybertruck is being discontinued simply because it is unprofitable. Instead, the company is looking to redirect manufacturing capacity towards products it believes have greater long-term potential.
Tesla plans to add another production shift to fulfil pending Cybertruck orders before winding down production around June–July 2027. Musk has also indicated that customers whose orders cannot be fulfilled will receive deposit refunds.
What’s Next for Tesla?
The factory capacity freed up by the Cybertruck will be used to expand production of the Cybercab, Tesla’s purpose-built autonomous taxi. Featuring two seats, butterfly-style doors, and no steering wheel or pedals, it represents a very different direction for the company.
Tesla has already begun limited paid Cybercab operations in Austin, Texas. However, scaling a driverless taxi network brings its own challenges, particularly around safety, regulation, and commercial viability.
The Cybertruck’s exit is a reminder that generating attention and building a commercially successful vehicle are two very different things. It challenged conventional pickup design and gave Tesla one of its most recognisable products, but its sales performance never matched expectations.
For now, Tesla is betting that autonomous mobility will deliver what its futuristic pickup could not. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen.
