Electric Cars

Tesla has officially discontinued the cheapest rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version of its Cybertruck, just five months after it became available for order. This decision effectively increases the entry barrier for prospective buyers by approximately 14%, with the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model now serving as the most affordable option at $79,990. This change comes amidst a period of reevaluation for Tesla, as the company navigates production complexities and shifts its focus towards more premium offerings, potentially influenced by the phasing out of certain EV tax credits.

The RWD Cybertruck was introduced as a more accessible alternative, yet it came with significant compromises compared to its AWD counterpart. It featured a single rear motor, resulting in reduced payload and towing capacities, and a notably slower acceleration time to 60 MPH. Furthermore, the base model lacked a tonneau cover and adaptive air suspension, instead utilizing 18-inch wheels versus the AWD's standard 20-inch wheels. Inside, the RWD variant offered cloth seats without ventilation, fewer speakers, and omitted the rear screen, highlighting a stripped-down approach that may not have resonated with the vehicle's unique market position.

The discontinuation of the entry-level Cybertruck could be a tactical decision by Tesla to simplify manufacturing processes. By reducing the number of distinct configurations, the company might aim to achieve higher production efficiency and better profit margins. This strategy aligns with past practices where Tesla has limited features through software rather than extensive alterations to its production lines, suggesting a preference for uniformity in hardware. The company's recent price adjustments for its Model S and X, which saw a mandatory 'Luxe Package' bundled in, further indicate a broader shift towards a premium pricing strategy across its high-end vehicle lines, moving away from more budget-conscious options.

Despite initial projections of substantial sales, with estimates reaching up to 250,000 units annually and over two million reservations, the Cybertruck's performance has been inconsistent. Deliveries for models including the Cybertruck, Model S, and Model X peaked in Q4 2024 but have since seen a significant decline, with a 66% drop in Q2 2025. This suggests that the vehicle has struggled to meet market expectations, possibly due to a discrepancy between its promised specifications and actual delivery, as well as broader criticisms leveled at Tesla's leadership.

For those interested in a robust electric truck, the market still offers alternatives such as the Chevy Silverado Work Truck and the Ford F-150 Lightning, which are priced lower than the current entry-level Cybertruck. Tesla's pivot signals an intent to reposition the Cybertruck and its other premium vehicles in a higher market segment, prioritizing luxury and advanced features over initial affordability. This move reflects a evolving strategy for Tesla as it seeks to stabilize sales and streamline its product portfolio in a competitive electric vehicle landscape.

In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability, Chinese industrial giant XCMG has spearheaded a global movement to revolutionize the mining sector. Collaborating with 107 international entities, the company has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to transition mining operations worldwide towards a zero-carbon, intelligent future. This ambitious undertaking seeks to mitigate the substantial environmental impact of heavy mineral extraction by promoting electrification, automation, and advanced technological integration across the industry.

XCMG Drives Sustainable Transformation in Global Mining with 107 Partners

On September 14, 2025, in a pivotal move for global environmental stewardship, Chinese heavy machinery manufacturer XCMG announced a groundbreaking initiative to transform the mining industry. The company, in conjunction with 107 industry partners hailing from 26 nations, issued a \"Joint Declaration on Global Zero-Carbon Smart Mining.\" This declaration outlines a commitment to extensively electrify, automate, and decarbonize mining activities worldwide. The ambitious pact targets 12 critical areas, encompassing advancements in electrification, autonomous operational systems, achieving net-zero emissions, fostering a circular economy, facilitating technology exchange, promoting international collaboration, and implementing smarter maintenance protocols.

Yang Dongsheng, the Chairman of XCMG Group, emphasized the organization's dedication to overcoming industry-specific hurdles by integrating cutting-edge new energy equipment, intelligent control systems, and comprehensive lifecycle services. He stated that XCMG has successfully addressed four core challenges: energy infrastructure, diverse new energy equipment portfolios, intelligent mining management platforms, and financial support mechanisms. These solutions are designed to empower clients to achieve both commercial success and significant environmental benefits. This strategic alliance not only highlights XCMG's leadership in sustainable mining solutions but also signals a major shift towards eco-friendly practices in one of the world's most resource-intensive industries.

The proactive engagement by XCMG and its partners in decarbonizing the mining sector offers a compelling blueprint for other heavy industries. It demonstrates that significant environmental improvements are achievable through international collaboration and technological innovation. This initiative highlights the immense potential for combining business growth with ecological responsibility, proving that a cleaner, more sustainable future for global industries is not just a dream but a tangible goal within reach.