Tesla Discontinues Cheapest Cybertruck Variant Due to Low Demand
Tesla has ceased the production and sale of its most economical Cybertruck variant, the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model, merely months following its initial release. This strategic shift underscores significant challenges in market acceptance for the futuristic electric truck, which has struggled to meet ambitious sales targets. Despite earlier projections of substantial production volumes, the Cybertruck's sales performance has fallen considerably short, leading to the rapid removal of the lower-priced option from the company's lineup.
The initial launch of the Cybertruck was met with high anticipation, with Tesla reporting over a million reservations and CEO Elon Musk envisioning production capacities ranging from 250,000 to potentially 500,000 units annually. However, current sales figures hover around a mere 20,000 units per year. This discrepancy is largely attributed to the vehicle's market entry at a higher price point and with fewer features than originally advertised, diluting its appeal to potential buyers.
In an effort to stimulate demand, Tesla introduced the more accessible Cybertruck RWD in April 2025, offering it at a starting price of $70,000, a $10,000 reduction from the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. This version, however, was significantly stripped down, lacking crucial elements such as active air suspension, a motorized tonneau cover, and even essential power outlets in the bed, in addition to having only one motor. These omissions rendered the RWD model less appealing, failing to compensate for its lower price.
Consequently, the RWD Cybertruck was pulled from the market less than five months after its debut. Tesla updated its online configurator to reflect this change, removing the option for customers to purchase the RWD variant without introducing a replacement. This abrupt discontinuation suggests a lack of consumer interest in a compromised version of the vehicle, even at a reduced cost.
Industry analysts and potential customers alike found the RWD variant to be a poor value proposition. The removal of features deemed essential by many buyers for a modest price reduction did not resonate with the target audience. The core demographic for the Cybertruck, already considered niche, showed little enthusiasm for a model that sacrificed functionality for a slightly lower cost.
Looking ahead, the future trajectory for the Cybertruck remains uncertain. With sales significantly below projections, Tesla faces the challenge of re-evaluating its strategy. There is speculation that the company might consider upgrading the vehicle in the coming year, aligning it more closely with the original promises to potentially revitalize demand and broaden its appeal within the electric truck market.
This move highlights the complexities of launching innovative vehicles in a competitive market, particularly when initial specifications and pricing diverge significantly from the final product. The rapid withdrawal of the Cybertruck RWD model serves as a stark reminder of the importance of aligning product features and pricing with consumer expectations to ensure market success and sustained interest.