Tesla Cybertruck Sales Are Tanking. Here's Why

Making headlines for all the wrong reasons

The Tesla Cybertruck might be one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road, but its sales are heading in the wrong direction. According to Cox Automotive, U.S. Cybertruck sales dropped by 32.5% between January and February, falling to just 2,619 units. That’s not the kind of momentum Tesla was hoping for, especially after CEO Elon Musk hyped it as the company’s “best product ever.”

The drop in Cybertruck sales coincides with Tesla’s overall slowdown. The company’s U.S. sales fell 10% over the same period, with the Model 3 sedan down 17.5%. But the Cybertruck’s decline stands out, raising questions about whether demand for the angular electric pickup is already fading.

A reputation problem?

One possible factor in the Cybertruck’s struggles is Tesla’s shifting public perception. Musk has become a divisive figure, alienating former fans and potential customers. His political stances and controversies have led to protests at Tesla showrooms, and some buyers are actively avoiding the brand. While there is potential for a conservative shift in Tesla’s customer base, EVs remain a tough sell among right-leaning buyers.

The reality of the Cybertruck

Beyond politics, the Cybertruck itself may simply be a niche product with a limited audience. It’s bold, futuristic, and packed with innovative features like steer-by-wire and four-wheel steering. But it’s also expensive, with prices still well above the $39,900 originally promised. Initially, buyers had to shell out over $100,000 for a special edition model, and even now, the truck starts at around $70,000. That’s a steep ask for a vehicle that remains polarizing in both design and functionality.

Recalls and incentives raise concerns

On top of slowing sales, Tesla recently issued a recall affecting over 46,000 Cybertrucks — essentially every one it has built so far. The issue? Loose trim panels that could detach while driving. This follows another recall related to the truck’s accelerator pedal, adding to concerns about its reliability.

Tesla has also been offering incentives to move Cybertruck inventory, including free lifetime Supercharging for limited-edition models. While discounts and perks are common in the industry, they typically signal a mismatch between supply and demand. Meanwhile, reports suggest that some factory workers were moved off the Cybertruck production line to help ramp up Model Y production, further hinting at slowing interest.

Final thoughts

Despite its recent struggles, the Cybertruck still ended 2024 as America’s best-selling electric truck, with an estimated 39,000 units sold. However, its sales trajectory suggests that early demand may have been driven by Tesla loyalists rather than sustained mainstream appeal. Musk has set an ambitious target of 250,000 Cybertrucks per year, but industry analysts predict a far more modest 55,000 annually.

Tesla’s broader challenges — declining global sales, fading enthusiasm, and delays in launching a cheaper EV — only add to the uncertainty surrounding the Cybertruck. Whether this sales slump is just a temporary dip or the start of a bigger problem remains to be seen. But for now, Tesla’s stainless steel behemoth isn’t exactly flying off the lot.