Just when it seemed like everyone was gearing up for the “affordable” version of Tesla’s futuristic pickup, the company has quietly axed it.
Only five months after going on sale, the $69,990 (£51,000) Cybertruck, billed as the most budget-friendly option, has vanished from Tesla’s website. Sources suggest the reason is simple: buyers just weren’t biting.
A Pickup Like No Other
The Cybertruck isn’t your everyday truck. With its ultra-hard stainless-steel exoskeleton, it promises to resist dents, damage, and long-term corrosion—basically, something you might expect the Terminator to drive.
Designed for long-haul electric performance, it’s mostly available in North America and has been pitched as a game-changer for the pickup market.
But despite its futuristic design, the Cybertruck has struggled from the start.
Remember the 2019 unveiling? The supposedly “shatterproof” windows broke in front of the world.
Since then, delays pushed production from 2021 to late 2023, and even after finally reaching customers, the truck has faced criticism over safety and performance issues.
The Short-Lived “Long Range” Model
In April this year, Tesla tried to breathe new life into sales with a cheaper “Long Range” variant.
But in cutting the price, several features were removed—like the rear lightbar, active air suspension, and rear infotainment display.
Even so, at $69,990, it still cost roughly the same as a deposit on a UK house, leaving many potential buyers unimpressed.
Engadget was the first to spot that this model had disappeared from Tesla’s website.
Now, only the two higher-priced versions remain: one starting at $79,990 (£58,500) and the top-tier at $114,990 (£84,200).
These models offer faster acceleration, slightly longer range (325 miles versus 320 miles), and a heavier payload capacity, among other perks.
Cybertruck Sales Lag Far Behind Expectations
Tesla’s sales numbers reveal the challenge. Reports suggest the company is selling around 20,000 Cybertrucks a year—a fraction of Elon Musk’s original plan of 250,000 units, potentially rising to 500,000.
In the second quarter of 2025 alone, just 4,306 trucks were sold, a drop of more than 50% compared to the previous year.
Social media is buzzing with opinions. One user on X (formerly Twitter) said, “Honestly, I think the market for Cybertruck is done,” while another Tesla fan account pointed out that $69,990 “didn’t seem like a good enough price point for what was missing.”
Tech Radar even called it “hurtling towards becoming one of the all-time biggest flops.”
Why the Cybertruck Has Struggled
The Cybertruck was first introduced in November 2019, promising to be a full-size electric pickup that could take on anything.
Yet, from smashed windows during its demo to multiple production delays, it has faced one challenge after another.
Its unconventional shape also means it isn’t available in the UK or Europe, where regulations would prevent it from hitting the road.
Here’s a quick timeline:
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Nov 2017: Musk hints at a “pickup truck that can carry a pickup truck.”
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Nov 2019: Cybertruck prototype unveiled; windows break during demo.
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2021-2023: Multiple delays and prototype tests at Giga Texas.
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Nov 2023: Cybertruck finally delivered to customers.
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Apr 2025: Cheaper “Long Range” model goes on sale.
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Sep 2025: Long Range model quietly removed due to low interest.
What’s Next for Tesla’s Cybertruck?
With the cheapest option gone and overall sales falling well below expectations, questions loom over the future of the Cybertruck line.
Analysts speculate that if trends continue, even the remaining higher-end models might face the chop, potentially spelling the end for Tesla’s boldest truck yet.
Elon Musk and Tesla have not commented publicly on the discontinuation, leaving fans and skeptics alike to wonder whether the Cybertruck will ever achieve the mass-market success Tesla once dreamed of.