Tesla's ambitious electric pickup truck has fallen dramatically short of expectations, with industry experts now ranking it alongside infamous automotive failures like the Ford Edsel. The Cybertruck, once heralded as revolutionary, continues to face mounting problems as Tesla appears to have silently abandoned its promised range-extending battery pack.
The Vanishing Range Extender
Tesla has apparently removed the much-anticipated range-extending battery pack option from its online configurator, suggesting the project may have been scrapped entirely. This accessory, which would have occupied roughly a third of the truck's bed space, was promised to boost the Cybertruck's range from around 300 miles to approximately 470 miles (later downgraded to 445 miles). Tesla had been collecting USD $2,000 deposits for the USD $16,000 add-on, but the product has yet to materialize, adding to a growing list of unfulfilled promises surrounding the vehicle.
Falling Far Short of Range Claims
When first unveiled, Elon Musk boldly claimed the tri-motor Cyberbeast version would deliver over 500 miles of range. Reality has proven quite different, with real-world testing by Inside EVs revealing the Cybertruck manages only about 304 miles of range at highway speeds, while the Cyberbeast version achieves approximately 300 miles—a substantial 40% shortfall from original promises. This significant discrepancy between marketed capabilities and actual performance has damaged consumer confidence.
Quality Issues Plague Production
The Cybertruck's troubles extend well beyond range limitations. The vehicle has been subject to eight recalls in just 13 months since its launch, with issues ranging from accelerator pedals that get stuck to body panels that simply fall off. These persistent quality problems have contributed to what Forbes has called a lousy reputation in the market, turning what was meant to be Tesla's halo product into what industry consultant Eric Noble describes as a huge swing and a huge miss.
Sales Falling Dramatically Short
Tesla's sales projections for the Cybertruck have proven wildly optimistic. While Musk predicted annual sales of 250,000 units, current estimates suggest the company will deliver only around 40,000 vehicles in 2024. Reports indicate inventory is building up as initial customer demand wanes, signaling serious trouble for the USD $82,000 vehicle's market acceptance.
Political Backlash Intensifies Problems
The Cybertruck's struggles are further complicated by growing resentment toward Tesla in some quarters due to Elon Musk's increasingly political public persona. The vehicle has become a focal point for protests against the company, with demonstrators specifically targeting the truck due to its strong association with Musk himself. This politicization has added another layer of difficulty to Tesla's efforts to market what was already a polarizing vehicle design.
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| Political backlash against Tesla amid growing discontent regarding Musk's public persona |
A Pattern of Over-Promising
Critics point to the Cybertruck's failures as part of a larger pattern of Tesla and Musk making grandiose promises that fail to materialize. From Full Self-Driving capabilities to a flying Roadster with rocket thrusters, the company has developed a reputation for exciting announcements that don't translate into actual products. While this approach has historically generated investor enthusiasm, it appears to be increasingly damaging consumer trust.
Market Impact Amid Broader Challenges
The Cybertruck's troubles come at a particularly challenging time for Tesla and the broader clean energy sector. With former President Trump's recently announced tariffs threatening to significantly increase costs for solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries, the renewable energy boom that has benefited Tesla's broader business could face serious headwinds. These tariffs—up to 49% on some countries that produce solar components—may further complicate Tesla's position in the sustainable energy marketplace.