Tesla is pulling the plug on its controversial Cybertruck, with CEO Elon Musk announcing production will wind down by mid-2027 to make way for the company’s autonomous Cybercab initiative. The move signals a dramatic shift in Tesla’s priorities as it pivots toward AI-driven transportation.
From Hype to Phase-Out
Unveiled in 2019 with a stainless-steel exoskeleton and angular design, the Cybertruck became an instant cultural flashpoint—equal parts adored and mocked. Despite viral marketing moments (including the infamous shattered window demo), the vehicle never achieved Musk’s projected sales of 250,000 units annually. Actual deliveries since late 2023 have numbered only in the tens of thousands.
Broken Promises
The Cybertruck failed to meet its initial $40,000 starting price and 500-mile range claims, according to industry analysts. Manufacturing challenges and recalls further hampered production, while Musk’s political controversies made the vehicle a target for protesters.
Factory Floor Shuffle
Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory will retool for Cybercab production, continuing Musk’s push into autonomous vehicles. The two-seat, steering-wheel-free robotaxis are already operating in Austin as part of an early test fleet. This follows Tesla’s earlier discontinuation of its Model S and Model X to prioritize its Optimus humanoid robot program.
EV Maker or AI Company?
While Tesla still sells Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, Musk’s latest move underscores his ambition to transform Tesla into an AI and robotics leader. The announcement leaves open whether Cybertruck production could resume later, but for now, the future looks driverless.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/tesla-pulls-the-plug-on-cybertruck-production