Tesla will wind down production of its polarizing Cybertruck pickup around the middle of 2027, CEO Elon Musk announced Friday, as the electric-vehicle maker shifts factory capacity toward its Cybercab robotaxis.
“Tesla will be winding down production of the Cybertruck at Gigafactory Texas around the middle of next year to make room for increased Cybercab production,” Musk posted on X.
The announcement marks a major retreat for a vehicle Musk once touted as one of Tesla’s most ambitious products.
Unveiled in 2019 with a futuristic stainless-steel design, the Cybertruck generated enormous attention but struggled to meet Musk’s lofty sales expectations.
Musk predicted Tesla could eventually sell roughly 250,000 Cybertrucks annually. Instead, the company has sold only tens of thousands in total since deliveries began in late 2023.
The truck’s initial price and performance promises also fell short. Tesla originally advertised a starting price below $40,000 and a maximum range of up to 500 miles. Neither promise materialized, according to TechCrunch.
The Cybertruck’s unconventional appearance made it a cultural lightning rod. Admirers embraced its angular, stainless-steel exterior, while critics mocked its resemblance to a dumpster. Its unveiling became infamous when Tesla’s chief designer threw a metal ball at the supposedly armored windows, shattering them during a demonstration.
The vehicle also faced recalls and manufacturing problems, and became a target for protesters after Musk emerged as a prominent Trump supporter and later led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative.
Tesla has increasingly emphasized its ambitions in artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous transportation rather than expanding its traditional vehicle lineup. The company plans to use the Texas factory space for increased production of the two-seat Cybercab, a self-driving vehicle designed without a steering wheel or conventional pedals.
Tesla also ended production of its Model S sedan and Model X SUV earlier this year, freeing factory capacity for its Optimus humanoid robots.
The company has begun operating Cybercabs in Austin, Texas, and has announced plans to expand the service. Tesla has not yet made its humanoid robots available for commercial sale.
Despite its plans to move beyond conventional cars, Tesla still relies heavily on vehicle sales for revenue. Its remaining passenger-vehicle lineup includes the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover.
Musk’s announcement did not specify whether Tesla would permanently eliminate the Cybertruck or potentially revisit the model in the future.
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