By Basant El-Faramawy
Tesla will wind down production of its Cybertruck at its Texas factory next year to make room for building more self-driving Cybercab vehicles, Elon Musk has said. The chief executive did not specify whether the angular electric pickup will be discontinued entirely or moved to another site, but the project's lead engineer, Wes Morrill, suggested the model is being retired, writing on X that the Cybertruck "was an incredible technology development platform and lives on through Cybercab."
Production Shift to Cybercab
The decision reflects a strategic pivot toward autonomous vehicles. Musk described the move as necessary to "make room" for Cybercab production, signaling that Tesla's future focus lies with robotaxi technology rather than the niche pickup. The Cybertruck, launched in 2023 after years of delays, has struggled with disappointing sales despite a passionate fan base.
Mixed Reception and Recalls
The vehicle's polarizing design — an angular stainless-steel body — drew both praise for its retro-futuristic look and criticism labeling it "ugly as sin." Its troubled rollout included a 2019 launch event where the supposedly unbreakable window glass shattered on stage. Multiple recalls have followed, including a 2025 action affecting more than 46,000 units over trim pieces that could detach.
Pricing and Market Challenges
Price has also been a barrier. Musk once emphasized the need for affordability, but the fully equipped model debuted at $61,000, with the high-performance "Cyberbeast" variant reaching $102,000 in 2026. Those figures placed the Cybertruck well above mainstream pickup competitors, limiting its appeal in the lucrative U.S. truck market.
