By Basant El-Faramawy
Tesla will cease production of its Cybertruck pickup around mid-2027, CEO Elon Musk announced Friday, marking the end of a polarizing vehicle that debuted in 2019.
Musk cites shift to robotaxi production
Musk said the decision will allow increased output of the Cybercab robotaxi at the company's Austin, Texas facility. The Cybertruck, a pet project of Musk, had been touted as Tesla's best product but faced production challenges and declining sales.
Sales fall short of targets
Kelley Blue Book data shows Tesla sold 20,237 Cybertrucks last year, down about half from the previous year. Sales through September 2026 fell another 28%. Musk had once forecast 250,000 annual units.
Design and controversy shape reception
The angular, stainless-steel design drew both devotion and derision. A 2019 unveiling saw its supposedly unbreakable glass shatter during a demonstration. The vehicle became a cultural symbol, loved by some and mocked by others.
Political backlash affects brand
Musk's alignment with right-wing figures, including President Donald Trump, alienated some customers. Protests, vandalism at Tesla facilities, and hostility toward Cybertruck owners followed, turning the vehicle into a political flashpoint.
Owners lament end of 'futuristic' truck
Enthusiasts like Ross Blankenship, who valued the truck's sci-fi aesthetic, expressed disappointment. Blankenship said he would buy another Cybertruck immediately, calling its discontinuation a sad moment.