Tesla Halts Cheaper Cybertruck Orders as Demand for Expensive Models Slows

• Tesla halted orders for the RWD Cybertruck, making the $99,990 AWD version the new base model, raising concerns about affordability.
• Used Tesla Cybertruck prices remain high, showing strong demand even with new models available.
• Unsold Foundation Series Cybertrucks are reportedly sitting in storage, hinting at weaker demand for pricier models.

Tesla has always been a company that dares to be different, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. The Tesla Cybertruck, with its bold design and polarizing aesthetics, is no exception. But, recent developments have raised concerns among potential buyers and industry analysts because Tesla has stopped accepting orders for its most affordable Cybertruck variant.

This development brings up questions about the future of this eagerly awaited vehicle, especially now that the high-priced Foundation Series models are starting to pile up in inventory.

Over the weekend, Tesla discreetly halted orders for the rear-wheel drive (RWD) version of the Cybertruck, priced at around $61,000 and offering a range of 250 miles. Now, the “entry-level” option is the $99,990 all-wheel drive (AWD) version, featuring a range of 318 miles. This decision has left many would-be buyers scratching their heads, wondering if the dream of owning an affordable Cybertruck is slipping further away.

But why the sudden change? According to Tesla’s website, the AWD Cybertruck — part of the limited-edition Foundation Series, only available in its first year — can be ordered for immediate delivery as early as August or September. For those with deeper pockets, the tri-motor ‘Cyberbeast’ version, priced at $119,900, offers an even more powerful alternative, with deliveries estimated to begin in October. Yet, despite the availability of these high-end models, the excitement seems to be waning.

Tesla often announces affordable entry-level versions of its EVs but then delays their release or offers them in very limited quantities. It looks like this pattern is happening again with the Cybertruck. This has led some people to wonder if the demand for the higher-priced models might not be as high as originally expected.

Elon Musk has claimed that there are around 1 million pre-orders for the Cybertruck. However, the reality seems to be quite different, with many unsold Foundation Series Cybertrucks reportedly piling up in storage lots across the country.

Adding another layer to the complexity, the used Tesla Cybertruck market is heating up, with prices still remaining high despite the availability of new models. According to recent reports, even pre-owned Cybertrucks are commanding premium prices, a clear indication of the vehicle’s sustained allure. For some, this secondary market might offer the only viable path to ownership, particularly as new orders for the more affordable variants remain off the table.

The situation highlights a potential disconnect between Tesla’s ambitious production goals and actual market demand. While Tesla’s move to halt sales of the RWD Cybertruck doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gone for good, it does suggest a recalibration of strategy. Tesla had projected that deliveries of the Cybertruck RWD wouldn’t start until 2025. Therefore, it could reappear on the Tesla order page sometime next year.

For now, the Tesla Cybertruck remains a vehicle that both fascinates and frustrates. With a goal of producing 200,000 units annually, Tesla is betting big on the Cybertruck’s success. Yet, as sales of the higher-end Model S and Model X have shown, the market for luxury EVs can be fickle. Last year, Tesla sold around 40,000 Model S and Model X vehicles in the US, a far cry from the 200,000 annual Cybertruck production target.

In the end, the Tesla Cybertruck story is still being written. Whether it becomes a beloved icon or a niche product will depend on how well Tesla can navigate the complex dynamics of supply, demand, and customer expectations. For now, those eagerly awaiting their chance to own a Cybertruck might need to exercise a bit more patience — or dig a little deeper into their wallets.

IMAGES: TESLA, ELECTRIFY EXPO

FTC: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. Learn more.