Tesla has launched a new all-wheel-drive version of its Cybertruck, starting at $59,990, which is the lowest price for the electric pickup truck to date. The new AWD model comes well-equipped with dual motors, adaptive damping, a powered tonneau cover, and bed outlets with Powershare V2X functionality. This is the first time since the Cybertruck launched in 2023 that there was a version that somewhat resembled the original price point promised by Elon Musk back in 2019.
The AWD model includes most of the features that made the higher-priced trims desirable, but loses active air suspension and a bit of range. Tesla also reversed its $15,000 Cyberbeast price hike from last August, bringing the tri-motor variant back down to $99,990 from $114,990. This move suggests that Tesla is trying to make the Cybertruck more appealing to consumers, but it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to overcome the product's poor sales history.
The new AWD model was launched with a price point of $59,990, which is significantly lower than the original price point promised by Elon Musk. However, just hours after the launch, CEO Elon Musk announced on X that the price point would only be available for approximately 10 days. This move has raised questions about Tesla's commitment to the Cybertruck program and whether it is trying to create a sense of urgency around the product.
The 10-day expiration date for the AWD model suggests that Tesla may not be serious about making the Cybertruck a viable product. If this price point is only available for a short period, it would suggest that Tesla cannot make the truck profitably at that price. This raises concerns about the company's ability to make the Cybertruck work and whether it is just trying to create a sense of hype around the product.
Tesla has been criticized in the past for its erratic pricing decisions and lack of transparency when it comes to its products. The company's decision to launch the AWD model with a price point that is significantly lower than expected, only to announce that it will be available for a limited time, raises questions about Tesla's commitment to the Cybertruck program.
The broader trajectory here is deeply concerning. Tesla is committing automotive suicide by abandoning the car business that generated $80 billion in annual revenue to chase robotaxis and humanoid robots. The Cybertruck was already a victim of this pivot, with Musk floating an 'autonomous cargo delivery' future for a truck that can barely sell 5,000 units per quarter as a consumer vehicle.
If Tesla is serious about making the Cybertruck work, the $60,000 AWD model should be the permanent base configuration, not a limited-time promotion. However, at this point, it's hard to believe Tesla is serious about making the Cybertruck work at all. The company's erratic pricing decisions and lack of commitment to the program raise concerns about its ability to make it a viable product.
The question now is what happens after those 10 days. Does the price go up? Does the AWD trim disappear entirely? Is the Cybertruck program ending? Either way, the signal is clear: Tesla is not committed to offering an affordable Cybertruck. This raises concerns about the company's ability to make it a viable product and whether it will ultimately be a success or a failure.
Tesla's decision to launch the AWD model with a price point that is significantly lower than expected, only to announce that it will be available for a limited time, suggests that the company may not be serious about making the Cybertruck work. The lack of transparency and commitment to the program raises concerns about Tesla's ability to make it a viable product.
Tesla's erratic pricing decisions and lack of commitment to the Cybertruck program raise concerns about the company's ability to make it a viable product.
