Tesla has begun only selling the more expensive versions of their highly anticipated Cybertruck pickup truck, starting sales of the electric vehicle at $100,000 instead of the originally projected lower price point.
Reports indicate the lowest priced Cybertruck model is no longer available for reservation, with the $61,000 version being removed from Tesla’s website. This means if consumers want to purchase the futuristic truck, their only options now begin at nearly double the first estimated cost.
When Tesla introduced the Cybertruck in 2019, CEO Elon Musk boasted of a starting price under $40,000, presenting an electric pickup aimed to compete with more affordable gas-powered trucks. However, extensive delays in bringing the unconventional design to production have now resulted in six-figure costs.
While some hoped cheaper versions would still be possible in the future, it seems Tesla has begun full-scale manufacturing of only the higher-end models for now. With estimated delivery times also recently slashed from years away to just this month for the $100,000 variation, it appears any less-expensive Cybertrucks are not the immediate priority.
The Cheapest Tesla Cybertruck Now Starts at $100,000
The sudden switch to only offering more premium and costly Cybertruck models from Tesla will likely impact pricing in the growing used market for the electric pickup as well.
So far, used Cybertruck sales have fetched enormous sums, with some going for over $140,000 despite the vehicle only recently beginning limited production runs. With brand new top-of-the-line trucks now available directly from Tesla for around the $100,000 average resale price, it remains to be seen if such inflated used costs can remain sustainable.
Some depreciation may occur as new truck supply grows depending on how production ramps up in coming quarters. For now though, the lack of a more budget-friendly Cybertruck option from the manufacturer itself maintains high demand especially for early trucks with serial numbers, sustaining high used values.
Elon Musk’s Initial Price Estimates for the Cybertruck Have Significantly Increased
When first revealing the Cybertruck in 2019, Musk estimated base prices would start at just $39,000 with a 500 mile range. However, rampant inflation and supply chain issues have significantly impacted manufacturing costs.
The cheapest model now available at $100,000 is over 150% higher than original projections. Early reservations were based on affordability near gas-powered trucks too. Those still waiting face a much steeper financial commitment as the Cybertruck becomes a luxury vehicle only.
Whether customers who hoped to spend 40-60 thousand will accept six figure costs is uncertain as it places the Cybertruck in a different market segment.
Tesla’s Website Removes the Option to Reserve the $61,000 Cybertruck
In a significant pricing move, Tesla has removed the option for buyers to reserve the $61,000 single motor rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck on its website. This previously anticipated version offered 250 miles of range with a targeted 2025 delivery.
Its removal implies the focus is now entirely on higher priced dual and triple motor models. While cheaper variants were still projected, taking the base model offline signals major production challenges in bringing affordable capability to the Cybertruck anytime soon.
Existing reservations may be shifted to costlier variants instead. This pricing revision obscures the original vision of an electric pickup to directly compete with gasoline competitors on value.
The Limited Foundation Series of the Cybertruck Becomes Tesla’s New Focus
To justify the steep price hike, the new “Foundation” series bundle several add-ons together in a special launch version of the Cybertruck. Items like solar charging, upgraded connectivity, and hardware for powering homes are thrown in.
However, it effectively makes the dual and triple motor trucks $20,000 more than if components were optionally added. The limited time offer puts tremendous pressure on would-be buyers who have long awaited the startup of production.
Missing the Foundation window risks never seeing a much cheaper Cybertruck. Resources are poured into a high margin push versus accessible pricing for the masses in Cybertruck’s first meaningful sales effort.
Tesla Faces Challenges in Meeting Initial Cybertruck Reservation Demand
With over 1 million pre-orders claimed but so far less than 25,000 trucks said to be delivered, a vast gap exists between want and fulfillment.
By shifting focus entirely to the upper spectrum of the lineup, addressing early reservations made under an affordability premise becomes more complicated. It remains questionable if or when less expensive models may come, and current customers may feel deprived of the originally pitched value.
While the brand attraction is strong, sustained volume hinges on servicing the form of demand that got the Cybertruck program this far—namely a mixed audience also seeking pragmatic functionality beyond status.
The Cybertruck’s Market Success Depends on Future Price Adjustments
As it stands, the pricey Foundation Series appears geared to fans seeking cutting-edge amenities more than universal truck buyers. Achieving the scale of fellow top-sellers like the Ford F-150 will be difficult if the lowest access point stays north of $100,000 for the foreseeable future.
Much depends on if costs permitting a sub-$80,000 base variant emerge further out. Without a more affordable entry level as production matures, the Cybertruck risks carving out a boutique niche that leaves substantial mainstream demand untapped.
Course corrections to pricing strategy remain paramount as Tesla hopes to fulfill its aspiration of dominating the full-size pickup sector over time.
