Tesla Inc. has unveiled a more affordable version of its futuristic Cybertruck, pricing the new all-wheel-drive model at $59,990, marking the lowest starting price for the electric pickup since its debut. The announcement, made through Tesla's website, comes amid ongoing efforts to boost sluggish sales of the controversial vehicle, which has faced criticism for its unconventional design and repeated delays. Elon Musk, Tesla's chief executive, confirmed the introductory pricing in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that the AWD Cybertruck would be available at $59,990 "for the next 10 days," though he provided no details on potential changes afterward.
The new dual-motor AWD variant replaces the rear-wheel-drive model that Tesla introduced last year but discontinued just a few months later. According to Tesla's product page, the AWD Cybertruck includes upgrades not found on the earlier RWD version, such as a powered tonneau cover for the truck bed, integrated bed outlets for powering tools or devices, and adaptive air suspension for improved ride quality. However, the addition of the second motor slightly reduces the estimated range to 325 miles on a full charge, compared to the 350 miles offered by the discontinued RWD model.
In tandem with the AWD introduction, Tesla slashed the price of its top-tier Cyberbeast trim by $15,000, bringing it back to $99,990. This marks the third time the tri-motor Cyberbeast has returned to this original launch price point. The model debuted at $99,990 in late 2023, only to see a $20,000 increase shortly after, followed by a reversal and then another $15,000 hike earlier this year. Tesla has not commented publicly on the reasons for these fluctuations, but industry observers point to fluctuating production costs and market demand as factors.
The Cybertruck's pricing history has been a point of contention since Elon Musk first teased the vehicle in 2019. During the initial unveiling event in Los Angeles, Musk promised a base model starting at around $40,000, a figure that drew widespread attention and reservations from over a million potential buyers. However, production delays pushed back deliveries until late 2023, and the first available models started at $60,990 for the RWD version, well above the original target. Tesla cited supply chain issues and engineering refinements as reasons for the higher costs.
Sales figures for the Cybertruck have underperformed expectations, according to estimates from automotive analytics firm Troy Teslike. In 2025, deliveries reportedly dropped 48 percent from the previous year, totaling just over 20,000 units. This falls far short of Musk's ambitious projections from 2019, when he forecasted annual sales of 250,000 Cybertrucks once production ramped up. Tesla has not released official sales data for the model, but the company reported overall vehicle deliveries of 1.81 million in 2024, a slight decline from 2023.
The price reductions appear aimed at addressing these sales challenges. Tesla's move to offer the AWD model at a lower entry point could appeal to buyers seeking a balance of performance and affordability. The Cybertruck's all-wheel-drive system provides better traction and acceleration than the RWD, with Tesla claiming a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds for the new variant. Still, the vehicle's stainless-steel exoskeleton and angular design continue to polarize consumers, with some praising its durability and others decrying it as impractical for everyday use.
Elon Musk's social media activity has played a central role in shaping perceptions of the Cybertruck. In his February 20 post on X, Musk emphasized the temporary nature of the $59,990 price, writing, "AWD Cybertruck $59,990 for the next 10 days." This update, first reported by The Verge, underscores Tesla's strategy of using limited-time offers to spur immediate purchases. Musk has frequently used X to announce product changes, bypassing traditional press releases and directly engaging with fans and critics alike.
Broader context for the price cuts includes intensifying competition in the electric pickup market. Rivals like Ford's F-150 Lightning and Rivian's R1T have seen strong demand, with Ford reporting over 100,000 Lightning reservations since its 2022 launch. General Motors' Chevrolet Silverado EV is also gaining traction, with production set to expand in 2025. Analysts suggest Tesla's aggressive pricing could help the Cybertruck regain momentum, but persistent quality concerns—such as reports of rust on the stainless-steel body and accelerator pedal issues—may deter some shoppers.
Tesla's financial performance in recent quarters provides additional insight into the company's motivations. The firm reported a 9 percent drop in automotive revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024, attributing it partly to price reductions across its lineup, including the Model 3 and Model Y. The Cybertruck, while a small fraction of overall sales, represents a key bet on diversifying beyond sedans and SUVs into the lucrative truck segment, which accounts for a significant portion of U.S. vehicle sales.
Consumer reactions to the new pricing have been mixed, based on online forums and early reviews. Enthusiasts on platforms like Reddit's r/TeslaMotors subreddit hailed the AWD model's features, with one user posting, "Finally, a Cybertruck I can actually afford without selling a kidney." Critics, however, remain skeptical, pointing to the vehicle's high insurance costs and limited charging infrastructure in rural areas where trucks are popular. The American Automobile Association has noted that Cybertruck repair costs can exceed $50,000 due to its unique construction.
Looking ahead, the temporary pricing window raises questions about Tesla's long-term strategy for the Cybertruck. If the $59,990 tag expires after 10 days, as Musk indicated, the base price could revert to around $70,000 or higher, potentially limiting accessibility. Tesla has hinted at future variants, including a single-motor RWD model with a longer range, but no timeline has been confirmed. Production at the company's Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, continues to scale, with capacity for up to 250,000 units annually once fully operational.
The Cybertruck saga reflects broader challenges in the electric vehicle industry, where hype often outpaces reality. Musk's bold visions have driven Tesla's valuation to over $1 trillion at peaks, but delivery shortfalls and regulatory scrutiny—from investigations into Autopilot safety to labor disputes at factories—have tempered investor enthusiasm. As of February 2025, Tesla shares have fluctuated amid these developments, closing at $248 per share on the day of the price announcement.
Industry experts offer varied perspectives on the price cuts' potential impact. Sandy Munro, founder of Munro & Associates, an automotive teardown firm, told Automotive News that the reductions "signal Tesla's recognition that the Cybertruck needs a reality check on pricing to compete." Conversely, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives described the move as "proactive," predicting it could add 50,000 units to 2025 sales. Neither Tesla nor Musk has responded to requests for further comment on these analyses.
In the end, the cheaper Cybertruck represents Tesla's latest attempt to fulfill the promise of an affordable, revolutionary electric truck. Whether it overcomes the stigma of delays, design debates, and unmet expectations remains to be seen. As buyers weigh the 10-day deal, the automotive world watches closely for signs of a turnaround in one of Elon Musk's most ambitious projects.