Elon Musk personally handed over the first Tesla Cybertruck units to select customers, including Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and venture capital fund founder Philippe Sarofim. The glitzy event featured Tesla’s signature style with pulsating dubstep, VIP attendees, and Musk’s charismatic presence.
However, the grand unveiling overshadowed a contentious detail – the Cybertruck’s pricing evolution. Musk, delivering on promises made in 2019, acknowledged a stark reality: the cheapest variant, initially anticipated under $40,000, now starts at $60,990 and won’t hit the market until 2025.
The 2024 release, starting at $79,990, includes the dual and triple-engine versions. The all-wheel-drive Cybertruck boasts a 550 km range, accelerates to 96 km/h in 4.1 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 180 km/h. The three-engine configuration, priced at $99,990, packs 845 horsepower and covers around 515 km on a single charge.
Moreover, Tesla’s recent removal of penalties for potential Cybertruck resale stirred controversy. Initial terms hinted at a $50,000 fine or legal action if resale occurred within the first year without Tesla authorization. The sudden shift in wording on Tesla’s order agreement page has sparked speculation and raised questions about the company’s intentions.
While the Cybertruck delivery spectacle marked a milestone, the unfolding pricing saga and changing resale penalties underscore Tesla’s evolving strategies and the challenges of delivering on initial promises in the ever-evolving electric vehicle landscape. As the Cybertruck hits the streets, its reception and Tesla’s response to market dynamics will be closely monitored.