Tesla scraps cheapest Cybertruck as demand falls short

Cybertruck’s cheapest model is gone

Tesla just pulled the cheapest variant of the Cybertruck from its lineup after just five months. The rear-wheel-drive model, introduced in April 2025 at $69,990, has been removed from Tesla’s configurator as of mid-September 2025. The entry trim is now the All-Wheel Drive at $79,990 (about $82,235 with destination).

This change marks a shift in Tesla’s strategy, leaving potential customers with fewer affordable options. While the all-wheel-drive model offers better features, this price hike likely narrows the truck’s appeal.

Tesla’s dream of a $39,900 truck fades

At the 2019 reveal, Tesla advertised a $39,900 single-motor Cybertruck, a configuration that never reached production. Today, the least-expensive model is the AWD at $79,990, far above that initial 2019 figure.

This significant price bump has led many to question whether Tesla can still capture a large market of budget-conscious buyers. Instead of an affordable electric truck, the Cybertruck appears to be leaning toward premium offerings.

Why Tesla dropped the rear-wheel drive model

The rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck made sacrifices to keep its price low, but many buyers found it lacking. It had one motor instead of the dual or tri-motor options, limiting its performance. The towing capacity and payload were also reduced compared to the all-wheel-drive versions.

Without air suspension, a power tonneau cover, or advanced interior features, the rear-wheel drive model felt incomplete. These deletions likely dampened demand; Tesla has since dropped the RWD from the lineup. The result? Only the more expensive versions of the truck are available now.

Cybertruck’s missing features explained

The RWD trim omitted several features: no powered hard tonneau cover, no active air suspension, no onboard 120V/240V bed outlets, and no rear seat screen; it also used textile seats.

This basic model also came without air suspension, reducing its versatility for off-roading or heavy-duty tasks. All these omissions made it clear that Tesla’s entry-level truck was more of a stripped-down version than a fully functional vehicle for those needing a robust workhorse.

What did you get for the extra $10,000?

The shift to the all-wheel-drive Cybertruck means a $10,000 price increase, but what does that extra money buy? The AWD model comes with dual motors, a higher towing capacity, better acceleration, and more advanced features.

Unlike the rear-wheel-drive version, it offers a power tonneau cover, 20-inch wheels, and upgraded interior materials (including ventilated front seats on higher trims). These added benefits could justify the higher price for many buyers, but the sudden price jump could also deter some who were hoping for a more budget-friendly option.

Price hikes are becoming a trend at Tesla

Tesla frequently adjusts pricing; for Cybertruck, the AWD lists at $79,990 after the $69,990 RWD was withdrawn, signaling a tilt toward higher-margin trims.

This move could be part of a broader strategy to boost profit margins and position Tesla’s offerings as premium products. However, it leaves fewer choices for budget-conscious consumers, especially with the ongoing debate about EV affordability across the market.

The reality of a high end electric truck

Tesla’s new pricing strategy means buyers are getting a higher-end experience. The all-wheel-drive Cybertruck has more performance capabilities, including a faster 0-60 MPH time, better towing, and a more luxurious interior.

While these upgrades make the Cybertruck more appealing to those seeking a premium electric truck, it shifts the vehicle away from the workhorse it was initially marketed as. This move could help Tesla capture a more affluent market.

Could this shift affect Cybertruck sales?

With the removal of the cheapest Cybertruck model, sales may take a hit among buyers who were hoping for an affordable electric truck. Now, the only options are higher-priced versions with better features, which may be out of reach for many.

Sales of the Cybertruck have been slower than expected, and this price increase could push more buyers toward other electric trucks, like the Ford F-150 Lightning or Chevrolet Silverado EV. Tesla’s pricing shift will test whether its current customer base is willing to spend more for premium features.

Competing with cheaper electric trucks

Rivals start lower: Ford’s F-150 Lightning lineup begins at $49,780 and Chevy’s Silverado EV WT at $57,095, both under the Cybertruck AWD’s $79,990. Both are priced lower and offer strong performance and features that rival the Cybertruck.

These trucks are marketed toward people looking for both affordability and capability, a balance that the Cybertruck’s current price no longer matches. As the electric truck market heats up, Tesla must find a way to differentiate itself from these strong competitors while maintaining its premium image.

Tesla’s focus on premium models

By removing the cheapest Cybertruck model, Tesla is clearly focusing on its premium options. The all-wheel-drive and tri-motor Cyberbeast versions are more expensive but come with higher performance and more luxurious features.

Tesla may be choosing to streamline production and focus on high-margin vehicles that appeal to customers willing to pay a premium. The shift suggests that Tesla sees the future of electric trucks as more of a high-end product rather than a budget-friendly alternative.

Rising demand for electric trucks

Despite the price increase, electric trucks are gaining popularity. Buyers are drawn to the environmental benefits, lower maintenance costs, and cutting-edge tech features of vehicles like the Cybertruck and competitors like the F-150 Lightning.

As more people make the switch to EVs, automakers are rushing to release new electric trucks. Tesla’s decision to discontinue the cheaper version of the Cybertruck may be part of its attempt to keep up with the rising demand for premium electric vehicles in the truck segment.

Tesla’s pricing strategy explained

The decision to phase out the least expensive Cybertruck and increase prices across its lineup likely has to do with Tesla’s need for higher profit margins. By offering more expensive versions, Tesla can position itself as a premium automaker, similar to luxury vehicle brands.

This approach helps streamline production and reduce costs by limiting the number of variations. However, it also risks alienating buyers who were hoping for a more affordable entry into the electric truck market. Tesla’s pricing move will be a key factor in shaping the future of its truck sales.

Why cheaper EVs are still in demand

Though Tesla has focused on more expensive variants, cheaper electric vehicles are still in demand. Many buyers are looking for a more affordable entry point into the EV market, and some automakers are answering the call with budget-friendly options.

The lack of affordable models from Tesla could open the door for competitors to capture a larger market share. If buyers feel they’re priced out of the Cybertruck, they may look at other EV trucks that offer more competitive prices.

Tesla’s premium push leaves gaps

By focusing on premium versions, Tesla risks missing out on a large market segment that craves more affordable electric trucks. While the Cybertruck’s high-end models may attract affluent buyers, there’s still a huge demand for budget-friendly electric vehicles.

The decision to pull the entry-level model could limit Tesla’s reach in the growing truck market, where consumers are used to more affordable options. This move will challenge Tesla to find the balance between offering premium products and catering to budget-conscious buyers.

Curious about how this affects your insurance options? Check out how the Tesla Cybertruck is facing insurance coverage challenges and what that means for potential buyers.

Cybertruck’s future is still uncertain

With the removal of the cheaper version, many are wondering what the future holds for the Cybertruck. While the more expensive models remain available, Tesla’s ability to meet the original sales projections for the Cybertruck now seems less likely.

The road ahead for the Cybertruck will depend on whether Tesla can maintain strong demand for its premium options and address the affordability gap that remains in the market. The Cybertruck’s future success remains in flux as its pricing strategy continues to evolve.

Want to know more about Tesla’s latest legal battles? Dive into how the company is fighting a $243M ruling connecting Autopilot to a crash.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.