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Automotive industry observers pointed to weak sales, delayed deliveries, inflated pricing, multiple recalls, and Elon Musk’s political alignment as potential factors behind Tesla’s decision to discontinue the Cybertruck. Within four years of its November 2023 rollout, the polarizing steel-paneled truck is set to exit the market, sparking widespread mourning and demands for answers across fan communities.
Reactions and Concerns From Owners
Members of the Cybertruck Owners Club forum voiced severe disappointment, citing concerns over future vehicle replacements, lack of aftermarket modifications, and the eventual absence of service and parts. Michael Goldman, administrator of the Facebook group Cybertruck Owners Only, told WIRED that members are deeply unhappy and overwhelmed with uncertainty about what comes next. Goldman noted that the news feels particularly painful given how long enthusiasts waited for the vehicle to become a reality, prompting many to call out Musk for the decision.
Drew Million, another active member of the Facebook group, shared with WIRED that his love and interest in the Tesla brand have waned significantly. Million expressed dismay that leadership appears disconnected from customer desires, leaving behind a stale lineup of consumer options with no true flagship vehicle once the Cybertruck is gone.
Shift Toward Autonomous Vehicles
Troy Meekhof, a prominent Tesla enthusiast known online as “the Cybertruck Guy,” criticized the move in an email to WIRED as a sign of Tesla’s unwillingness or incompetence to make the vehicle succeed. Meekhof argued that eliminating an underperforming product symbolizes an overly aggressive transition toward autonomous-only vehicles like the Cybercab, warning that the American public and legislators are not yet ready for mass autonomy.
Meekhof launched a symbolic petition urging Tesla to reconsider the phase-out, gathering over 5,000 signatures. Tesla has increasingly positioned its future around artificial intelligence and robotics, phasing out older models like the Model S and Model X to leave only the Model 3 and Model Y alongside the remaining Cybertruck production.
Uncertainty and Confusion Over Messaging
The frustration among supporters has grown due to mixed messaging from Musk, who claimed the truck remains profitable and experiences high demand, leaving owners confused as to why production must end. Adding to the friction, Tesla continued accepting orders exclusively for the high-end $109,990 Cyberbeast model while struggling with backlogs.
Goldman and other loyalists suspect that early adopters were used primarily to gather data for the company’s broader autonomous vehicle ambitions. As production winds down toward an estimated stop in June or July 2027, Goldman told WIRED that devoted followers simply want transparency regarding whether the cancellation stems from sales figures, factory space limitations, or a pivot toward robotaxis.
