Social Media and News Outlets "Bury" the Cybertruck as Production Set to End in Mid-2027 (5 Photos)

While some mourn its demise, others are celebrating the end of what they call an "eyesore." Meanwhile, some analysts argue it wasn't Tesla that failed—the era of massive pickup trucks has simply run its course.





On November 6, 2026, Elon Musk announced that Tesla will begin winding down Cybertruck production at its sole Texas factory by mid-2027. Instead, the automaker will focus on ramping up production of the Cybercab—a fully autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals.

Unveiled in 2019, the Cybertruck saw its first customer deliveries in 2023. Tesla expected the vehicle to be a blockbuster hit, targeting 250,000 units per year, with Musk himself touting it as the company's "best product ever."

In reality, however, the Cybertruck never achieved mainstream success: by the highest estimates, Tesla managed to sell just 70,000 vehicles over three years. Furthermore, the automaker may have inflated those sales figures, as some pickups were purchased by Musk's other companies.

Design Flaws



The Cybertruck was polarizing from day one—while some saw its look as a masterpiece of automotive design, others considered it a hideously flawed failure, Fast Company notes. Part of the issue stemmed from the sheer array of problems it created: designers warned early on that the truck's angular body couldn't be mass-produced, requiring a level of precision no auto plant could deliver.

Musk also acknowledged manufacturing hurdles caused by the steel exoskeleton, which proved difficult to assemble. Mass production was repeatedly delayed until Tesla seemingly stopped worrying about precision tolerances altogether. The "shockingly poor" build quality frustrated the billionaire, who urged employees to "do better," but deliveries went ahead regardless.

A host of issues surfaced soon after: the accelerator pedal was prone to jamming, the bumper was sharp enough to slice fingers, the windshield shattered under hail, and the body—supposedly made of stainless steel—began to rust. Drivers effectively wrote an obituary for the pickup with every recall, whether over detaching trim panels or fears that the wheels might simply fall off.

Not Tesla's Failure, But the Fall of Giant Pickups





According to Wired and Business Insider, ending Cybertruck production reflects less on a failure by Tesla and more on the end of the era of massive electric vehicles. For instance, Ford abandoned its all-electric F-150 Lightning in late 2025 in favor of a hybrid version, while Slate Auto plans to release a pickup that converts into an SUV.

Buyers expect too much from these vehicles, making electrification a process fraught with compromises. On top of that, these pickups remain prohibitively expensive. As a result, automakers are pivoting toward more compact and affordable models—Ford, for example, is releasing the midsize Fathom SUV, which is smaller and simpler than the F-150 Lightning, while Rivian is betting on its compact R3.

Building smaller EVs is a key way to trim manufacturing costs. Lower weight means a smaller, less powerful battery—the single most expensive component of an electric car. Even Musk's announcement signals a shift toward a more compact model with a less demanding battery setup.

Bidding Farewell to the Cybertruck



Ford Fathom winter testing (Photo: Ford)

Public opinion remains fiercely divided: some owners call it the best vehicle on Earth and vow never to part with it, planning to keep repairing it for life. To them, it's "not just a truck," but an emotional experience akin to "piloting a spaceship," praising its handling, camera suite, and sensor array.

Others feel betrayed by broken promises, furious that they will never get an upgraded version of the Cybertruck. They are angry that Musk prioritized the Cybercab and autonomous technology over pickup production, drawing one main conclusion: don't get emotionally attached to a company or its products.

Still others are breathing a sigh of relief: tech outlet The Verge called the Cybertruck a "technological nightmare" and bade it "good riddance." Meanwhile, critics online express bewilderment that anyone bought this "dumpster on wheels" in the first place, calling the vehicle a flop that was simply "too ugly to exist."



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