Tesla to wind down Cybertruck production at Texas factory

Summarised from 10 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 13:30 · Archive

Tesla will stop making the Cybertruck at its Texas factory around mid-2027 to free up space for Cybercab production.

Elon Musk announced on Friday that Tesla will wind down Cybertruck production at its Texas Gigafactory around the middle of 2027. The decision aims to create factory capacity for increased manufacturing of the Cybercab, Tesla's two-seater autonomous robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedals.

Musk did not clarify whether Cybertruck production would move to another facility or be phased out entirely. The Austin plant is the only known Tesla facility equipped to manufacture the vehicle's specialised components, and relocating production would require significant investment in new tooling.

The Cybertruck has been a commercial disappointment since its launch in late 2023. Analyst estimates place total deliveries at roughly 70,000 units, significantly below Musk's prediction before launch that Tesla would sell 250,000 annually. The Independent reports that US sales fell to 20,237 units in 2025, down 48 per cent from 38,965 in 2024.

The vehicle has faced multiple obstacles since its 2019 unveiling. Musk attempted to demonstrate the claimed shatterproof windows by throwing metal balls at them during the launch presentation, but the glass shattered instead. The Cybertruck's distinctive angular stainless-steel design attracted devoted fans but proved polarising. The design's sharp edges raised safety concerns that prevented regulatory approval in many parts of Europe, cutting off major potential markets. The vehicle has also been hit by numerous recalls and quality-control complaints. Tesla has repeatedly revised prices, with the cheapest version eventually priced at $59,900, far above Musk's original $39,900 target.

Musk responded to online mourning about the decision by saying the "Cybertruck fleet will be around for a long time" and calling it "the best vehicle Tesla has ever made". However, Wes Morrill, the project's lead engineer, posted a statement saying "Cybertruck was an incredible technology development platform and lives on through Cybercab", language that suggested discontinuation rather than relocation.

The wind-down reflects Musk's strategic pivot towards robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicle technology rather than traditional consumer vehicle development. Tesla has already discontinued the Model S sedan and Model X SUV to make factory space for Optimus humanoid robots. The Cybercab is central to Tesla's robotaxi ambitions, with the company currently operating test vehicles in Austin, Houston and Dallas, as well as three Florida cities.

How it is being reported

• Musk says Tesla will end Cybertruck production next yearTesla CEO Elon Musk said the electric car maker will halt production of its Cybertruck next year and prioritize self-driving taxis.CBS News · 6 Nov, 13:29
• Elon Musk says Tesla is 'winding down' production of its CybertruckTesla says it is winding down production of Cybertruck to free up space for Robotaxis — but is this the beginning of the end for its EVs?TechRadar · 6 Nov, 13:17
• Tesla to wind down Cybertruck production in Texas next year to ramp Cybercab, Musk saysThe Cybertruck and its polarizing design gained a niche following, but it did not achieve mass-market sales and Tesla has issued several voluntary recalls.CNBC · 6 Nov, 13:12
• Tesla to wind down Cybertruck production as Elon Musk focuses on robotics and AIDecision made in order for factory in Texas to be used for Cybercab, the carmaker’s self-driving taxi Elon Musk has announced that Tesla will wind down production of its Cybertruck, marking the end of a failed effort to take a chunk of the lucrative market for pickups in the US. The billionaire chief executive said production of the car will stop in about the middle of next year at the company’s factory in Texas in order to use the plant for the Cybercab, its self-driving taxi. Continue reading...The Guardian · 6 Nov, 12:38
• Elon Musk controversial Tesla Cybertruck appears to deadCEO took a particular interest in sharp-edged vehicle – but it faced criticism over its safety, difficulties with recalls and ultimately failed to sell in good numbersIndependent Tech · 6 Nov, 12:06
• Tesla will stop making the Cybertruck in 2027Elon Musk said the company will use the factory space to make more Cybercabs.TechCrunch · 6 Nov, 11:50
• Tesla is 'winding down' Cybertruck production at its Texas GigafactoryTesla Cybertruck production will wind down in the middle of 2027 to make room for the Cybercab robotaxi.Engadget · 6 Nov, 11:40
• Tesla is ‘winding down’ production of the Cybertruck next yearTesla is getting the Cybertruck ready for retirement in an effort to ramp up its robotaxi output. In an X post on Friday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the company will be "winding down" Cybertruck production at its Texas Gigafactory sometime around the middle of next year, "to make room for increased Cybercab production." […]The Verge · 6 Nov, 10:42
• Tesla to wind down Cybertruck production at Texas factory as it struggles to win appealElon Musk said the production wind-down would enable the automaker to focus on its newly launched Cybercab.New York Post · 6 Nov, 10:11
• Elon Musk appears to signal the end of the road for CybertruckMusk said it was to make room for production of its Cybercabs - autonomous taxis without a driver.BBC World · 6 Nov, 09:57

In this story: Elon Musk · Tesla · Wes Morrill · Texas · Austin · Europe · General Motors · Ford

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log