Tesla extends Cybertruck production to summer 2027 to clear backlog

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 16:50 · Archive

Tesla will continue Cybertruck production through the end of summer 2027 instead of mid-2027, CEO Elon Musk announced.

Tesla is extending Cybertruck production through the end of summer 2027 to work through its backlog of orders, CEO Elon Musk announced Wednesday. He had originally stated last week that production would wind down around mid-2027 to make room for increased production of Tesla's Cybercab, a fully autonomous robotaxi with butterfly doors and no steering wheel or pedals.

Musk acknowledged the extension is not ideal from a profit-maximizing perspective. 'This is not the smartest move from a profit-maximizing standpoint btw, but there must be some room in this world for sentimentality or what's the point?' he wrote on X.

The announcement came after Musk revealed that Tesla 'will have to return deposits for a lot of people' because the Cybertruck order rate 'far exceeds' the company's production rate. The Texas facility where Cybertrucks are made is Tesla's only facility capable of manufacturing the vehicle's specialized components.

The decision sparked backlash from some Tesla customers. One Reddit user wrote: 'Like many of you, I have a 59k Cybertruck on order. I've been excited for it, and I'm getting the feeling now that it may not happen.' Michael Goldman, administrator of the Facebook group Cybertruck Owners Only with over 82,000 members, reported being swamped with messages from concerned owners asking what they should do.

Some Cybertruck enthusiasts expressed rare criticism of Musk. Troy Meekhof, known online as 'The Cybertruck Guy', released a 33-minute YouTube video arguing that Tesla never fully committed to making the Cybertruck a success, citing lack of advertising, confusing pricing changes and the decision to shift focus before the truck could establish itself. He called Musk's decision to prioritise the Cybercab 'an absolutely terrible idea'.

Other owners expressed concerns about their pending orders and whether they would be fulfilled before production ends. Some wondered if the Cybertruck might become a valued collector's item due to its limited production run.

The Cybertruck has underperformed compared to Musk's initial expectations. US sales fell to approximately 20,000 vehicles last year from nearly 39,000 in 2024, according to Kelley Blue Book, far below his original prediction of 250,000 annual sales. The vehicle was first unveiled as a prototype in 2019 and made available for purchase to the general public in November 2023.

How it is being reported

• Farewell, Cybertruck: why the winding down of the ‘Maga hat on wheels’ is a sign of the timesEccentric and overhyped, Tesla’s Cybertruck became a stand-in for Elon Musk during his ascent in the Republican party. It will join the ranks of other vehicles symbolic of their eras – for better or for worse Three days after a historic blue tsunami changed America’s political landscape, Elon Musk announced Tesla would end production of its hulking Cybertruck next year. Was it a coincidence? Maybe. Musk said the move was “to make room for increased Cybercab production”, referring to Tesla’s Robotaxi. But the combined circumstances felt highly appropriate: it was the end of an era. Continue…The Guardian · 13 Nov, 11:00
• ‘Call Him Out’: Cybertruck Loyalists Are in Mourning—and They Want Answers From Elon MuskTesla’s unpredictable CEO is ready to move on from the company’s most controversial vehicle, but owners aren’t about to let him off the hook for what they see as a poor decision.Wired · 13 Nov, 10:30
• ‘The end of Tesla!’: Cybertruck diehards turn on Elon Musk after he pulls the plugThe Cybertruck is heading to that shiny cyber-dumpster in the sky, leaving the folks who built online identities around Elon Musk's polarizing pickup feeling bereft. Usually, Musk's fanbase treads lightly around their idol's mercurial decisions. This time, however, the truck's demise has sparked rare backlash within the Tesla community - aimed squarely at the guy […]The Verge · 12 Nov, 17:00
• Elon Musk issues last minute change to fate of Cybertruck: ‘Room in this world for sentimentality’Musk also recently unveiled Tesla's newest Roadster design in October.New York Post · 12 Nov, 04:36
• Tesla extends Cybertruck production to clear backlog, Musk saysTesla CEO Elon Musk originally said Tesla would wind down production at its Texas factory in mid-2027.CBS News · 11 Nov, 19:55

In this story: Elon Musk · Tesla · Troy Meekhof · Michael Goldman · Texas

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