Tesla is preparing to turn the page on the Cybertruck. Elon Musk announced that production of the electric pickup would be gradually stopped around the middle of next year at the Texas Gigafactory. The factory must be reassigned to the rise of the Cybercab, the brand’s autonomous taxi, details “The Guardian”.
The Tesla boss did not specify whether the Cybertruck could be produced elsewhere. Such a transfer would, however, require significant investments, given the specific equipment needed to manufacture the vehicle and its stainless steel body.
Business failure
The abandonment of the model marks the commercial failure of an emblematic Tesla project. Delivered for the first time at the end of 2023 after several years of delays, the Cybertruck never reached the volumes envisaged by Elon Musk. The manager had initially mentioned a target of 200,000 annual sales, but Tesla does not publish separate figures for this model.
In the third quarter of 2026, the “other models” category, which notably includes the Cybertruck, represented only 8,300 deliveries. Over the same period, Tesla delivered 478,000 Model 3 and Model Y. The pick-up was never marketed in Europe, due to failure to meet the required safety standards.
Priority to robots and AI
This decision confirms the manufacturer’s change of direction. Tesla now intends to focus its efforts on autonomous driving, artificial intelligence and robotics, rather than on the regular renewal of its automobile range. The Texas factory must also accommodate the production of the Optimus humanoid robot.
The Cybercab constitutes the centerpiece of this strategy. This steering-wheel-free vehicle, designed for two passengers, is already used for paid rides in certain areas of Austin, Texas. However, its deployment on a larger scale remains uncertain, with American authorities closely examining the safety conditions of autonomous vehicles.
Tesla’s stock is plummeting on the stock market
At the same time, Tesla continues to prepare the production of its Semi electric truck and is working on a new version of the Roadster. This sports model, expected in 2028, should however not have a strong impact on the group’s future results, according to analysts.
The announcement comes in a difficult week for Elon Musk. After the defeat in the midterm elections of several Republican candidates whom he had financially supported, the markets reacted strongly. Tesla stock lost 11% on Thursday, while SpaceX fell 9%.
