Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybertruck has become one of the company’s most controversial investments due to its sales performance. This radically designed electric pickup truck, which Elon Musk introduced with the promise of “surviving even the apocalypse,” sold only 4,306 units in the second quarter of 2025. This figure represents a 50.8% decrease compared to the same period last year.
Tesla Cybertruck sales fell short of expectations
The Cybertruck’s total first-half sales also fell far short of expectations. Only 10,712 units were sold in the first six months of 2025, compared to 39,900 in 2024. Elon Musk had previously announced a goal of selling 500,000 Cybertrucks annually. However, a significant gap has emerged between this target and current performance.
The vehicle’s weak sales figures cannot be explained solely by consumer apathy. Tesla has also faced numerous quality and safety issues with this model. Eight different recalls have been issued so far.
These include serious manufacturing defects such as sudden power loss, gas pedal failure, and body panels separating from the body. These technical issues have significantly eroded confidence in the vehicle’s reliability.
The Cybertruck’s high price has also been a key factor affecting sales. Elon Musk promised a starting price of $40,000 during the launch. However, the first models delivered were priced around $100,000.
More modestly equipped versions, despite their $70,000 price tag, have failed to attract sufficient interest. This price range remains significantly higher than many competing electric pickup trucks on the market.
Tesla’s decline also threatens the company’s overall market dominance. Tesla, which has long held the title of the world’s best-selling electric vehicle brand, is at risk of losing its leadership in this segment to Chinese manufacturer BYD. BYD, particularly known for its affordable models, is seeing increasing interest in many countries, including Turkey.
