The Promised $39,000 Tesla Cybertruck Actually Costs $60,990

The pricing structure for the Cybertruck was unveiled alongside its introduction and is now elaborated on Tesla’s official website. The most affordable Cybertruck is the rear-wheel-drive model starting at $60,990 with an unspecified transportation fee on top. (This charge is $1,390 across Tesla’s other models, but it tends to be higher for heavier vehicles like trucks.) The all-wheel-drive model initiates at $79,990, while the high-performance “Cyberbeast” tri-motor version is priced at $99,990.

These amounts significantly exceed the initially indicated prices at the Cybertruck concept’s unveiling in 2019. At that time, Musk stated that the basic single-motor model would be priced at $39,900, and the dual- and tri-motor editions would cost $51,100 and $71,100 respectively. Even though those prices would have tilted the electric truck market heavily in Tesla’s favor irrespective of capabilities, they are now effectively unmet commitments—similar to some of the Cybertruck’s features.

During the launch, Tesla assured that the Cybertruck would have the capacity to transport a 3,500-pound load, tow 14,000 lbs, and travel up to 500 miles on a single charge. Nevertheless, the recent delivery event only specified a 2,500-lb payload, 11,000-lb towing capacity, and a maximum range of 340 miles. An optional bed-mounted additional battery can extend the range to about 470 miles, but the 500-mile range is absent. Here’s a glimpse of that solution from Tesla:

Tesla’s inability to meet its pledged pricing and the belated arrival of the Cybertruck contrasts sharply with the automaker it has consistently attempted to overshadow: Ford. At the delivery event, Tesla directly compared the Cybertruck to the F-150 Lightning in a staged tractor pull video, and engaged in a tug-of-war with a standard F-150 in a prior demonstration, both of which appeared to be clearly orchestrated. Rigging the comparison should not be necessary for a truck that is significantly more expensive than a base 2023 Lightning, which now commences at $49,995 before shipping—although admittedly, that’s almost $10,000 greater than its initial launch price in 2021 (which was even higher before Ford reduced prices in the summer).

Nonetheless, the Cybertruck has failed to hit the mark, and if oversimplified comparison videos are your specialty, it is not as capable off-road as the Ford either.

This could pose a challenge for the Cybertruck, which is priced and designed more in line with a lifestyle vehicle similar to the Rivian R1T and GMC Hummer EV. It is costlier than the entry-level dual-motor Rivian, which starts at $73,000, while $87,000 provides the quad-motor setup and $94,000 grants the 410-mile battery. The most affordable 2023 Hummer is even more expensive at nearly $99,000 delivered, albeit still less expensive than the “Cyberbeast.” There is also the forthcoming 2025 Ram 1500 REV, which will face criticism if it also fails to deliver on its promised 500-mile range.

Unlike the Model S, the Cybertruck is not a front-runner but a late entrant, making it even more challenging for it to replicate the impact of Tesla’s initial electric vehicle. Undoubtedly, it will have a dedicated following among Musk’s loyal fans, but with numerous alternatives to the Cybertruck already on the market, the public may opt for a more affordable truck or one that doesn’t resemble a metallic origami creation.

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