Tesla has discontinued its cheapest Cybertruck variant after just six months of availability, removing the rear-wheel-drive model from its online configurator and effectively raising the entry price by $10,000 $79,990 for the all-wheel-drive version, marking another significant setback for the struggling electric pickup truck that has consistently failed to meet Tesla’s ambitious sales expectations and production targets.
Overnight entry price increases by fourteen percent
According to InsideEVs, Tesla has eliminated the possibility of the owners purchasing the most affordable variant of the Cybertruck: the rear-wheel-drive one. The entry-level model is again the AWD truck, which practically increases the cost of purchase by a factor of 1000 dollars (14 percent). And even though technically the AWD model is eligible to claim the tax credit, at least in a couple of weeks, the promotion will not contribute much to jumpstarting sales.
Tesla has stopped the most affordable model of Cybertruck and, in effect, increased the entry barrier by approximately 14%. Cybertruck AWD has become the lowest priced at $79,990. The action might be a bigger reshuffling in the context of the EV tax credit expiring, which further differentiates the premium offerings of Tesla from the rest of its products.
The bare model did not have important features
The base truck was already a monster of subtractions. It dropped the front motor, lost both load and towing capability, took 51 percent of the zero-to-60 MPH time of the AWD, and even lost the tonneau cover. The axed features also include the air suspension of the truck, and it was supplied with 18″ wheels instead of the 20″ wheels standard on the AWD. Sacrifices too were made to the interior–seats were not ventilated and were draped in cloth, half the number of speakers were provided, and the rear screen was lost.
The rear-drive Cybertruck had a base price of $72,235, which was $10,000 less than an all-wheel-drive model, before it was dropped, according to Car and Driver. The outgoing rear-drive model was also devoid of a tonneau cover, active air suspension, and bed power outlets, in addition to losing the front motor. The initial model also came with lower-quality headlights and reduced features in the cabin.
Sales are even below estimates
The Cybertruck has not been a huge success as Tesla expected. This may be because Tesla has been far behind on the promised prices and performance, or because its CEO was accused of political interference. Perhaps it is the move to collapse the changes among models.
Tesla has not provided a reason to eliminate the rear-drive Cybertruck, but the poor sales figures are expected to take the blame. Before the launch of the Cybertruck, the company stated having more than 1 million reservations, and it was going to increase the output to 250,000 to 500,000 units annually. The sales in the initial year and a half of operation of the Cybertruck have been much lower than expected, with Tesla selling about 24,000 Cybertrucks in 2024 and 15,000 during the first half of 2025.
Premium strategy emerges
Tesla has also been campaigning for a price hike on its more expensive models recently. Both the Model S and the X have been upgraded with the new $10,000 optional luxury package known as the Luxe Package, which includes Full Self-Driving, Supercharging, and Premium Connectivity. Maybe this is their new pricing strategy that has left cost-effectiveness and a distinct line between its luxury products and its affordable models.
The move by Tesla to cancel the rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck represents some of the more general challenges of the electric pickup, such as poor sales or production complexities. Leveraging profitability through minimizing the product line and concentrating on products with higher margins, Tesla seems to be prioritizing profitability over accessibility in its luxury vehicle segment as it keeps struggling in the market.