In February, Cybertruck sales fell by 32.5%, and a recent recall isn’t making things better.

• Cox Automotive reports that Tesla Cybertruck sales fell by 32.5% in February.
• The sales of Cybertrucks have been declining over several months, indicating an issue with demand.
• The broader negative reaction against Tesla might also be negatively impacting Cybertruck sales.

The
Tesla Cybertruck
Although it may be America’s top-selling electric truck, recently things haven’t been going well for it. On Thursday, Tesla announced
remembering more than 46,000 of these trucks
—essentially all that have been produced—to repair trim panels that tend to detach while the vehicle is moving. Additionally, it seems that the popularity of this starkly designed pickup is declining.

According to data supplied to InsideEVs by Cox Automotive, Cybertruck sales in the U.S. fell by 32.5% from January to February, reaching approximately 2,619 units. This isn’t quite what one would hope for with a car model that Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, often describes as his company’s “greatest achievement yet.”

The automobile company’s total sales decreased by 10% within that timeframe, with the Model 3 sedan experiencing a drop of 17.5%.
the firm said
.

Several factors could explain why this is occurring. A potential cause may be Elon Musk himself. As an unelected billionaire, he plays a significant role in these circumstances.
attempt to reduce government expenditure
, possibly illegally, has ignited intense
protests at Tesla showrooms
and tarnished the brand’s formerly excellent standing with progressive consumers. Individuals are discarding their Teslas. They pledge not to purchase new ones in the future. They’re
grabbing bold anti-Musk bumper stickers
Just like they’re going out of fashion. And the car company’s shares are performing poorly this year.

Therefore, it makes sense that the boldest testament to both Tesla and Musk—an aggressive, impenetrable truck showcasing a ‘take-that’ mentality—has not been selling like hotcakes recently. Should Republicans start supporting Tesla en masse, however, this trend might change. After all, President Trump’s influence could make quite a difference here.
put up a grand display of purchasing a Tesla near the White House lately
, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick encouraged viewers to purchase the company’s shares on television. However, this is quite a significant assumption, considering that individuals leaning towards the right typically have minimal interest in electric vehicles.

Moreover, the demand might be naturally reaching its peak for a car that was unlikely to ever become hugely popular.
tested the Cybertruck
, and I find it to be quite an impressive device. It comes with cutting-edge features such as
steer-by-wire
, four-wheel steering and a
48-volt electrical system
. Regardless of whether you appreciate its divisive design or not (personally, I find it awesome—feel free to disagree with me), it commands notice more than any other car currently available.

However, according to numerous auto industry analysts who I’ve spoken with since the Cybertruck was launched at the end of 2023, this vehicle is essentially a high-priced, unconventional item catering to a specific market segment and won’t be challenging the Ford F-150 anytime soon. During its initial few months on the market, the price tag for the truck exceeded $100,000; currently, you can purchase one for just above $70,000—which still remains quite distant from what might be considered affordable.
initially listed at $39,900
Musk aims for a lofty production target of 250,000 Cybertrucks each year. However, one analyst predicted last year that annual sales might realistically peak around 55,000 units.

Certainly, indications of diminishing interest in the Cybertruck have been surfacing for several months now. Initial sales were strong, reaching almost 17,000 units in the third quarter according to Cox Automotive data from last year’s first nine months. However, these figures dropped to approximately 13,000 units during the fourth quarter.

In January, some Tesla factory employees were reassigned from the Cybertruck production line to assist with building the more voluminous Model Y.
Business Insider
reported
. Tesla offered a no-joke incentive—
free Supercharging for life
—to clear limited-edition “Foundation Series” trucks from their stock. It has
lowered the rental cost for Cybertrucks
Tesla is not alone in offering substantial incentives to boost car sales, but whenever a company introduces such discounts, it indicates that the supply exceeds the demand.

To be sure, the
Cybertruck’s
many
recalls
(this is the
The second issue relates to loose trim.
) might have caused delays, affecting delivery numbers as Tesla addressed various problems. Despite this recent downturn, the Cybertruck concluded 2024 with an estimated 39,000 sales according to Cox Automotive, securing its position as the top-selling electric pickup in America ahead of competitors such as the Ford F-150 Lightning.
Rivian R1T
It was likewise the
fifth top-selling electric vehicle in the nation
.

Was that mainly due to initial enthusiasm from dedicated Tesla supporters? Or does the Cybertruck possess genuine enduring appeal and potential for development?

Several months of reduced sales do not offer conclusive evidence. Considering Tesla’s declining global sales figures, diminishing excitement around the brand, and the continued absence of the highly anticipated more affordable vehicle, these factors present numerous uncertainties—similar in scale to the Cybertruck issue—that the company must navigate heading into 2025.

Have an insider scoop on the electric vehicle scene? Interested in discussing your experience with the Tesla Cybertruck? Reach out to the author.
Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com

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