Elon Musk personally delivered the inaugural Tesla Cybertruck units to a select clientele, featuring notable figures such as Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and venture capitalist Philippe Sarofim. The live-streamed spectacle showcased Tesla’s signature flair, complete with VIP guests, pulsating music, and Musk himself taking center stage.
Despite the festivities, the Cybertruck’s journey to consumer hands has been riddled with setbacks and escalating costs. Initially promised at under $40,000, the most affordable version now carries a $60,990 price tag, with deliveries postponed to 2025. The 2024 rollout will introduce the all-wheel-drive model starting at $79,990, boasting a 550 km range, 4.1 seconds acceleration to 96 km/h, and a top speed of 180 km/h. The three-engine configuration, priced at $99,990, features a robust 845 horsepower and an approximate range of 515 km.
In a surprising turn, Tesla seems to be reevaluating its stringent resale policies for the Cybertruck. Initial rules threatened fines up to $50,000 for unauthorized resale within the first year of ownership. Recent alterations to Tesla’s order agreement page signal a departure from this hardline stance, omitting the legal action threat and substantial fines.
The motive behind this adjustment remains shrouded, prompting speculation about whether it’s a singular shift or indicative of a broader rethink on Tesla’s resale policies. The Cybertruck’s odyssey from production to consumer hands continues to captivate, not only for its groundbreaking design but also for the intriguing twists shaping its rollout strategy.