Tesla Cybertruck inventory goes through the roof

The futuristic-looking Tesla Cybertruck is reportedly facing a monumental challenge as its inventory in the United States has ballooned to over 10,000 units. This suggests a big slowdown in demand for the apparently highly anticipated electric truck, raising a lot of questions about its real market reception.

Data from Tesla-Info.com indicates a sharp rise in Cybertruck listings within a single month. While part of this surge could be attributed to an actual increase in the number of vehicles available, it appears that Tesla is also employing big price reductions across different configurations. These varying discounts create multiple listings for essentially the same vehicle, possibly inflating the inventory numbers.

With an average selling price hovering around $78,000, this stockpile represents a big chunk of capital, potentially reaching close to $800 million worth of unsold Cybertrucks. Industry observers suggest that the growing inventory is more likely a consequence of sluggish sales rather than a sudden spike in production. In fact, there are indications that Tesla has deliberately reduced the Cybertruck production rate in recent months.

Adding to the challenge, a significant part of the current inventory consists of vehicles manufactured in 2024, meaning some units are already several months old. Even the "Foundation Series" Cybertrucks, the production of which ceased in October 2024, are still reportedly sitting in inventory.

Tesla's introduction of the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Cybertruck variant, which now uses the same battery pack as the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version but with fewer features, could be seen as a strategic pivot. It suggests that the initial plans for offering multiple battery sizes for the RWD model were abandoned, possibly due to lower-than-expected production volumes. Tesla used a similar strategy with its Model S and Model X after the successful launches of the more mainstream Model 3 and Model Y EVs.

Considering the current inventory levels, which represent approximately two quarters' worth of sales, and the apparent production slowdown, the future of the Cybertruck program is uncertain. Despite initial projections of producing 250,000 units annually, it appears Tesla might struggle to sell even 20,000 Cybertrucks per year in the current market climate.

Some analysts speculate that Tesla might soon consider a more significant reduction, or even a temporary halt, in Cybertruck production as it grapples with the mounting inventory. Admitting that the Cybertruck program is facing trouble will be a difficult decision both for Tesla and Elon Musk.

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