The Cybertruck Remains Elusive as Tesla Postpones Release
"Stainless Steel Trucks Are Getting Scarcer, and There's a Clear Reason Why"
In April, Tesla brought back the most affordable version of the Cybertruck, but it came with a $9,000 increase over its previous price. The Long Range RWD trim debuted at $69,990, designed to make the stainless steel pickup more accessible to U.S. buyers. Despite this effort, Tesla appears unconvinced by the approach, and the Texas-based automaker has once again discontinued the budget-friendly model after just a few months.
A quick visit to Tesla’s website shows that the Cybertruck is now offered in just two trims: All-Wheel Drive and Cyberbeast. With the Long Range RWD model gone, the entry-level Cybertruck now starts at $79,990. On top of that, Tesla recently raised the price of the Cyberbeast by $15,000, bringing it to $114,990.
Many Compromises for a Modest Discount
There’s a clear reason Tesla decided to drop the cheapest Cybertruck trim. According to Teslarati, demand for the Long Range RWD was low, as most buyers opted for the AWD version instead. The $10,000 savings simply didn’t justify the features customers would forgo—such as leather seats, a 15-speaker audio system, a rear touchscreen, a powered tonneau cover, and 120V/240V power outlets.
The trade-offs seemed steep for a relatively small price difference, especially since the base trim came with less power, using only a single motor. With these features missing, buyers were left underwhelmed by the value of the entry-level model. Clearly, Tesla either overestimated demand for a budget-friendly Cybertruck or misjudged just how “affordable” it would feel to customers.
A Commercial Setback This Year
The Tesla Cybertruck—and the broader Tesla lineup—is facing a notable sales decline in the U.S. Despite promotions and incentives, the EV truck has struggled commercially this year. It has lost its position as America’s most popular electric truck, with Ford capturing the attention of early adopters. To compete on price, Tesla would need to introduce a variant even more affordable than the now-discontinued Long Range RWD trim.
As of June 2025, Tesla had sold just 10,712 Cybertruck, marking a 7.3% decline from last year, according to EV sales data compiled by Cox Automotive. Whether Tesla’s new approach—focusing on the Cybertruck premium appeal rather than affordability—will succeed remains uncertain. For now, all signs suggest the automaker is struggling with its much-hyped EV pickup.
