Elon Musk issues last minute change to fate of Cybertruck: Room in this world for sentimentality

Elon Musk granted Tesla’s doomed Cybertruck a last-minute lease through summer 2027 just days after declaring its end.The Tesla CEO announced Wednesday that Tesla would extend its production of the Cybertruck through the end of summer 2027 to work through its backlog.“This is not the smartest move from a profit-maximizing standpoint btw, but there must be some room in this world for sentimentality or what’s the point,” Musk said on X.Musk first announced the vehicle’s discontinuation last Thursday, stating that production would be winded down around “the middle of next year to make room for increased Cybercab production.”The company’s headquarters in Texas is the only facility that has the capability to manufacture the specialized components used in Cybertrucks.While the stainless steel car will stop being produced next year, Musk has geared his focus towards the Cybercab –– a sleek-looking, autonomous vehicle with butterfly doors and no steering wheel or pedals.

The Cybertruck was first unveiled as a prototype in 2019 and was available for purchase to the general public on November 2023.Despite its futuristic look, the car struggled to meet Musk’s early expectations.

US sales fell to about 20,000 vehicles last year from nearly 39,000 in 2024, according to Kelley Blue Book, far below Musk’s initial prediction of 250,000 annual sales.Cybercab, a two-seat robotaxi, is one of Musk’s key bets in his push to turn Tesla into an AI and robotics company rather than just an automaker.Musk, who is also the CEO of SpaceX and owner of X, also recently unveiled Tesla’s newest Roadster design in October.Nine years after the second-generation Roadster prototype was introduced, Tesla showcased a redesigned flying version....