Tesla's February 20, 2026, limited-time launch of a $59,990 base AWD Cybertruck—$20,000 below prior entry—and $99,990 Cyberbeast reflects deepening efforts to spur demand, following 2025 recalls, the end of federal EV incentives, and persistent sales shortfalls.
As detailed in prior coverage, Tesla introduced a base dual-motor AWD Cybertruck at $59,990 on February 20, replacing a discontinued RWD model and featuring adaptive damping, powered tonneau cover, bed outlets, and steer-by-wire—but lacking premium air suspension and other upscale options. CEO Elon Musk noted availability 'only for the next 10 days, depending on demand.' The Cyberbeast trim also dropped $15,000 after unbundling features like Full Self-Driving.
These moves address stagnant sales of around 5,000 units quarterly—well below the 250,000 annual goal—and a 2025 total of roughly 20,000 deliveries (48% YoY decline), exacerbated by rising Giga Texas inventory, production issues, and recent hardware recalls. Tesla's brand reputation dipped in key 2025 markets, compounded by the September discontinuation of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and shifting consumer tastes away from high-priced electric pickups.
Even at $59,990, the entry price exceeds Elon Musk's 2019 unveiling promise of under $40,000, underscoring hurdles in the competitive EV truck segment where Tesla aims to rebuild momentum through affordability. Deliveries of the new variant begin in June 2026.
