Tesla sold just 5,385 Cybertrucks in the third quarter of 2025, a 63 percent drop from the previous year. This slump contrasts with robust overall EV market growth driven by expiring tax credits. The figures highlight ongoing challenges for the futuristic pickup launched in late 2023.
Tesla's Cybertruck, unveiled by Elon Musk in 2019 with promises of up to 250,000 annual units, has struggled to meet expectations. In the third quarter of 2025, the company delivered only 5,385 vehicles, down 63 percent from over 14,000 in the same period of 2024, according to data from Kelley Blue Book and Cox Automotive. Year-to-date sales for 2025 stand at around 16,000, far below initial projections, with full-year estimates now at about 20,000 compared to 50,000 in 2024.
The decline occurred despite a strong quarter for the broader EV market, which saw 438,487 units sold—a 40.7 percent increase from the prior quarter and 29.6 percent year-over-year. Buyers rushed to capitalize on the $7,500 federal tax credit, which expired on September 30, 2025, boosting models like Tesla's Model 3 and Y. However, the Cybertruck, lumped in Tesla's reporting with Model S and X as "other models," failed to benefit.
Competitors outperformed: Rivian's R1T sales rose 13 percent year-over-year, Ford's F-150 Lightning jumped 39.7 percent to 10,000 units, GMC's Hummer EV increased 21.9 percent, and the Sierra EV surged over 771 percent. The Cybertruck's high price—starting near $80,000 after scrapping a cheaper rear-wheel-drive version—has deterred buyers, as has its distinctive design, which has drawn protests and vandalism linked to Musk's political activities, including his role at DOGE.
Adding to woes, families of two young people killed in a Cybertruck crash are suing Tesla over allegedly faulty door handles that hindered escape. In response, Tesla has redirected unsold units to Musk's companies, SpaceX and xAI, to replace internal-combustion vehicles at SpaceX. The company has also quietly rebranded the truck, shifting from science-fiction marketing to appeal as a practical work vehicle. Tesla did not comment on the sales figures.