Tesla Cybertruck Delay: Non-Foundation Models Pushed to Late 2024
In what is becoming a pattern of delays for Tesla's highly-anticipated Cybertruck, the electric vehicle giant announced that deliveries for the non-Foundation Series models are now postponed until 'late 2024.' Initially, buyers expected to receive these more affordable versions sometime this quarter, but Tesla has since revised its timeline.
Since its initial reveal, the Cybertruck has been one of Tesla's most buzzworthy vehicles. The truck's unique, angular design and ambitious features had EV enthusiasts eager for its release. Late last year, Tesla began delivering the limited $20,000 Foundation Series—a premium version of the truck. This fully optioned variant includes several extras like Powershare bidirectional charging and special badging, driving its price north of $120,000.
However, most prospective buyers are holding out for the base model, originally promised at a price of $39,900. CEO Elon Musk had assured shareholders just a couple of weeks ago that these less-expensive trims would hit the market within the current quarter, but emails sent to reservation holders now clarify that only the premium Foundation Series will be available through late 2024. The email reads: 'As an early reservation holder, you have been invited to order your Foundation Series Cybertruck with early access to delivery. Due to continued high demand, we expect to deliver only the Foundation Series through late 2024.'
The Long Wait Continues
Many had hoped that Tesla's recent production milestone—achieving a peak of 1,300 Cybertrucks per week—would include more than just the high-end models. Yet, it appears Tesla will focus solely on the upper echelon of its Cybertruck lineup for the foreseeable future. This marks a shift from the optimistic delivery schedules set forth in recent corporate communications and has left many affordable-trim hopefuls in limbo.
Adding further intrigue to the situation is a recent recall of around 11,000 Cybertrucks due to issues like trim detachment and defective wiper systems. This follows a previous recall of 4,000 units in mid-April, suggesting that a considerable number of Cybertrucks are already out in the wild. Despite this, Tesla remains tight-lipped about the exact figures of delivered Cybertrucks.
Electrek’s Perspective
Given the robust demand for this distinctive vehicle, it’s hardly surprising that early buyers are opting for the pricier Foundation Series. Rivian, a major competitor in the electric truck space, reported approximately 14,000 deliveries per quarter across two models. Given that, Tesla's apparent thousands-per-week production capacity keeps it neck-and-neck with Rivian, particularly in the high-end market segment.
On the upside, this focus on premium models could bolster Tesla’s margins and enhance shareholder value. However, it's hardly reassuring news for those waiting for an accessible alternative to hit the market. The repeated delays, stretching from the Cybertruck’s original 'late 2021' release date to now 'late 2024' for the non-Foundation Series and even 2025 for the base model, test the patience of Tesla's most loyal fans.
This protracted timeline underlines just how elusive the affordable Cybertruck remains. For a truck that promised to revolutionize the EV landscape at a base price of $39,900, the delays are becoming more than a minor inconvenience—they’re a significant hurdle.
In the world of electric vehicles, where time-to-market and technological advancements are crucial competitive advantages, Tesla can't afford these prolonged delays. Consumers eager for an affordable yet cutting-edge EV truck might start looking elsewhere if Tesla can’t deliver on time.
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