The Tesla Cybertruck Foundation Series, a limited-edition model that was only available until October in the United States, is now piling up in Tesla’s inventory. These premium trucks, priced at over $100,000, are sitting unsold in various states across the country, including New York, California, Texas, Massachusetts, Colorado, Florida, and Minnesota.
The Foundation Series, which comes with a hefty price tag of $99,990 for the dual-motor all-wheel drive or $119,990 for the tri-motor Cyberbeast, offers additional features such as lifetime cellular connectivity, access to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system, a Powershare mobile connector, $2,500 in credits for Tesla’s online shop, and various accessories. However, despite these extras, the high price point seems to be deterring potential buyers.
Tesla has resorted to de-badging Foundation Series models in an attempt to sell them as regular Cybertrucks in Canada. This move indicates that demand for the premium version may not be as strong as anticipated. Additionally, reports earlier this month suggested that Tesla had instructed some Cybertruck line workers to stay home, leading to speculation about potential demand issues for the flagship model.
While the Foundation Series offers exclusive perks, such as lifetime premium connectivity and the Powershare mobile connector, the standard Cybertruck models priced at $79,990 and $99,990 provide a more budget-friendly option. These models may lack some of the premium features, but they come at a significantly lower cost, allowing buyers to save $20,000.
Furthermore, there have been discrepancies between what was promised and what was delivered with the Cybertruck. When the prototype was unveiled in 2019, Tesla claimed a range of over 500 miles, a towing capacity of over 14,000 pounds, and a price range of $39,900 to $69,900. However, the production model falls short of these promises, with a towing capacity of 11,000 lbs, a maximum range of 325 miles, and a price range of $79,990 to $99,990.
Despite these challenges, Tesla continues to innovate and improve its offerings, with plans for a third, cheaper version of the Cybertruck with a single electric motor in the pipeline. As the company navigates the demand for its premium models and addresses customer expectations, it remains at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry.