Tesla Quietly Axes Base Model Cybertruck Amidst Slow Sales and Looming Tax Credit Expiration

Tesla has made a significant, albeit quiet, adjustment to its Cybertruck lineup. The electric vehicle manufacturer has discontinued the base model, the rear-wheel-drive Long Range version, leaving only two more expensive trims available for purchase. This move, effective early September 2025, comes just five months after the initial release of the entry level model and raises questions about the overall market reception of Tesla's ambitious futuristic pickup. 

The discontinued RWD Cybertruck, priced at approximately $70,000-$72,000 before potential tax credits, offered a range of around 350 miles. However, it lacked several features included in the higher priced all wheel drive and top tier Cyber beast models. 

These omissions included air suspension, a motorized tonneau cover, in bed power outlets, and a rear seat entertainment screen. Analysts suggest that this relatively sparse feature set, coupled with the relatively small price difference between the base model and the AWD variant, may have contributed to its underwhelming sales performance.

The timing of the discontinuation is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the impending expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit in the United States. This credit, which significantly reduced the purchase price of electric vehicles, was a key incentive for many potential buyers. 

The removal of the base model, therefore, could be interpreted as a strategic move to focus resources on the more profitable, higher specification trims, especially as the incentive diminishes. This strategy minimizes potential losses associated with selling a lower margin vehicle in a potentially softening market.

Industry experts point to several factors contributing to the apparent underperformance of the base Cybertruck. The overall electric pickup truck segment, while showing promise, is still relatively nascent. Competition is intensifying, with established automakers and new entrants alike vying for market share. Tesla's ambitious design, while garnering significant attention, may also have proven to be a double edged sword. 

The auto giant Tesla potentially alienating some buyers seeking a more conventional truck aesthetic. The initial production delays and extended wait times, common to many new EV models, may also have dampened initial enthusiasm.

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Furthermore, the economic climate plays a significant role. Rising interest rates and inflation have impacted consumer spending, potentially making higher-priced vehicles less accessible to a broader range of buyers. The base model, intended to broaden the Cyber truck's appeal to a price sensitive market segment. 

It's may have ultimately failed to attract sufficient demand within this challenging economic context. The absence of any official statement from Tesla leaves much to speculation. The company's silence could be interpreted as a strategic decision to avoid negative publicity surrounding the underperformance of the base model.