Tesla Cybertruck Sales Saw A Sharp Dive In The First Quarter


Tesla Cybertruck Sales Saw A Sharp Dive In The First Quarter

Sales of Elon Musk’s chunky truck in the year’s first three months were less than half of what it delivered in Q3 and Q4 of last year, according to Cox Automotive.

By Steven Orlowski, CFP, CNPR

In a surprising turn for one of the most hyped vehicle launches in recent memory, Tesla’s Cybertruck has stumbled out of the gate in 2025, with first-quarter sales plummeting compared to late 2024. According to data from Cox Automotive, Cybertruck deliveries in Q1 were less than half of what the company moved in the final two quarters of last year.

The steep decline raises fresh questions about demand for the polarizing, stainless steel electric pickup truck — a vehicle Elon Musk promised would "change everything" about the modern truck segment. Instead, it appears that consumer interest may be cooling faster than anticipated.

From Buzz to Bust?

Tesla began initial deliveries of the Cybertruck in December 2023, generating intense media attention and fanfare. With its angular, Blade Runner-esque design and claims of near-invulnerability, the Cybertruck quickly became one of the most talked-about EVs on the planet. Preorders reportedly exceeded one million units. But according to industry analysts, excitement hasn’t translated into sustained sales momentum.

Cox Automotive’s Q1 report shows Cybertruck deliveries lagging well behind projections, despite Tesla’s push to scale production at its Gigafactory in Austin, Texas. The exact figures weren’t disclosed publicly, but insiders suggest deliveries numbered only in the low five figures — a far cry from the 20,000–30,000 vehicles Tesla was believed to have delivered in Q3 and Q4 combined.

What’s Driving the Decline?

Several factors may be behind the faltering sales:

  • Production bottlenecks: Tesla has acknowledged that scaling production of the Cybertruck — with its unpainted stainless steel exoskeleton and custom 4680 battery cells — has proven more complex than initially expected.

  • Price shock: While initial reservation holders hoped for a starting price around $40,000 (as teased in 2019), the actual base price came in closer to $60,990, with higher trims pushing well past $90,000. This sticker shock may have discouraged early adopters.

  • Practicality concerns: Reviews have been mixed, with some praising the truck’s torque and acceleration, while others criticized visibility, size, and lack of compatibility with standard truck accessories.

  • Competition: The EV truck space is now far more crowded than when the Cybertruck was first announced. Ford's F-150 Lightning, Rivian's R1T, and GM’s Silverado EV all offer compelling, more traditional alternatives that are already in customers' hands.

The Road Ahead

Tesla has not yet publicly commented on the reported drop in sales, but industry watchers will be paying close attention during the company’s next earnings call. Musk has often emphasized that the Cybertruck is a long-term bet and not a volume leader, but the market’s reaction will depend on how quickly Tesla can correct course.

For now, what was once billed as the future of trucks is facing a bumpy ride.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

3 Big Energy Stocks Offering Strong Dividends Amid Volatility

Image
3 Big Energy Stocks Offering Strong Dividends Amid Volatility By Steven Orlowski, CFP, CNPR In a market marked by persistent uncertainty, rising interest rates, and geopolitical tensions, income investors are seeking stability and yield in all the right places. One sector continues to stand out: energy. While oil and gas prices remain volatile, the long-term demand outlook and disciplined capital strategies have turned several major energy companies into dividend powerhouses. Here are three energy giants offering robust dividend yields and resilient fundamentals, making them attractive options for investors seeking income and relative stability in turbulent times. 1. ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) Dividend Yield: ~3.4% Market Cap: $470+ billion ExxonMobil is one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the world. Its scale, upstream and downstream operations, and global reach offer a level of diversification that helps buffer against short-term price swings. In recent year...
Read more

Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Eli Lilly, Alphabet, Hertz, UnitedHealth and more

Image
  Stocks Making the Biggest Moves Midday: Eli Lilly, Alphabet, Hertz, UnitedHealth, and More ​ As of midday on Thursday, April 17, 2025, U.S. stock markets exhibited mixed performance, with significant movements in several key stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped nearly 400 points, primarily due to a sharp decline in UnitedHealth Group shares. Conversely, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite showed modest gains. ​ Eli Lilly (LLY) – Soaring on Weight-Loss Pill Success Eli Lilly's stock surged by up to 17% following the announcement of successful phase-three trial results for its new weight-loss pill, orforglipron. This once-daily oral medication demonstrated effectiveness comparable to injectable alternatives like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, leading to an average weight loss of 16 pounds (about 8% of body weight) and a reduction in A1C levels by 1.3% to 1.6%. The promising results have investors optimistic about the drug's potential market impact. ​ United...
Read more

Stock Spotlight – Stock of the Week: UnitedHealth: Where Does the Company Stand After the Storm?

Image
  Stock Spotlight – Stock of the Week: UnitedHealth: Where Does the Company Stand After the Storm? UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a cornerstone of the American healthcare industry, has weathered its share of challenges over the past year. From regulatory pressures and increased utilization costs to a rapidly evolving competitive landscape, investors have had plenty to digest. But as the dust settles, one question remains: Where does UnitedHealth stand now—and is it still a buy? A Quick Look Back: Navigating Headwinds 2024 was a turbulent year for UnitedHealth. The company faced mounting pressure from multiple fronts: Rising medical costs , particularly in its Medicare Advantage segment, dented margins. Regulatory scrutiny intensified, especially around pharmacy benefit management (PBM) practices and alleged anti-competitive behavior. The change in utilization patterns , with more seniors returning to in-person care post-pandemic, increased short-term claims expenses. ...
Read more