Tesla's Cybertruck: Record-Breaking Sales and Controversial Reception

Cybertruck received attention at the 2024 World Intelligence Expo in Tianjin and drew gawkers in Florida.
Cybertruck sales are driving up prices for Tesla and the EV market.
Some owners have criticized the truck's range, features, accessories, pricing, fit and finish.
Tesla dominates EV sales in the US but experienced a 13% year-over-year decline in Q1 sales.
Tesla's Cybertruck sales have increased, with an average price of over $108,667 in May.
The Cybertruck faces competition from Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T.
Tesla's Cybertruck: Record-Breaking Sales and Controversial Reception

Tesla's Cybertruck has been gaining popularity, with sales increasing and the average sales price exceeding $100,000. In May, Tesla sold nearly 3,000 Cybertrucks at an average price of over $108,667 according to Kelley Blue Book. This surge in sales has contributed to a 3.1% increase in Tesla's overall prices from April.

Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights for Cox Automotive, the owner of Kelley Blue Book, states that the key factor with the Cybertruck isn't just the high transaction price but also the volume of sales. An increase in Cybertruck sales will drive prices higher for both Tesla and the EV market.

Tesla accounts for 51.3% of all EVs sold in the US, but that dominance has been eroding. In Q1, Tesla experienced a 13% year-over-year decline in sales, impacting the overall EV market to only grow by 2.6%. However, Tesla could get a much bigger boost from Cybertruck sales than it did in Q1.

The electric truck market isn't overcrowded, but the Cybertruck faces healthy competition from the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T. It remains to be seen who will gain market share as production and consumer demand ultimately determine the outcome.

In China, a futuristic Cybertruck at the Tesla booth received significant attention at the 2024 World Intelligence Expo in Tianjin. Meanwhile, in Florida, a Tesla Cybertruck parked at a Starbucks in West Palm Beach drew gawkers and onlookers.

However, not all is positive for the Cybertruck. Tyler Hoover of Hoovies Garage sold his Cybertruck after a month of ownership due to disappointments with range, features, accessories and pricing. He was able to sell it for $111,000 and bought a 2023 Cadillac Lyriq for $42,000 instead.

Hoover criticized the truck's sharp edges, dinky control arms and rigid mud flaps. He also found the center touch screen frustrating to use but appreciated the power and acceleration of the Cybertruck.

Dealers were hesitant to take on used Cybertrucks due to pending release of cheaper trims and potential price drops. Used Cybertrucks prices have dropped significantly from markups earlier in the year to just above MSRP.

Roland Dane, a well-known figure in the automotive industry, has expressed his disappointment with the Cybertruck's external fit and finish, stating that it is abysmal. He also pointed out that stainless steel panels have sharp edges that could cause injury.



Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • How much of an impact will Cybertruck sales have on the overall EV market growth?
  • Is the increase in Cybertruck sales solely responsible for the overall price increase in Tesla's EVs?
  • What are the specific reasons for Tyler Hoover's dissatisfaction with his Cybertruck purchase?

Sources

98%

  • Unique Points
    • Tesla Cybertruck sales have been increasing.
    • The average sales price of a Tesla Cybertruck is over $100,000.
    • Tesla sold nearly 3,000 Cybertrucks in May at an average price exceeding $100,000.
    • This surge in sales contributed to a 3.1% increase in Tesla’s overall prices from April.
    • Tesla accounts for 51.3% of all EVs sold in the US.
  • Accuracy
    • Used Cybertrucks prices have dropped significantly from markups earlier in the year to just above MSRP.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

50%

  • Unique Points
    • The Cybertruck's external fit and finish is abysmal.
    • Stainless steel panels have sharp edges that could cause injury.
  • Accuracy
    • Tesla Cybertruck production is up to 1000+ per week.
    • Tesla sold nearly 3,000 Cybertrucks in May at an average price exceeding $100,000.
    • A futuristic Cybertruck at the Tesla booth received significant attention at the 2024 World Intelligence Expo in China's Tianjin.
    • Tyler Hoover sold his Tesla Cybertruck after a month of ownership due to disappointments with range, features, accessories and pricing.
    • A Tesla Cybertruck was parked at the Starbucks at the corner of Belvedere Road and South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach.
  • Deception (10%)
    The author expresses his personal opinion about the Tesla Cybertruck and shares his disappointment with its quality. He uses emotional language to describe the exterior fit and finish as 'abysmal' and the sharp edges as having 'the potential to not only slice open a human on minimal impact, but will probably, sooner or later, cause injury to an owner just in the course of cleaning it.' These statements are sensationalized and manipulative. The author also makes comparisons between the Cybertruck and the DeLorean DMC-12 which is not relevant to the article's topic. There is no evidence presented in the article to support these claims, making them selective in reporting.
    • What's more, the stainless steel panels had horrendously sharp edges on both the front and rear of the truck that have the potential to not only slice open a human on minimal impact, but will probably, sooner or later, cause injury to an owner just in the course of cleaning it.
    • Is the Tesla Cybertruck headed for the same fate as the DeLorean in the early 1980s?
    • The external fit and finish on the vehicles I saw was absolutely abysmal.
  • Fallacies (55%)
    The author makes several statements about the Tesla Cybertruck that are not based on facts but rather his personal opinions. He uses inflammatory language to describe the truck and its potential buyers, implying that they are extroverts who will soon regret their purchase. He also makes a comparison between the Cybertruck and the DeLorean DMC-12, suggesting that both vehicles are disasters. This is a false equivalence fallacy as there is no evidence to suggest that the Cybertruck will have the same fate as the DeLorean. The author also uses an appeal to authority fallacy when he mentions the negative experiences of others and information found on the internet, implying that these sources are reliable and trustworthy.
    • The Cybertruck will prove to be a disaster both for Tesla and the unfortunate consumers who’ve bought them.
    • Is the Tesla Cybertruck headed for the same fate as the DeLorean in the early 1980s?
    • But it’s also because the Cybertruck just isn’t good enough.
  • Bias (10%)
    The author expresses a clear negative opinion towards the Tesla Cybertruck and compares it to the DeLorean DMC-12, implying that it will be a failure. The author also uses language that depicts Tesla consumers as extroverts who will soon admit their mistake and potentially face a class action lawsuit.
    • All being well, there’s zero chance of it coming to Australia. Given the cessation of right hand drive production of the Model S and X, hopefully Tesla doesn’t see a business case for investing in RHD for the truck. We don’t need it here.
      • In fact, I’d go so far as to say that, in my opinion, the Cybertruck will prove to be a disaster both for Tesla and the unfortunate consumers who’ve bought them.
        • Is the Tesla Cybertruck headed for the same fate as the DeLorean in the early 1980s?
          • It appeals to the same sort of extrovert buyer, I suspect, and they’ll soon admit the error of their ways although, these days, that might lead to a huge class action lawsuit.
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          90%

          • Unique Points
            • A futuristic Cybertruck at the Tesla booth received significant attention at the 2024 World Intelligence Expo in China's Tianjin.
          • Accuracy
            • ]A futuristic Cybertruck at the Tesla booth received significant attention at the 2024 World Intelligence Expo in China's Tianjin.[/
            • The Cybertruck could be the second highest-selling EV truck in America by 2024.
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          76%

          • Unique Points
            • Tyler Hoover sold his Tesla Cybertruck after a month of ownership due to disappointments with range, features, accessories and pricing.
            • Used Cybertrucks prices have dropped significantly from markups earlier in the year to just above MSRP.
            • Tyler criticized the truck’s sharp edges, dinky control arms and rigid mud flaps.
            • He was able to sell his Cybertruck for $111,000 and bought a 2023 Cadillac Lyriq for $42,000 instead.
            • Tyler found the center touch screen frustrating to use but appreciated the power and acceleration of the Cybertruck.
            • Dealers were hesitant to take on used Cybertrucks due to pending release of cheaper trims and potential price drops.
          • Accuracy
            • Tesla failed to meet originally announced price and specs for the Cybertruck, including range extender, off-road light bar, home power system and replacement wheel covers.
            • Tyler criticized the truck's sharp edges, dinky control arms and rigid mud flaps.
            • Cox Automotive reported about 3000 units of Tesla Cybertruck were sold in May 2023 contributing to a 3.1% EV transaction price increase.
            • Tesla accounts for 51.3% of all EVs sold in the US.
          • Deception (35%)
            The article provides a personal account of the author's dissatisfaction with the Tesla Cybertruck and his decision to sell it. While it does not make any false claims, it heavily emphasizes the negative aspects of the truck as experienced by the author, without disclosing that these are personal opinions and not universally shared among owners. The article also presents unverified statements about Tesla's track record with Cybertruck accessories and Elon Musk's comments on Autopilot delivery, which could lead readers to question the reliability of the information.
            • The production model doesn’t come close to the initial reveal.
          • Fallacies (80%)
            The author makes several statements that contain appeals to authority and dichotomous depictions. He quotes Tyler Hoover's opinions about the Tesla Cybertruck, implying that they represent the views of all Cybertruck owners. However, it is important to remember that not all owners may share these same frustrations or experiences with the vehicle. Additionally, when discussing Tesla's failure to meet promised features and specifications, Wade Malone presents a dichotomous depiction by stating that 'Tyler's biggest frustrations are probably with Tesla’s failure to meet the originally announced price and specs.' This oversimplifies the situation and does not acknowledge that there may be other reasons for Tyler's decision to sell. Furthermore, when discussing Cybertruck reviews, Wade Malone states 'So it’s good that Tyler was able to find some things to like, but based on his comments, it’s no surprise he is choosing to sell.' This statement implies that Tyler's opinions are representative of all Cybertruck owners and that they all share the same reasons for selling. However, this is not necessarily true.
            • ]Tyler Hoover of Hoovies Garage has decided to dump his Tesla Cybertruck and is not looking back.[
            • According to Cox Automotive, there were enough fans of the electric pickup to move about 3,000 units in May of this year.[
            • But hey, the Foundation Series does come with a branded etching and an extra $20,000 in debt.[
            • Regarding build quality, Tyler says that panel gaps are good and the panels themselves are sturdy as promised. Unfortunately, many edges of the panels are razor-sharp.[
            • Initially, most dealers and wholesalers were not interested in taking on the vehicle. Used Cybertruck prices have been volatile lately, and with the pending release of the non-Foundation Series, this is likely to get worse.[
            • As a 2023 launch edition, this is the 2-wheel drive model with 314 miles of EPA range and SuperCruise standard.[
            • He says the seat comfort and interior layout are leagues ahead of the Cybertruck.
          • Bias (80%)
            The author expresses a clear negative bias towards the Tesla Cybertruck and its manufacturer, Tesla. He mentions several unfulfilled promises made by Tesla regarding features and pricing of the truck. The author also criticizes the design of certain aspects of the truck, such as sharp edges and lack of flexibility in mud flaps. Additionally, he expresses frustration with the long wait times for certain accessories and features, such as a range extender and autopilot with Full Self Driving.
            • But hey, the Foundation Series does come with a branded etching and an extra $20,000 in debt.
              • During that time, Tyler has been disappointed with the many unkept promises on range, features, accessories and pricing.
                • He also criticizes the truck’s off-road readiness with ‘dinky’ control arms and rigid lower body mud flaps that should have been flexible.
                  • If he actually loved the Cybertruck, he might have been willing to stomach many of these issues. Unfortunately for him, that has not been the case.
                    • Initially, most dealers and wholesalers were not interested in taking on the vehicle. Used Cybertruck prices have been volatile lately, and with the pending release of the non-Foundation Series, this is likely to get worse.
                      • Regarding build quality, Tyler says that panel gaps are good and the panels themselves are sturdy as promised. Unfortunately, many edges of the panels are razor-sharp.
                        • Tyler Hoover of Hoovies Garage has decided to dump his Tesla Cybertruck and is not looking back.
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication

                        95%

                        • Unique Points
                          • A Tesla Cybertruck was parked at the Starbucks at the corner of Belvedere Road and South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach.
                          • Calvin Robinson, a West Palm Beach personal injury attorney, is the owner of the Tesla Cybertruck.
                        • Accuracy
                          • The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric vehicle that starts at $81,895 and can cost up to $150,000 used.
                          • Nearly 4,000 Tesla Cybertrucks were recalled in April due to a defect with the accelerator causing it to get stuck when pressed.
                          • Tyler Hoover sold his Tesla Cybertruck after a month of ownership due to disappointments with range, features, accessories and pricing.
                        • Deception (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Fallacies (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Bias (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication