With Sales Plummeting, Tesla Cancels Key Cybertruck Component
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 2:58 pm
Tesla Ditches Cybertruck Range Extender Amidst Sales Slump
Tesla has scrapped plans to sell a $16,000 range extender for its controversial Cybertruck, according to reports from Electrek. Customers who pre-ordered the add-on, designed to boost the electric pickup's range, have received refunds. This move comes as the automaker grapples with disappointing sales and mounting challenges surrounding the Cybertruck.
The range extender, initially promised to add significant mileage, was intended to compensate for the Cybertruck's shorter-than-promised range. The base model offers between 320 and 350 miles on a single charge, falling short of Elon Musk's initial target of over 500 miles. The add-on was slated to extend the range to 445 miles, but its release was delayed to mid-2025 before being cancelled.
The cancellation of the range extender is just one symptom of the Cybertruck's struggles. Sales have plummeted, with only 6,400 units sold in the first quarter of this year, a far cry from Musk's projected 250,000 annual sales. Unsold inventory has reportedly surged to over 10,000 units. The Cybertruck has also been plagued by quality issues, including eight recalls, the latest due to potential body panel detachment. The vehicle's association with Elon Musk and his controversial political stances has further damaged its image. Tesla recently announced a cheaper Cybertruck version, but it remains to be seen if this will boost sales.
BNN's Perspective: The Cybertruck's struggles highlight the challenges of bringing a highly anticipated, futuristic vehicle to market. While the range extender's cancellation is a setback, it's a pragmatic decision given the vehicle's current performance and the negative perception surrounding it. Tesla needs to address the quality concerns and re-evaluate its strategy to regain consumer confidence.
Keywords: Tesla Cybertruck, range extender, electric pickup, sales, Elon Musk, recalls, electric vehicle, EV, Cybertruck problems, Cybertruck sales, Tesla news, automotive industry, vehicle configurator, battery pack, range, unsold inventory.