Tesla Halts Production of Less Expensive Cybertruck RWD Shortly After Launch

Tesla unexpectedly announced the discontinuation of the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model of the Cybertruck, just about five months after its launch in April 2025. This model, with a starting price of $69,990, was considered the least expensive option and most economical for buyers.

Currently, available purchasing options for the Cybertruck are limited to the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model, starting at $79,990, and the high-performance Cyberbeast version, available for no less than $114,990.

When it was introduced in April 2025, the Cybertruck RWD model's price was $10,000 higher than initially expected. Tesla also reduced its features; it lacked a powered tonneau cover, adaptive suspension, a rear touchscreen, a rear light bar, and power outlets in the truck bed. Additionally, the RWD model had lower towing and payload capacities and relied on a single motor. This coincided with the nearing expiration of the federal tax credit for Electric Vehicles in the United States at the end of the month, which further reduced its appeal to buyers.

Tesla has not issued any official statement explaining why the Cybertruck RWD option was removed from its website. However, weak performance in Cybertruck sales overall is likely a major factor. According to a report from Cox Automotive, the parent company of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, Tesla sold only 4,306 units of Cybertrucks in the second quarter of the year, representing a more than 50% drop in sales compared to the same period last year.