Tesla plans to wind down production of its controversial Cybertruck at its Texas gigafactory, signalling what appears to be the definitive end of the road for the angular pickup truck.

Elon Musk confirmed that the manufacturing lines will phase out to clear space for ramping up the newly launched, . While the vehicle captured global headlines with its retro-futuristic styling and stainless-steel body, it ultimately struggled to achieve mass-market demand, facing regulatory roadblocks overseas, as well as high-profile setbacks.

From a chaotic, viral debut to a difficult commercial journey, the Cybertruck’s history has been nothing if not turbulent. Here we look at the key moments in the Cybertruck’s 7-year journey. 

Key Milestones and Incidents

• November 2019: The infamous unbreakable glass reveal

  The Cybertruck made its explosive public debut in Hawthorne, California. During the live presentation (see top image), CEO Elon Musk invited chief designer Franz von Holzhausen to test the vehicle’s “armor glass” by hurling a metal ball bearing at it. To the shock of the audience and executives alike, the glass shattered on impact, creating an instant viral moment. Despite the gaffe, the truck initially secured massive reservation numbers.

• 2020 – 2023: Years of production delays and engineering hurdles

  Originally slated for production soon after its unveiling, the Cybertruck faced repeated delays due to , manufacturing complexities and the unprecedented difficulty of fabricating its signature stainless-steel exoskeleton.

• November 2023: Official launch and deliveries begin

  Four years after its reveal, Tesla finally handed over the first production models to customers at its . Featuring a wedge-shaped design inspired by science fiction, prices ultimately ranged significantly higher than early 2019 promises, with premium variants and the “Cyberbeast” model crossing into six-figure territory.

• 2024 – 2025: recalls, quality issues and overseas roadblocks

  As more vehicles hit public roads, the Cybertruck encountered a series of operational and regulatory hurdles. It faced several high-profile safety recalls, including a 2025 recall affecting over 46,000 units over trim detachment risks. Meanwhile, its sharp-edged, unyielding exterior made it nearly impossible to clear strict pedestrian-impact safety regulations in major international markets, including Europe, heavily capping its volume potential.

• Elon Musk announced that Tesla will wind down Cybertruck manufacturing at the Texas plant to prioritise and make room for the autonomous Cybercab. Acknowledging the Cybertruck’s unique legacy, lead engineer Wes Morrill noted on social media: “Cybertruck was an incredible technology development platform and lives on through Cybercab.”

  And while Musk confirmed it is the “end of an era,” he noted that the existing vehicles will “be around for a long time”. Tesla’s boldest and most unconventional consumer automotive experiment might be over, but its memory will live on (for a while, maybe).

  

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