Is the Cyber Truck a Flop?

[tradosaurus]

Taste is so individual, I can't really criticize anyone's taste over another. But I will say, you're definitely in a small minority, if you think the CT looks cool!

I think it's a real shame for all the smart engineers working at Tesla, a real opportunity missed. If they had made it look less offensive, and not had the issues they had with the trailer hitch -- and maybe if Elon stayed out of politics -- the CT could have been their biggest success, yet.

But as it stands today, the title of the thread is apt. The CT is a flop.

If the CT is a flop so are 3 other EV truck brands.
EV truck sales of 2025
It's not the look. It's the idea of an electric truck towing range.
What could these smart engineers at Tesla have done, in reference to an EV truck, to have changed your mind?
Maybe take a test drive of a CT and it might change your mind.

 

[tradosaurus]

I think people buy the CT solely to look, and be different... Much like coloring their hair purple.

That would be true for almost any car. People do buy cars based on looks.
What about the Corvette?

 

[WinterDeere]

If the CT is a flop so are 3 other EV truck brands.
EV truck sales of 2025

Agreed. I don't think anyone is arguing that. But I also think the projections of the other three were a little less optimistic, so maybe less lost in scaling production to demand that didn't exist.
https://www.autoblog.com/news/every-electric-pickup-truck-ranked-by-sales

It's not the look. It's the idea of an electric truck towing range.

I suspect the towing range could be an issue for some, but definitely not for me. I tow a 7k# trailer on a regular basis, but all very local, when it's loaded near that capacity. I have some lighter boat trailers I tow longer distances, but don't see the range being a huge problem.

The thought of having my trailer hitch fall off would be one big problem for me, but not being able to get around the embarassment of driving something that looks like someone thought a Hummer was too modest, is really what prevents me from even looking at them.

What could these smart engineers at Tesla have done, in reference to an EV truck, to have changed your mind?

Make it look like a regular pickup truck.

Maybe take a test drive of a CT and it might change your mind.

No interest. Seriously.

If the big 3 have EV options when I'm ready for my next new truck in 2 years, I'm sure I will test drive all three of them. If pricing and reliability is anywhere near ICE, I'd probably even choose the EV over the ICE, for the higher power and torque and convenience of home charging.

Likewise with Tesla, if they come out with something that's not flat-out embarassing to be seen around. I see a lot to like about Tesla, but that CT is a visual abomination.

 

[tradosaurus]

The thought of having my trailer hitch fall off would be one big problem for me, but not being able to get around the embarrassment of driving something that looks like someone thought a Hummer was too modest, is really what prevents me from even looking at them.

Make it look like a regular pickup truck.
No interest. Seriously.
If the big 3 have EV options when I'm ready for my next new truck in 2 years, I'm sure I will test drive all three of them. If pricing and reliability is anywhere near ICE, I'd probably even choose the EV over the ICE, for the higher power and torque and convenience of home charging.

Likewise with Tesla, if they come out with something that's not flat-out embarrassing to be seen around. I see a lot to like about Tesla, but that CT is a visual abomination.

CT Hitch
Read post #3 and don't believe everything you read from the Elon haters.
First of all the hitch on a CT would not "fall off" while driving.
How many people abuse their tractors and then complain that the cylinders for the front loader gets bent?
I respect your opinion about the CT, just don't spread disinformation.

 

[NoTrespassing]

CT Hitch
Read post #3 and don't believe everything you read from the Elon haters.
First of all the hitch on a CT would not "fall off" while driving.
How many people abuse their tractors and then complain that the cylinders for the front loader gets bent?
I respect your opinion about the CT, just don't spread disinformation.

Obviously, Elon is a brilliant guy. He's already one of the most financially successful humans and he's not finished by a long shot. Having said that, he's quirky and goes a little off the rails on occasion. The Cyber Truck seems to be one of his pet projects and his "yes men" went along with it. It won't be the ruin of his company, but it will go away. He had his fun with it.

 

[tradosaurus]

Obviously, Elon is a brilliant guy. He's already one of the most financially successful humans and he's not finished by a long shot. Having said that, he's quirky and goes a little off the rails on occasion. The Cyber Truck seems to be one of his pet projects and his "yes men" went along with it. It won't be the ruin of his company, but it will go away. He had his fun with it.

Same could be said of the Tesla Model S, where sales by years have been on average, around 25,000.
The main reason for me not getting the Cybertruck is the range. If Tesla gets the range to 500 miles I'm in!

 

[BackRoad]

Like wearing an orange suit to a funeral. The CT does stand out!

There's no way to miss it or confuse it with another vehicle in the wild.

Similarly, how many drive a Lambo, just because it's so iconic and "orange suit-ish"? Sure it performs, but standout styling is a core underpinning of it's desirability.

Reading "The Psychology of Money" by Housel right now. One of the author's statements:

"Where does the thin line fall between being considered bold and being considered reckless?"

Perhaps Mr. Musk was trying to be bold, but he may have crossed that thin line into being reckless with the CT design...

What is waaaay more questionable for me, is why a high volume of CT units were built, when demand never really materialized.

It's totally forgivable to make a bad decision, but once identified, it's moronic to then continue following through with that bad decision.

 

[Sprinkler Fitter]

Most people who own a truck, rarely use it for towing or hauling.

Maybe where you live they don’t use trucks.

I think everyone in my neighborhood but one has a truck and we all use them to haul our tow something.

Or one ton is almost always hooked to a trailer.

Our half ton we go once or twice a week to buy a few hundred pounds of meat and assorted items for our food truck.

 

[tradosaurus]

You should ride in one. The Full self driving is amazing. I have had mine drive me home, 90 miles. Changing lanes on interstate, taking exit ramps, stopping at traffic lights. Almost all the way. The last two miles are dirt road, so I take over.

Those who are ignorant of the tech in the Tesla cars will never understand how superior the car is to almost any other car on the road. That the CT can deliver a drive better than my Y just demonstrates the superior engineering involved.

 

[rontaki]

CT Hitch
Read post #3 and don't believe everything you read from the Elon haters.
First of all the hitch on a CT would not "fall off" while driving.
How many people abuse their tractors and then complain that the cylinders for the front loader gets bent?
I respect your opinion about the CT, just don't spread disinformation.

I don't dislike Elon, nor EVs but have no interest in Tesla vehicles. Sin #1, the electric door handles. Neat and cool. Until they fail for whatever reason and you can't get in to rescue your dog or child.