Tesla CEO Elon Musk stunned fans on Friday by announcing that production of the electric vehicle maker’s distinctive Cybertruck is expected to end in mid-2027.
In a post on X, Musk said construction at Tesla’s Texas “Gigafactory” would begin winding down by the middle of 2027.
One fan described the news as “the end of an era,” prompting Musk to respond that the existing Cybertruck fleet would remain “around for a long time.” Approximately 70,000 Cybertrucks have been sold since deliveries began in 2023.
The announcement immediately drew criticism from an unexpected source: Tesla and Cybertruck enthusiasts who believe the angular electric pickup still performs well and should remain in production.
“This is a terrible plan unless you’re coming out with another large vehicle,” one person wrote. Another Tesla fan said: “This is madness, Elon. People want a vehicle that we can control off-road that is a Tesla.”
Musk did not say whether Tesla would continue offering maintenance services or making replacement parts for the Cybertruck once production ends in mid-2027.
The Cybertruck has faced controversy since its unveiling in 2019, when the vehicle’s supposedly “unbreakable” window shattered after being struck by a metal ball during Musk’s live presentation.
Customers then waited four years for deliveries to start. The launch was followed by price increases, a reduced driving range, several recalls and weaker-than-expected sales.
Elon Musk stands in front of a Cybertruck in 2019 after its window was smashed during a demonstration
Musk announced on Friday that the Tesla Cybertruck would end its run in mid-2027
In his abrupt Friday announcement, Musk also said Tesla would focus more heavily on developing self-driving robotaxis known as the Cybercab.
The Tesla Cybercab, also called the Robotaxi, is a purpose-built two-passenger electric vehicle designed to operate as a fully autonomous rideshare car without a human driver.
Cybercabs are already operating commercially, providing public rides in Austin, Texas.
Since entering the vehicle market on November 30, 2023, the Cybertruck has been recalled 11 times over a range of mechanical and technical problems.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the reported issues included a light bar that could detach, overly bright parking lights, loose trim panels, windshield wiper failures and an accelerator pedal pad that could become stuck.
Most of the recalls were resolved through free over-the-air software updates delivered wirelessly to the trucks or complimentary service appointments at Tesla centers to replace faulty components.
Tesla also reported that wheel studs could separate on some vehicles, resulting in a smaller recall affecting 173 Cybertrucks in April.
The polarizing pickup, recognizable by its sharp-edged stainless-steel body, has also been targeted by vandals. Numerous Cybertrucks were damaged or allegedly targeted for destruction in protests against Musk’s work with the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
Musk’s Cybertrucks were the target of vandals after he began working with President Trump and the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
In March 2025, anti-Elon Musk demonstrations erupted across the US, with protesters attacking Tesla showrooms with guns and Molotov cocktails
The Cybertruck announcement came days after reports that Musk had lost more than $445 million while trying to support dozens of conservative candidates in midterm campaigns.
Only three of the 37 House Republicans backed by Musk won their midterm races. Six of the seven Senate candidates supported by the billionaire Tesla owner also lost.
Musk did not explain whether Cybertruck production could eventually be transferred to a facility outside Texas.
Tesla operates additional vehicle plants in California, China and Germany, but the Texas factory is currently the only facility producing Cybertrucks.
Some Tesla owners said ending production would make them reconsider buying from the automaker because it does not currently offer another vehicle of comparable size.
“Disappointed to literally buy something so amazing to then hear two months later you can’t buy any more,” one Cybertruck owner said.
The Daily Mail has contacted Tesla for comment.
