RWD Cybertruck Dead?

[IndyCybertruck]

With the foundation series run officially coming to a close, the updated page doesn’t appear to have any timelines for the RWD variant like it did previously. Thoughts on if this will ever come to market?

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[Gaximus]

Once Tesla squeezes the last drop out of people willing to buy the AWD. They will put out the RWD. Not hating on Tesla, I’d do the same. Until they can can build as many units as there are in order, there will be no need to change prices, or make a cheaper version.

 

[YDR37]

This would be a great question for someone to pose on the Tesla quarterly earnings call next Wednesday. However, there is no assurance that anyone will do that, or that Elon would provide a straight answer if they did.

It seems like there are two possibilities here:

(1) Tesla has no plans to sell an RWD Cybertruck.

(2) Tesla does plan to sell an RWD Cybertruck, but wants to maximize the sales of the more expensive AWD/CyberBeasts first. So they are holding back the RWDs until the demand for AWD/CBs slackens, which might take a while.

If option (2) sounds familiar, it's similar to what Tesla did with the Foundation Series. They maximized sales of the more expensive Foundation models by holding back the non-Foundation models for nearly a year.

There are a couple differences though. First, the cost difference between the Foundation and non-Foundation series was $20,000, while the cost difference between the AWD and RWD is (presumably) only $10,000. Second, everyone knew that the non-Foundation series was coming eventually -- the only question was when. With the RWD, the uncertainty is greater, because no one (outside Tesla) knows for sure whether it is ever coming or not.

That uncertainty plays to Tesla's advantage. Does it really make sense to postpone your Cybertruck purchase indefinitely -- and perhaps forever -- because you are hoping to save a measly $10,000 with the RWD? Wouldn't you be tempted to dig a little deeper in your wallet to ensure prompt delivery of a superior AWD?

 

[CyberTK1]

Not many people buy rwd trucks and SUV’s. Tesla knows this. I don’t think it’ll be worth their time to produce one.

 

[YDR37]

Not many people buy rwd trucks and SUV’s.

True -- and it is especially true for trucks/SUVs in the Cybertruck's price range.

For example, the ICE F-150 doesn't have an RWD option on any trim that starts at over $60,000 (Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Tremor, Raptor). All those trims come with 4X4 as standard. Same with the F-150 Lightning -- all trims are 4X4 standard..

You can still get an ICE F-150 with RWD, but only on cheap trims that start below $50,000 (XL, STX, XLT).

I don't think Rivian has ever offered RWD versions of the R1S/R1T, which are compable in price to the Cybertruck. They may offer RWD on the forthcoming R2/R3 SUVs, but those are supposed to be significantly cheaper.

 

[Jack27]

I hope they come out with a half wheel drive so all these clowns can then say “I’m holding out for the half wheel drive to see if the price drops and I can get the 10k tax break yadddaa yadda yadda ? I will wait to play it out bluh bluh bluh

 

[CarMan ElecTruck]

I think it will come… and probably sooner than we anticipate

 

[Jack27]

I think it will come… and probably sooner than we anticipate

You still won’t buy

 

[VR Driving]

very likely that with gen2 batteries, we may see price drop for the AWD once demands dries instead of making the RWD. Tesla's goal is to one day make it as affordable as the original launch prices.

 

[CYBERRAT]

If / When they get the tax rebate, that should really help sales. I knew a few people waiting on that!

 

[LexusCyber]

@VR Driving what are the gen 2 batteries? are those the one Tesla is said to launch in 2026 ? dry cathode? I am not holding my breath the AWD price will go under $80k within 2y... I may be wrong, but this is my current hypothesis based on CT 's history so far... (short albeit)

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