What happened with the Cybertruck dream of the 2M reservation holders? [LOCKED DUE TO POLITICS]

[LexusCyber]

Many of you here were bold (and lucky!) enough to snag a Cybertruck when it finally launched—and it’s been a joy sharing in your excitement, hearing your first impressions, and seeing the incredible ways you’ve personalized your trucks.

But I can’t help but wonder: What happened to the dream for the rest of us—especially the 2 million of us originally holding reservations?

I count myself among the passionate. I love the CT and still dream of owning an AWD version... someday... when it doesn’t cost $80K. I've ridden the full rollercoaster—from the hype and delays to Tesla’s ups and downs, and now the hope of a revival.

Based on recent developments, it feels like I’m still 2–3 years out from making my Cybertruck dream a reality. I’ve waited 6 years already, and while I try to tune out the noise (forgive them, Father, for they know not what they post ?), I’m also starting to wonder: will the industry shift again before I get there?

What if the future brings something even better?

I’ve been tracking the idea of extended-range EVs—electric vehicles with small, efficient gas engines that silently recharge the battery without powering the wheels. You get the performance, the range, and the peace of mind. Scout seems to be exploring this, and honestly, I think it could catch on.

Still, part of me hopes Elon and Tesla double down—bring the CT to market at $55K, sell 500k+ units during its lifetime, and prove that manufacturing excellence can make that future attainable. But time is slipping, and without something radical, I fear the CT might never fully live up to its potential.

That’s my two cents.

Now I’d love to hear from you: What happened to your Cybertruck dream? Is it still alive? Has it shifted? What does your future look like—with or without the CT?

No right or wrong answers—just real stories from a community that’s been on this wild ride together.

... and if you're wondering, here is my last mental pic of how my CT could look like, if I had one

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[txtravwill]

They were never going to convert all those cheap $100 reservations but either way, my take:

- The CT that wsa released cost a lot more than folks expected.
- The economic position of folks witih inflation since then has worsened.
- Finance rates are normal, but considered pretty high right now still.
- The CT that was released is a lot different as its a regular casting with stainless attached/glued on versus the exoskeloton approach people thought was awesome.
- The build quality has not been great up to this point; the FS and truck has had image damanging recalls. It also uses a LOT of cheap plastic even on exterior that isn't condusive to lasting long as a truck without damage like the tailgate, bed, etc.
- The design is pretty polarizing for most of the market so it doesn't expand to other truck buyers.
- It's a Tesla, thus its an EV which shrinks the market right now, and Tesla has had policitcal brand damage for much of its usual buyer base.
- As an EV truck it has lower range than competition and less capability in someways, although it is efficient. It also has less features in other areas like around pano-roof, midgate capabilities, etc.
- FSD is helping it overall perhaps, but Tesla still hasn't fulfilled promises on software in some cases around PowerShare/Powerwalls which show again they bate and switch (almost) to get a sell.
- Overall build quality has been pretty lackluster for most, but its a Tesla, it rattles/squeaks, etc.

...probably more but that is my take on what imapcts the 2M reservations down to <75K deliveries?

 

[YDR37]

There are varying numbers for the total number of Cybertruck reservations. However, Franz von Holzhausen (Tesla Chief Designer) did state "over two million deposits" in an interview with Jay Leno in October 2023, shortly before the first CT deliveries in November 2023. See 10:25 to 10:35 in this video.

 

[Coagulation]

I own one, but here’s my perspective:

2,000,000 preorders

Minus

1,000,000 dreamers. Even the original $50k cost was out of reach.

500,000 outpriced at current prices. Could have done 50, but 80-100 is financially impossible or irresponsible.

400,000 who can afford it, influenced not to buy based on fake negative articles, sensationalized stories, or fear (of judgement, harassment, vandalism) based on the political environment and would rather get something to blend in, even if not as good

…

I’ve said this before here, but I think the launch was just botched from a marketing standpoint.

A-list celebrities got first dibs and it started at $100,000 plus. Stigma becomes “this is a show off toy for rich people that doesn’t have utility.”

They should’ve been seated with a different type of person. Every man type of guys. Workers. farmers.

The price for the all-wheel-drive should have been 69 (less rebate so low 60’s). If foundation was $20,000 more, it should’ve come with all of the insane perks we see now like lifetime supercharging it should’ve been viewed as a thing to strive for not a thing to wait out. Maybe options that would never exist again.

That would’ve led to FOMO and marketing towards the toughest to convince crowd. I think there would be a waiting list today if they did those things. I don’t know the economics of these things internally obviously but in terms of volume, it was just botched. incredible incredible vehicle, marketed wrong, and priced too high to become popular

 

[tingmo13]

I don't believe in dream-it happens when we sleep but more inclined in Lucid dream. I still have my early reservation-won't even think about it back then if it looks like any other pick ups. Read & watched tear down Cybertruck videos, did 48 hrs demo-it's AN AMAZING MACHINE but it's too big. As a long T$LA holder it's definitely not the Price but the Size-it matters!
Hoping Tesla will come up with the smaller one.

 

[kingq]

My dream came true 16 months ago, after waited for 4.5 years. Still love her very much.

With the inflation and cost of living growing so much, you'd never get a real CT at 65k. Just like many people in the bayarea for years waiting/hoping for the drop of housing price, but in reality it has only one direction to go.

If you could afford it somehow, in the long run, go get it and enjoy life.

 

[henchman24]

It was the same thing with Model 3 deposits back in the day. Many don't actually convert into sales. At the very peak you had influencers and Turo people having 20+ deposits. That was never going to happen and inflated the numbers. Along with that you had a large number of deposits outside NA where a truck this size isn't typical. It was always going to be optimistic.

Now as for the slower sales today... two things quite simply. First and most significantly, the truck is 20-30k over the prices estimated at reveal. Part of that is inflation, part is that the truck was just more costly to produce than they thought. Moving from the ~50k market to the ~80k market substantially reduces sales. Odds are they will reduce the price eventually, but there is unlikely to be a 30k drop. A move to 60-65 for the dual motor would likely pick up sales a good amount, though it would likely cost Tesla too much to make that move today. Second is the range. Truck people are a bit shy about going to something that 'only' has 300mi of range. They want that huge number and a lot people really wanted the 500mi number first estimated. The 4680 technology has not quite come around on that front yet and it probably won't ever happen to to 500mi (low 400s is likely though). When the NC30 is being put into the CT, we will probably see a range jump. Until then, we are in the low to mid 300s.

TLDR IMO if Tesla releases a ~60k 400mi range dual motor in a couple years, the sales will tick up a lot. As long as it is 80k for ~325mi range dual motor... the market will be limited and sales will be too.

 

[Edphonse]

What was advertised vs what was delivered. The original tri motor was listed with 3500 lbs payload, 14k towing, and 500 miles range est. What we got was roughly half of that at almost twice the price (when you factor in taxes and interest on the loan); 2300lbs payload, 11k towing, 300 miles est range.

That's 500 miles would be like 200-250 while towing at max capacity so real world you would get like 180-200 miles since supercharging past 90% is unrealistic.

My 2 vehicles are my CB and a Ford f350. If you want to do real truck stuff on the regular with the CB, it is without a doubt impractical at its current spec. The original would have made it manageable though still not as "easy" as a diesel. So tesla, instead of trying to capture the half ton market as a whole, basically just said eff it and made it more of an overlanding/lifestyle truck (like gladiator/tacomas/etc) than an actual work truck. Which now requires people to either deal with a less than desirable towing experience (if that is what they need a truck for) or buy two trucks.

So Tesla advertised it more as a work truck but released a lifestyle/pleasure truck. With that, most people don't have 80k+ to throw at a lifestyle truck. People are currently furious about 60k work trucks that the big 3 are releasing.

Don't get me wrong, I love my CB, but I am not blind to its downsides and that's why I won't be getting rid of my f350.

And yes, I know I just compared my super duty truck to a half ton, but f150s/1500s are the predominant work trucks used out there that still tow 20 from box trailers with various equipment inside and the 3/4 or 1 tons are used for heavier towing.

 

[cybercuh]

If it had been $39,990 I'm sure most of us owners would still be on the sidelines waiting our turn. And your local Walmart parking lot would look like this lol

 

[Beetlebug62]

Some had multiple reservations. I had 2, because I didn't know if I wanted a dual or a triple. And because I knew that things were going to change, so I hedged my bets. I'm sure lots of people had multiple reservations.

Inflation hit, and that raised prices. That also meant interest rates went up. As a result people couldn't afford as much vehicle.

Gas prices are low, so the desire to change to a cheaper fuel is less. All of that contributes to fewer reservations turning into sales.

Having said that, I'm retired, and the clock is ticking on my ski adventure dream, so I bought an AWD in March. Like everyone, I weighed the risk of incentives disappearing before buying. Luckily I got a good deal. I got $25,500 in incentives. The fed tax credit, a state rebate, the referral credit, the interest rate promo. After I bought it, I got even more incentives: 13mos of free FSD, and now I get an interest rate reduction, of ~$800, apparently. Altogether $25,500.

Even this quarter, people have been getting great incentives. Just a few days ago, someone got $21k in incentives. They got the fed tax credit, a loyalty credit, a first-responder credit, the zero percent interest, which is worth $11,440. Altogether, that's $21k. Sure, they paid more for a dual with FSD, but still a great deal.

EDIT: okay, I only addressed why I think not as many turned reservations into purchases, and I pointed out the cost was in the mid-$50s for some of us with state tax rebates, but what about the rest you mentioned?

Will it be obsoleted by something else? Not any time soon. Just take one for a test drive. It's got the progressive steering, the rear-wheel steering, FSD, auto-level. It has so many things that I have yet to use. How will it be obsoleted by anything less expensive in the next decade?

You mean, "I’ve been tracking the idea of extended-range EVs—electric vehicles with small, efficient gas engines that silently recharge the battery without powering the wheels. You get the performance, the range, and the peace of mind. Scout seems to be exploring this, and honestly, I think it could catch on." A range-extending hybrid? Like a BMW i3?

I had a '16 Chevy Volt. It was half-EV, half-ICE. It worked well, and was a gateway drug to a real EV, my '18 Model 3. Do you really need a small gas engine to recharge the battery? If that's something that you feel you need for going way off-road, or camping for a week, or even to cover you if you run it to 0% SOC on your daily commute, you could always carry a small inverter generator, with 1gal of fuel in its tank. I dunno, maybe you could get 5kWh out of it, and drive 15mi or more. I've tested my little inverter generator with my Model 3, I suppose it'd also work with my Cybertruck. Now you have me wondering if it'll fit in the smuggler's bay

EDIT, EDIT: So, I went out and tested it, and yes, my little inverter generator does work with the CT; but, it doesn't fit in smuggler's bay. I may have to test how long it'll run charging my CT on its 1gal, and how much charge it adds.

 

[ricinro]

For me cost was nearly double what I would pay for. But as a retired person who designed things I could tell they allowed the styling and omission of key features to force asinine design choices. Since the vehicle was not going to be an exoskeleton or have ballistic glass there was no reason to use the cold rolled SS alloy they used for small arms protection. The panels are best hidden with a wrap as the alloy was optimized for work hardening rather ductility/corrosion resistance. They didn't consider that sharp edges and pinch points are far more an issue than a random 9mm round. They forgot to include wipers so they spent years designing an expensive, barely useful bandaid wiper system. The sails and lack of pass thru were known issue with truck folks and mentioned often but Tesla apparently had marketing blinders on. Really, and with a cybertruck owners club forum begging for these features.
It's simple, some bombastic CEO forced a juvenile dream on a great engineering team and we got subpar, overpriced with schizophrenic features.

 

[jasonclu]

I think we also need to give consideration to what Lars said about keeping charging time down. Whether that means light vehicles, smaller battery pack, or better efficiency. For the CT, it already takes ~30 minutes to charge at a supercharger from 20 to 60/70%

So I don’t think we will be seeing cheaper CT that gives you better range without sacrificing weight, features or battery pack size increase.

I think they believe the best compromise right now is the new long range RWD CT. It might not get much cheaper than that.

 

[henchman24]

I think we also need to give consideration to what Lars said about keeping charging time down. Whether that means light vehicles, smaller battery pack, or better efficiency. For the CT, it already takes ~30 minutes to charge at a supercharger from 20 to 60/70%

So I don’t think we will be seeing cheaper CT that gives you better range without sacrificing weight, features or battery pack size increase.

I think they believe the best compromise right now is the new long range RWD CT. It might not get much cheaper than that.

Really depends on the version of Supercharger, but 20-70 should not take 30 minutes on a V3+ (V4 dispenser on V3 cabinet). It is about 24 minutes per Out of Spec's charging test (which is outdated and slightly slower than today... I have seen around 22). On a older V3, you're in the realm of 20-70 being 30 minutes (my experience is 28 ish so close enough). That's a charging station limitation, not a vehicle limitation.

For me cost was nearly double what I would pay for. But as a retired person who designed things I could tell they allowed the styling and omission of key features to force asinine design choices. Since the vehicle was not going to be an exoskeleton or have ballistic glass there was no reason to use the cold rolled SS alloy they used for small arms protection. The panels are best hidden with a wrap as the alloy was optimized for work hardening rather ductility/corrosion resistance. They didn't consider that sharp edges and pinch points are far more an issue than a random 9mm round. They forgot to include wipers so they spent years designing an expensive, barely useful bandaid wiper system. The sails and lack of pass thru were known issue with truck folks and mentioned often but Tesla apparently had marketing blinders on. Really, and with a cybertruck owners club forum begging for these features.
It's simple, some bombastic CEO forced a juvenile dream on a great engineering team and we got subpar, overpriced with schizophrenic features.

It isn't an exoskeleton like a plane, but the body panels do carry a significant amount of chassis load, much more than unibody vehicles of today. It is really a hybrid of the two, and is one of the stiffest chassis I have driven outside supercars. There was never a promise of ballistic glass. The glass was basically a form of automotive gorilla glass. Elon chattered on about stuff like that, but that's what he always does. A lot of what he says doesn't actually happen. It wasn't ever in anything from Tesla as a company.

There is no real corrosion... there are industrial fallout deposits that get attached and etching that happens from certain materials. Both are easily cleaned up. Those also happen on every vehicle regardless of finish, they show up differently without paint. It is not corrosion like rust eating it away. There is no need to wrap the vehicle unless you want to.

The pinch points and sharp edges are a complete non-issue that was blown up by people who want to actively hate the vehicle. Any vehicle you shut a body part in is going to hurt and cause damage.

The wiper looks weird, but is actually very useful in my experience and actually covers more of the viewing area than normal 2 wiper vehicles. Actually reminds me of old Mercedes (W124s IIRC) in how well it wipes. Now the auto-sensing part is pure garbage, but is on all Teslas. They need to fix that.

A midgate pass through... anybody who has actually owned a vehicle with that (I've owned 2, an Avalanche and a Baja) will tell it is actually not a good thing. They rattle, have more wind noise, leaks and generally kinda suck to live with. Plus Tesla never said they were doing that or presented it. Elon might have made a few comments, but he always makes a lot of comments... always has and people should take than with a grain of salt.

The sail panel storage would have been nice. I would have used it. As that part of the body does help with structural load though, makes sense why that was cut.... though I'd have appreciated it.

The CT is a fantastic vehicle and truck. In many ways an engineering marvel that is far ahead of anyone else (48v, steer by wire, body structure). It is not perfect (bigger battery, charge curve that extends further, better brakes, etc), but it is in a league of its own in how it was built and the spiderweb of capabilities it has. Calm down on the hate and go drive one for a couple days. It should become clear it is an amazing vehicle, but one that comes with a large price tag. It is also outlandish and different, not all people want that and I understand that. That shouldn't take away from what it is as a vehicle.

 

[M0unt41nm4n]

What was advertised vs what was delivered. The original tri motor was listed with 3500 lbs payload, 14k towing, and 500 miles range est. What we got was roughly half of that at almost twice the price (when you factor in taxes and interest on the loan); 2300lbs payload, 11k towing, 300 miles est range.

That's 500 miles would be like 200-250 while towing at max capacity so real world you would get like 180-200 miles since supercharging past 90% is unrealistic.

My 2 vehicles are my CB and a Ford f350. If you want to do real truck stuff on the regular with the CB, it is without a doubt impractical at its current spec. The original would have made it manageable though still not as "easy" as a diesel. So tesla, instead of trying to capture the half ton market as a whole, basically just said eff it and made it more of an overlanding/lifestyle truck (like gladiator/tacomas/etc) than an actual work truck. Which now requires people to either deal with a less than desirable towing experience (if that is what they need a truck for) or buy two trucks.

So Tesla advertised it more as a work truck but released a lifestyle/pleasure truck. With that, most people don't have 80k+ to throw at a lifestyle truck. People are currently furious about 60k work trucks that the big 3 are releasing.

Don't get me wrong, I love my CB, but I am not blind to its downsides and that's why I won't be getting rid of my f350.

And yes, I know I just compared my super duty truck to a half ton, but f150s/1500s are the predominant work trucks used out there that still tow 20 from box trailers with various equipment inside and the 3/4 or 1 tons are used for heavier towing.

Hah! This is why I kept my F350 and F150 along with my CT. The CT is my "I wanna relax for a long drive truck". Believe it or not, I don't use our F150 for any towing at all. We got a 6.25 ft bed on it to haul around supplies with ease. The F-350 does all the towing... even for the super light towing (like a raft trailer).

My CT tows nothing. Its a shuttle between 2 states and once in a while to haul my "clean stuff". The bed is too easily scratched as my Fords have the spray in bed liner and is nearly bullet proof.

 

[Beetlebug62]

I think we also need to give consideration to what Lars said about keeping charging time down. Whether that means light vehicles, smaller battery pack, or better efficiency. For the CT, it already takes ~30 minutes to charge at a supercharger from 20 to 60/70%

So I don’t think we will be seeing cheaper CT that gives you better range without sacrificing weight, features or battery pack size increase.

I think they believe the best compromise right now is the new long range RWD CT. It might not get much cheaper than that.

I took pics of my screen when supercharging at 10%, 20%, 60% and 68%, so I know how fast it took my CT to go from 20% to 68%. 22m 5secs. I was at V3 supercharger. Should be another 1 ½ mins to get to 70%, so 22 ½ mins to go 20-70%. And, less than 17mins to go from 20-60%.

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