Tesla’s Cybertruck Becomes the Nation’s Best-Selling Electric Truck
You may have seen it in parking lots or zipping past you on the road and thought to yourself: “What is that?”
The Tesla Cybertruck is hard to miss. Its futuristic, boxy profile is, depending on who you ask, absolutely hideous or wildly unique. One thing that’s hard to dispute? It’s now the best-selling electric vehicle (EV) pickup in America, and the third best-selling EV overall in the third quarter of 2024. The two best-selling EVs are also — surprise, surprise — Tesla vehicles (the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover).
With its distinct design and Tesla’s growing fan base, this uniquely styled truck has carved out a surprising spot for itself in the EV world. Here’s what you should know about the quirky ride.
The Tesla Cybertruck
Whether you love it or hate it, the Cybertruck’s design is unlike anything else on the road. Shaped with sharp lines and a stainless steel exoskeleton, the vehicle seems more at home in a sci-fi movie than on the streets. Tesla claims that the exoskeleton is built for maximum durability, with steel body panels that can withstand some serious wear and tear. Inside, the Cybertruck has a minimalist cabin, outfitted with Tesla’s signature high-tech interface. It has room for six passengers and a bed that turns into everything from a tailgating setup to a workbench.
By the Numbers
According to Kelly Blue Book’s quarterly “Electric Vehicle Sales Report,” Tesla is estimated to have sold 16,692 Cybertrucks between July 1 and September 30. In total, the company has sold 28,250 models of the pickup in the first nine months of 2024.
The truck competes with EV giants like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Rivian R1T, both offering substantial competition in the electric truck market. Ford and Rivian are reported to have delivered tens of thousands of units so far, while Tesla continues to ramp up production and delivery numbers.
And the cost? It ain’t cheap: Pricing for the Cybertruck starts at $79,990.
Why It’s Popular
The Cybertruck’s popularity is due to a mix of design, brand loyalty, and demand. Its sharp, polygonal look has fueled countless internet memes, adding to its fame before it even hit the road. With promises of advanced features like autonomous driving and Tesla’s Supercharging network, fans have waited years for its arrival. Now that the company has settled up its backlog of reservations, interested buyers don’t have to get on a waitlist for one. Time will tell if the interest carries through to 2025.
More To Come?
As production continues, the Cybertruck is set to go through rigorous testing and updates to meet consumer demands. With Tesla’s pattern of improving software and vehicle updates over time, buyers can expect new features and capabilities to come, potentially strengthening its position in the EV market.