Tesla CEO Elon Musk has provided clarification regarding his recent comments about the Cybertruck’s All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) configuration, specifically addressing what appeared to be a short window of availability or a looming price adjustment. The initial cryptic statement on X (formerly Twitter) sparked considerable discussion and speculation among Tesla enthusiasts and the wider automotive community.
Cybertruck AWD: A Strategic Price Rollout
On Thursday night, Tesla officially launched the highly anticipated Cybertruck All-Wheel-Drive variant, priced at $59,990. This offering was seen as a significant improvement over the Rear-Wheel-Drive configuration introduced the previous year, which was eventually discontinued due to low demand shortly after its release.
However, early Friday morning, Musk’s statement, “just for 10 days,” suggested a limited availability or a price change for the $59,990 model. This has now been clarified, with Musk confirming that Tesla intends to adjust the pricing based on market response.
“Depends on how much demand we see at this price level,” Musk stated in a subsequent post on X, indicating a dynamic pricing strategy tied directly to customer interest and purchase volume during the initial rollout period.
Community Divided: Support and Criticism Emerge
The evolving situation has elicited a polarized response from the public. Supporters of Tesla’s approach view the move as a logical business strategy. They argue that it is sensible to gauge demand at a specific price point and make informed adjustments thereafter.
One user, Ryan Scanlan, articulated this viewpoint on X: “Case 1: You don’t like it -> don’t buy it. Case 2 (me): You like it, it’s fits your situation and needs -> you buy it. Case 3: Complain endlessly for no reason, you weren’t going to get one anyway, but you want people to know you’re mad, for some reason. Silly netizens.”
Conversely, a significant portion of the community expressed frustration and disappointment. Critics argue that the communication strategy is counterproductive, particularly given the substantial financial commitment required for a vehicle like the Cybertruck. The short, ten-day window, coupled with the explicit indication of a price increase, is seen by some as an artificial tactic to drive immediate reservations.
A common sentiment among critics is that the announcement, rather than generating excitement, created annoyance. “People were excited about the awesome Cybertruck news and then it got taken away, that’s why people are annoyed. The wording felt more like a threat…” posted Dirty Tesla on X.
Another user, Greggertruck, directly questioned the CEO’s approach, posting, “No but fr wtf you doing dude???????”
Concerns were also raised about the clarity of communication. KiTT_2020 noted on X, “It’s how it was communicated. If it had been stated clearly on the website for everyone to see, everyone would be fine.”
Strategic Implications of the Pricing Tactic
Critics suggest that the tactic of announcing a price hike within ten days could inflate initial demand simply because consumers wish to secure the current $59,990 price. This manufactured demand might not reflect genuine long-term interest, potentially leading to a subsequent drop in sales once the price inevitably increases.
The expectation is that demand for the AWD trim may decrease due to the higher cost, leading to a scenario where initial order numbers appear strong but do not sustain. Many believe this detail should have remained internal, despite the general consensus favoring transparency in business dealings.
The decision to confirm a price increase so close to the launch has undeniably created a significant division within the community, highlighting differing expectations for communication and market strategy from Tesla and its leadership.
Cybertruck AWD: A Feature-Rich Offering at a Competitive Price
The newly launched Cybertruck AWD variant boasts an impressive array of features for its $59,990 starting price. This positions it as a compelling value proposition in the electric pickup truck market.
Key specifications and features include:
- Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive with an estimated range of 325 miles.
- A powered tonneau cover for the bed.
- Integrated bed outlets (2x 120V + 1x 240V) with Powershare capability.
- Coil springs with adaptive damping for enhanced ride comfort.
- Steer-by-wire technology and four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability.
- A 6’ x 4’ composite bed.
- Towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs.
- A powered front trunk (frunk).
These features represent a substantial upgrade compared to the previous Rear-Wheel-Drive Cybertruck, which was criticized for its lack of premium features and a price point that offered minimal savings over higher trims. The earlier RWD model, launched last year, was discontinued after only a few months, with little visible presence online.
The introduction of the AWD trim is seen by some as a move to potentially revitalize Cybertruck sales, which, despite its popularity among fans, has not been a high-volume seller. The pricing, closer to the original 2019 unveiling figures (adjusted for inflation), is expected to make the Cybertruck more accessible to a broader audience.
Past Performance and Future Outlook
Tesla’s initial 2019 unveiling presented three trim levels: Single Motor ($39,990), Dual Motor ($49,990), and Tri-Motor ($69,990). The current $59,990 AWD configuration aligns closely with these original price points, especially when considering the intervening years and inflation. Deliveries for this new trim are slated to commence in June 2026.
Meanwhile, the strategic direction of Tesla’s vehicle lineup continues to be a subject of discussion. Analyst Gary Black of The Future Fund recently suggested that if Tesla were to discontinue any vehicle, it should be the Cybertruck due to perceived negative brand equity and lower sales volumes compared to the Model S and Model X. However, Elon Musk has indicated that the Cybertruck aligns with Tesla’s future vision, including potential integration into autonomous transport networks and local goods delivery.