Why Tesla’s Cybertruck May Struggle to Attract Conventional Buyers

A Tesla Cybertruck at a Tesla store in San Jose, California, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. The first Cybertruck customers will receive the vehicles during a launch event at Tesla's Austin headquarters this week. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
(Image credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

To help you understand what’s happening in the auto industry and what we expect to happen in the future, our highly experienced Kiplinger Letter team will keep you abreast of the latest developments and forecasts.

Despite the buzz surrounding the reveal of Tesla’s polarizing pickup truck, don’t expect huge sales of the edgy, stainless-steel Cybertruck. Initially, Tesla fans may drive a surge of orders; however, winning over traditional truck buyers is going to be a tall order.

Electric trucks generally suffer from limited driving range, especially when towing—a shortcoming Tesla does not appear to have resolved. Moreover, the unconventional design, made of stainless steel, may deter many potential buyers. The construction of the Cybertruck also poses significant manufacturing challenges for Tesla. According to one analyst, this vehicle is arguably the riskiest endeavor Tesla has undertaken.

Even so, the electric truck market is already becoming quite crowded. Major players like Ford, General Motors, and Rivian have models currently available, positioning Tesla as a latecomer to this segment.

Insights on Upcoming Electric Trucks

One forthcoming electrified truck that may have a better chance of gaining traction is Ram’s plug-in hybrid Ramcharger, which is slated for release in 2025. Ram aims for a range of 145 miles on battery power before the gas engine activates to generate electricity. Its towing capacity is reportedly up to 14,000 pounds, surpassing the Cybertruck’s capacity of 11,000 pounds.

This analysis provides crucial insights into the electric vehicle landscape, helping you stay informed about market trends and making the most of your investments.


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