Tesla Cybertruck sales dropped by 48% in 2025

Tesla Cybertruck Sales Plummet in 2025

According to recent data, Tesla's electric Cybertruck experienced a sharp decline in sales, dropping by 48% in 2025. The company sold 20,237 units that year, a significant decrease from the 38,965 vehicles sold in 2024, as reported by Kelley Blue Book's annual electric vehicle sales reports.

Performance of Other Tesla Models

Other vehicles in Tesla’s lineup also faced declining demand, with the X, S, and Y models all seeing lower sales compared to the previous year. The Model 3 was the exception, with sales increasing by 1.3% to reach 192,440 units in 2025, based on Kelley Blue Book’s findings.

Market Challenges and Company Response

Tesla has attributed some of its difficulties to "uncertainty from shifting trade, tariff and fiscal policy," as outlined in a presentation last year. Despite these headwinds, Tesla maintained its position as the leading electric vehicle manufacturer in the United States, holding about 46% of the market in 2025.

The company did not provide an immediate comment regarding these figures.

Global and Industry Trends

In January, Tesla announced it had delivered 1.64 million vehicles worldwide in 2025, representing a 9% decrease from the 1.79 million delivered in 2024. Tesla has now been surpassed by China’s BYD as the largest electric vehicle producer globally.

The decline in sales is not unique to Tesla. Across the automotive sector, electric vehicle sales in 2025 totaled approximately 1.3 million, a 2% drop from the previous year.

Affordability and Policy Impact

One major barrier for potential buyers is the higher cost of electric vehicles compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. As of November, the average price for a new EV stood at $58,638, while conventional vehicles averaged under $50,000, according to Cox Automotive.

Additionally, a tax and spending bill passed by Congress last year removed tax credits for both new and used electric vehicles. Critics argue this move could make EVs unaffordable for many consumers.

Cybertruck Recalls and Controversies

Launched in 2023 with a starting price of $60,990, the stainless steel Cybertruck was promoted by CEO Elon Musk as the toughest pickup available, boasting a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds.

However, the Cybertruck has encountered several mechanical and safety issues. In 2025, Tesla recalled 46,000 Cybertrucks due to a trim panel defect that could detach and endanger other motorists, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Additional recalls have addressed problems with the rearview camera, windshield wipers, and accelerator pedals.

The Cybertruck has also become a focal point in political debates, particularly regarding Elon Musk’s role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration. In protest, some individuals vandalized Cybertrucks at Tesla dealerships.

Looking Ahead: Growth Drivers

Despite these setbacks, Tesla’s stock has performed well, climbing about 9% to $450.39 over the past year. Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities believes that Tesla’s advancements in autonomous driving and robotaxi technology will be key factors in its future growth.

Innovation and Future Prospects

Some financial analysts are optimistic about Tesla’s development of a humanoid robot, known as Optimus, which is expected to become commercially available within the next year. During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Elon Musk stated that Optimus robots are already handling basic tasks at Tesla factories.

Musk added, "By the end of this year, I anticipate they will be capable of more advanced work, and likely by the end of next year, we’ll be selling humanoid robots to consumers."

Barclays analysts estimate the current market for humanoid robotics to be between $2 billion and $3 billion. They project the sector could grow to at least $40 billion by 2035, and potentially reach $200 billion, as AI-driven robots are adopted in labor-intensive industries like manufacturing.