Tesla’s $800 Million Cybertruck Problem: Inventory Grows as Resale Values Plummet
Unsold Cybertrucks Pile Up
Tesla is facing a growing Cybertruck crisis with approximately 10,000 units — worth roughly $800 million — currently sitting unsold in inventory, according to a recent analysis from The Independent.
The mounting inventory problem comes alongside another troubling development for the futuristic pickup truck: early adopters are discovering their prized vehicles are hemorrhaging value at an alarming rate. Cybertrucks that originally commanded price tags of $99,990 are now being valued at around $63,000 in trade-in offers — a staggering depreciation in less than two years since the vehicle’s launch.
“There’s no point in trading in/upgrading with that low of an offer,” lamented one frustrated owner on the Cybertruckownersclub forum, as noted by Carscoops. The sentiment appears widespread among early adopters who expected better value retention from Tesla’s most distinctive vehicle.
Trade-in Policy Reversal
In what appears to be a response to slowing demand, Tesla has recently reversed course on its Cybertruck trade-in policy. After initially refusing to accept the vehicles as trade-ins — an unusual stance for an automaker — the company now welcomes them back. This policy shift has inadvertently revealed just how quickly the vehicles are losing value.
The numbers are sobering. Foundation Series models, which were among the first Cybertrucks delivered to customers, have seen their value plummet by 34.6% in just one year. That’s a far cry from the value retention Tesla vehicles have traditionally enjoyed.
How bad is it getting? Some third-party platforms paint an even bleaker picture. CarGurus data suggests that resale values for certain Cybertruck configurations have dropped nearly 45% after just 12 months — a depreciation rate that would make even luxury car owners wince.
Innovation vs. Resale Value
The Cybertruck’s rapid value decline highlights a broader tension in the electric vehicle market between cutting-edge innovation and practical considerations like resale value. While the truck’s angular, stainless steel design and bulletproof windows generated massive hype before launch, the reality of ownership appears more complicated.
Industry observers have pointed out that Tesla’s struggle with the Cybertruck mirrors a fundamental challenge for the EV industry: balancing futuristic design with practical market realities. The vehicle’s polarizing aesthetics, while attention-grabbing, may be limiting its appeal to a wider audience.
That said, Tesla has overcome production and demand challenges before. The company’s Model 3 faced similar inventory and production issues during its early rollout before becoming a mainstream success. But the Cybertruck’s unique positioning — and significantly higher price point — presents distinct challenges.
For Tesla, the stakes are considerable. The Cybertruck represents not just a new product line but also CEO Elon Musk’s vision for the future of transportation. Its success or failure could influence the company’s approach to product development for years to come.
Meanwhile, early Cybertruck adopters find themselves in an uncomfortable position: proud owners of a conversation-starting vehicle that’s rapidly becoming a depreciating asset. As one owner put it on social media: “I love this truck, but I never expected to lose a third of my investment before the first oil change.”