Tesla slashes Cybertruck prices as it tries to move (unpainted) metal
Ars Technica
by
Jonathan M. Gitlin
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Tesla has significantly reduced prices for its Cybertruck lineup in an effort to boost sales and address what many consider to be its first major misstep. The company slashed the price of its top-tier tri-motor "Cyberbeast" model by $15,000, bringing it down to $99,990. However, this cheaper option comes with reduced features, including no longer offering supercharging and full self-driving capabilities for free. Additionally, Tesla introduced a new entry-level dual-motor Cybertruck priced at $59,990, which offers impressive specs such as a 325-mile range and the same 4.1-second 0–60 mph acceleration time as the more expensive premium all-wheel drive version.
The move to lower prices follows last year's unsuccessful attempt to sell a single-motor rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck at $69,990, which found limited demand. By introducing a more affordable dual-motor model and reducing the price of the tri-motor variant, Tesla aims to make its electric truck more accessible while maintaining key performance features. However, these cuts come with trade-offs: the new entry-level model has reduced towing capacity (from 11,000 lbs to 7,000 lbs) and cargo capacity (from 2,500 lbs to 2,006 lbs), which may limit its appeal for certain buyers. Despite these adjustments, the pricing strategy appears to offer better value compared to the previous single-motor model.
This strategic shift in pricing reflects Tesla's broader efforts to compete more effectively in the electric vehicle market while addressing theCybertruck's lukewarm reception. For tech and automotive enthusiasts, this development underscores the company's pivot toward affordability and accessibility, potentially expanding its customer base beyond early adopters. As electric vehicles become increasingly mainstream, such moves could help solidify Tesla's position in a competitive landscape where cost-conscious consumers are driving demand for more affordable options.
Verticals
techscience
Originally published on Ars Technica on 2/20/2026