October 14, 2025 – After months of sluggish performance, Tesla’s sales have finally picked up momentum, largely driven by consumers rushing to purchase Model 3 and Model Y vehicles ahead of the expiration of the U.S. federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credit. However, while demand for these popular models surges, Tesla’s newest addition to its lineup—the Cybertruck—is facing growing indifference from buyers.
According to the latest data from Kelley Blue Book, Tesla sold just 5,385 Cybertrucks in the third quarter, a staggering 63% drop compared to the more than 14,000 units sold during the same period in 2024. So far in 2025, the company has delivered slightly over 16,000 Cybertrucks, falling far short of CEO Elon Musk’s ambitious annual sales target of 250,000 units. Projections suggest that full-year Cybertruck deliveries for 2025 will hover around 20,000, a significant decline from the estimated 50,000 sold in 2024.
Interestingly, Tesla does not break out Cybertruck sales separately. Instead, it groups the electric pickup with older models like the Model S and Model X under the category of “other vehicles.”
Despite the Cybertruck’s struggles, the broader U.S. EV market experienced robust growth in the third quarter. A total of 438,487 electric vehicles were sold, marking a 40.7% increase from the previous quarter and a 29.6% rise year-over-year. This surge was largely attributed to consumers racing to take advantage of the $7,500 federal tax credit before it expired on September 30. However, experts anticipate a sharp decline in EV sales during the fourth quarter, which could further compound the Cybertruck’s challenges.
In contrast, competing electric pickups have outperformed the Cybertruck by a wide margin. Rivian’s R1T saw a 13% year-over-year sales increase this quarter, while Ford’s F-150 Lightning recorded a 39.7% jump. GMC’s Hummer EV sales climbed 21.9%, and its sibling model, the Sierra EV, achieved an astonishing 771% surge.
Adding to Tesla’s woes, a recent legal battle has emerged following a fiery Cybertruck crash that claimed the lives of two young individuals. The families of the victims have filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that the vehicle’s faulty door handle design prevented the occupants from escaping the burning vehicle.
The severity of the Cybertruck’s sales slump has reportedly prompted Elon Musk to intervene personally. As reported by Electrek, Tesla is redirecting unsold Cybertrucks to Musk-owned companies, including SpaceX and artificial intelligence firm xAI. Vehicles delivered to SpaceX will reportedly replace the company’s existing fleet of internal combustion engine vehicles.
