History of Tesla Cybertruck in Timeline

The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck manufactured by Tesla, Inc., starting in 2023. First revealed as a prototype in 2019, it is notable for its unconventional angular design and its use of flat, unpainted stainless steel body panels. This unique aesthetic has drawn comparisons to low-polygon computer graphics. It represents Tesla's entry into the competitive pickup truck market with a focus on electric power and distinctive styling.

2012: Elon Musk's Initial Pickup Truck Ideas

In 2012, Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly stated his ideas for a pickup truck, envisioning a "Tesla supertruck with crazy torque, dynamic air suspension, and corners like it's on rails".

2013: Elon Musk's Initial Pickup Truck Ideas

In 2013, Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly stated his ideas for a pickup truck, envisioning a "Tesla supertruck with crazy torque, dynamic air suspension, and corners like it's on rails".

2014: Musk predicts timeline for pickup truck development

In early 2014, Elon Musk predicted it would take 4–5 years before Tesla could start working on a pickup truck.

2015: Musk compares Tesla pickup to Ford F-150

In a 2015 interview with CNN, Elon Musk stated that the Tesla pickup would be the equivalent of a Ford F-150.

2016: Inclusion in Tesla Master Plan

In mid-2016, a consumer pickup truck was outlined in part 2 of the Tesla Master Plan, with Musk suggesting the same chassis for a van and a pickup truck.

2017: Pickup Truck Teaser at Tesla Semi and Roadster Reveal

In 2017, a teaser picture of a "pickup truck that can carry a pickup truck" was displayed at the official reveal for the Tesla Semi and Roadster.

March 2019: Teaser Image Released

In March 2019, following the Tesla Model Y launch, Elon Musk distributed a teaser image of a vehicle described as having a cyberpunk or Blade Runner style, resembling a futuristic armored personnel carrier.

November 6, 2019: Trademark Filing for "Cybrtrk"

On November 6, 2019, Tesla filed for a trademark on "Cybrtrk", which was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

November 2019: Cybertruck Reservations Open

Beginning in November 2019, Tesla started accepting Cybertruck reservations with a refundable US$100 deposit.

November 2019: Cybertruck Prototype Unveiled

In November 2019, Tesla unveiled the Cybertruck prototype, a battery-electric full-size pickup truck featuring an angular design and unpainted stainless steel body panels.

November 21, 2019: Cybertruck Concept Unveiled

On November 21, 2019, the concept Cybertruck was unveiled in Los Angeles, California, launched under a graffiti-themed "Cybertruck" logo.

November 23, 2019: 146,000 Reservations in 1.5 Days

On November 23, 2019, Elon Musk tweeted that Tesla had received 146,000 reservations for the Cybertruck in the first 1.5 days after its unveiling.

2019: Initial Cybertruck Price Projections

Compared to initial projections in 2019, the base prices for the Cybertruck had increased by US$21,000–39,000, representing a 53–64% price hike.

2019: Initial Cybertruck Launch Details

In 2019, Elon Musk announced the Cybertruck would launch in late 2021 with a starting price of US$39,900.

2019: Reported Stainless Steel Alloy Use

In 2019, it was reported that the Tesla Cybertruck was going to use a stainless-steel alloy developed by Tesla in partnership with Aperam.

2019: Social Media Criticism of Cybertruck Design

In 2019, social media commentators criticized the sharp contours and unusual exterior of the Tesla Cybertruck concept vehicle.

2019: Initial Cybertruck concept unveiled.

Tesla unveiled the initial concept vehicle of Cybertruck in 2019.

2019: Projected Range for Cybertruck Versions

When the Cybertruck was unveiled in 2019, Tesla projected versions would be offered with up to 500 miles (800 km) of range.

June 2020: Cybertruck Exhibition at Petersen Automotive Museum

In June 2020, the Tesla Cybertruck prototype was exhibited at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

August 10, 2020: Abandonment of "Cybrtrk" Trademark

On August 10, 2020, the trademark for "Cybrtrk", initially filed on November 6, 2019, was abandoned.

October 2021: Pricing and Specifications Removed from Website

In October 2021, Tesla removed the Cybertruck's pricing and specifications from its website without explanation, while still accepting deposits.

2021: Initial Cybertruck Launch Details

In 2019, Elon Musk announced the Cybertruck would launch in late 2021 with a starting price of US$39,900.

2021: Consideration of Quad-Motor Version

In late 2021, Tesla considered introducing a quad-motor version of the Cybertruck.

May 2022: Orders Outside North America Stopped

In May 2022, Tesla stopped taking orders for the Cybertruck from customers outside North America.

November 2022: Cybertruck Returns to Petersen Automotive Museum

In November 2022, the Tesla Cybertruck returned to the Petersen Automotive Museum for exhibition.

2022: Specifications and Pricing Changes Announced

At the 2022 annual shareholders meeting, Elon Musk stated that the final specifications and pricing for the Cybertruck would differ from those unveiled on the concept vehicle in 2019.

2022: Elon Musk claims Cybertruck can function as a boat

In 2022, Elon Musk claimed that the Cybertruck could serve as a boat and "cross rivers, lakes and even seas that aren't too choppy." However, multiple incidents have been reported of Cybertrucks stranded and submerged in water.

June 2023: Early Build Cybertruck at Petersen Automotive Museum Event

In June 2023, chief designer Franz von Holzhausen drove an early build Cybertruck to an event at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

July 2023: First Cybertruck Assembled at Gigafactory Texas

In July 2023, the first Cybertruck unit was assembled at Gigafactory Texas as part of pilot production.

November 2023: Cybertruck Delivery Event and Specifications

In November 2023, Tesla hosted a Cybertruck delivery event at Gigafactory Texas, handing over the first trucks to customers. The event included demonstrations of the vehicle's armored glass and drag race performance.

November 30, 2023: Preorders Temporarily Shut Down

Prior to the delivery event on November 30, 2023, preorders for the Tesla Cybertruck were temporarily shut down.

December 2023: Cybertruck Availability Confirmed for North America Only

In December 2023, Tesla confirmed that the Cybertruck would be available exclusively in North America.

2023: Deposits Accepted for Range Extender

At the launch of sales in 2023, Tesla began accepting a US$2,000 deposit from customers interested in the Cybertruck range extender.

2023: Designer's Criticism and Praise

In 2023, Automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, credited with originating the "origami" car design trend with the Lotus Esprit, BMW M1, and DeLorean, stated that "when you step outside the norms, it's almost always seen as a provocation [...] the Cybertruck will surely be successful [...] I'm convinced it will find its admirers".

2023: Consideration of Quad-Motor Version

In late 2023, Tesla considered introducing a quad-motor version of the Cybertruck.

2023: Limited Range and Announcement of Range Extender

The production model released in late 2023 offered a maximum range of 340 miles (550 km), and Tesla announced an optional "range extender" 50 kWh battery pack to add 120 to 130 miles (190 to 210 km) of range.

June 2024: Cybertruck Sales and Market Position

As of June 2024, a total of 11,688 Tesla Cybertrucks had been sold, making it the top-selling electric pickup truck in the United States during the first half of the year.

August 5, 2024: Fatal Fire in Cybertruck After Collision

On August 5, 2024, Michael Sheehan, a nurse practitioner, died in a Cybertruck fire following a collision in Baytown, Texas. The fire reached temperatures of 5,000 °F (2,800 °C) due to thermal runaway.

August 2024: Discontinuation of Reservations for Base RWD Model

In August 2024, Tesla discontinued reservations for the base RWD model of the Cybertruck.

August 2024: Cybertruck Readily Available and Reservations Shut Down

In August 2024, the Tesla Cybertruck was readily available for delivery in the U.S., and Tesla shut down the reservation process.

October 2024: Estimated Cumulative Sales of Cybertrucks

By October 2024, industry estimates placed cumulative sales of Tesla Cybertrucks at approximately 27,185.

October 2024: Exclusive Sales of Foundation Series

Until October 2024, only the limited Foundation Series Cybertruck was sold, priced at a US$20,000 premium, including early delivery, unique badging, accessories, Full Self-Driving, and Powershare capabilities.

November 2024: Reported Lower Sales and Price Reduction

By November 2024, sales numbers of the Cybertruck were reported to be lower than initially anticipated, prompting a price reduction.

2024: Reviews and Criticisms of Cybertruck

In 2024, the Cybertruck received mixed reviews, with criticisms for build quality and price hikes, and positive reviews from Car and Driver and CleanTechnica.

2024: Pricing and Availability for Cybertruck variants announced

In November 2023, Tesla announced pricing and specifications for three variants: a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD), a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), and a tri-motor AWD model branded as the "Cyberbeast". The dual-motor AWD model was planned for 2024 at US$79,990, with a range of 340 miles (550 km) and a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h). The tri-motor Cyberbeast, also scheduled for 2024, was priced at US$99,990.

January 1, 2025: Explosion in a Tesla Cybertruck at Trump International Hotel Las Vegas

On January 1, 2025, an improvised explosive device exploded in a Tesla Cybertruck parked outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas. The vehicle's occupant died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and seven bystanders were injured. The vehicle contained firework mortars and gas canisters.

January 2025: End of Foundation Series Sales

Sales of the Foundation Series Cybertruck ended in January 2025, with Tesla reportedly struggling to sell out all of the vehicles.

February 2025: Cybertruck Production Figures

In March 2025, Tesla issued a recall affecting all Cybertrucks produced until 27 February 2025, amounting to 46,096 vehicles.

March 2025: Recall Issued for All Produced Cybertrucks

In March 2025, Tesla issued a recall affecting all Cybertrucks produced until 27 February 2025, amounting to 46,096 vehicles.

April 2025: Range Extender Option Removed from Website

By April 2025, the Cybertruck range extender option was removed from Tesla’s website.

April 2025: Cybertruck labeled as worst automobile industry "flop"

In April 2025, Forbes described the Cybertruck as the worst automobile industry "flop" in decades, with sales at only 10% of its production capacity.

April 2025: Resumption of RWD Model Sales as "Long Range" Cybertruck

In April 2025, sales of the RWD model, now rebranded as the "Long Range" Cybertruck, resumed, equipped with a battery delivering a range of up to 350 miles (560 km) and priced at US$69,990.

April 2025: Cybertruck receives "good" crashworthiness rating from IIHS

In April 2025, the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash-tested the Cybertruck (for builds after April 2025) and gave it a "good" rating for crashworthiness, indicating excellent protection for the driver and solid protection for rear passengers, with acceptable and marginal ratings for other aspects.

August 2025: Cybertruck sales start in South Korea

In August 2025, Tesla began selling the Cybertruck in South Korea.

August 2025: Cybertruck insurance costs increase in North America

As of August 2025, Cybertruck insurance policies in North America cost approximately US$1,000 more per year than average rates. Multiple insurance providers have terminated existing policies on Cybertrucks, with one company citing "low production volume" and "high repair costs".

October 2025: Cybertruck sales start in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia

In October 2025, Tesla initiated sales of the Cybertruck in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

October 2025: Cybertruck subject to ten recalls

As of October 2025, the Cybertruck has been subject to ten recalls. Some have been resolved with software updates, while others require owners to arrange for vehicle repairs.

2025: Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) AC Output Support

As of 2025, both the AWD and Cyberbeast Cybertruck variants support up to 11.5 kW of vehicle-to-home (V2H) AC output, requiring a Tesla Wall Connector and either a Tesla Gateway or Powerwall system. Powershare does not support vehicle-to-grid (V2G) operation due to regulatory limitations.

2025: Cybertruck nominated Truck of the Year

In 2025, Motor Trend has shortlisted Cybertruck for the magazine's Truck of the Year, praising its steer-by-wire system and other tech, but criticizing "the design's many compromises".

2025: Cybertruck complaints, investigations, recalls, and road restrictions

In 2025, the Cybertruck faced 26 complaints, two investigations, and seven recalls, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, as of 2025, the Cybertruck is not allowed on roads in the United Kingdom due to safety concerns and does not meet European Union pedestrian safety standards.

2025: Decline in Cybertruck Sales and Market Position

In Q1 2025, sales of the Tesla Cybertruck fell significantly compared to the two previous quarters, and it lost the title of the best-selling electric pickup truck in the United States to the Ford F-150 Lightning. Just over 16,000 vehicles were sold in the first three quarters of 2025.

2025: Planned Release of RWD Variant

The single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant, priced at US$60,990, was scheduled for release in 2025 with an estimated range of 250 miles (400 km) and a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).

2026: Cybertruck Variants Available

As of 2026, two variants of the Tesla Cybertruck are available: the tri-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) "Cyberbeast" and a dual-motor AWD model, with EPA range estimates from 320 to 350 miles.

2026: Cybertruck Availability and Criticism

In 2026, the Tesla Cybertruck is available for sale in the United States, Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. It has faced criticism for production quality, safety concerns, and disappointing sales.

Mentioned in this timeline

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