Tesla’s controversial Cybertruck is proving its critics wrong, emerging as one of America’s top-selling electric vehicles according to recent data from Cox Automotive.
The futuristic pickup truck secured its position as the third-best-selling EV in the U.S. during the third quarter, with approximately 17,000 units sold, trailing only Tesla’s own Model 3 and Model Y.
The year-to-date figures are even more impressive, with over 28,000 Cybertrucks delivered in 2024, outperforming established competitors like Ford’s F-150 Lightning, Rivian’s R1T, and Chevrolet’s Silverado EV. These numbers are particularly noteworthy given the vehicle’s mixed reviews, manufacturing challenges, and polarizing design.
Some skeptics had drawn parallels between the Cybertruck’s distinct angular aesthetics and the ill-fated DeLorean, predicting a similar commercial failure.
However, the Cybertruck has already surpassed the DeLorean’s lifetime production of roughly 9,000 units, challenging these pessimistic comparisons.
The broader electric vehicle market is showing signs of vitality, with General Motors recently reporting robust EV sales figures. While the industry has benefited from expanded lease incentives driving increased EV adoption, the Cybertruck’s success stands apart. With its approximately $100,000 price tag and unavailability for leasing, the vehicle’s strong sales cannot be attributed to these incentive programs.
As Tesla approaches its quarterly earnings report on Wednesday, industry analysts are watching closely. The company needs to sell approximately 20,000 additional Cybertrucks in the fourth quarter to meet Wall Street’s consensus forecast of 48,500 units for 2024 – a target that now appears increasingly achievable given the vehicle’s current sales momentum.
One year after its launch, the Cybertruck appears to be silencing doubters and carving out its own niche in the competitive electric vehicle market, suggesting that Tesla’s bold design gambit might be paying off after all.
