Elon Musk Podcast The Cybertruck Is Running at 10% Capacity
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Jan 14, 2026 Ford's F-150 Lightning had a stronger sales performance than Tesla's Cybertruck, which only managed 21,500 units—about 10% of its intended output. The podcast dives into the tricky reporting of Tesla's sales data and compares quarterly performance. SpaceX's bulk purchases accounted for a sizable chunk of sales. Problems like high production costs linked to 4680 batteries and Elon Musk's controversial persona may be affecting buyer interest. The Cybertruck's future looks uncertain as it continues to underperform.
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Cybertruck Sales Far Below Target
- Tesla's Cybertruck moved roughly 21,500 units globally in 2025, well below expectations.
- That run rate implies roughly 10% of Tesla's originally intended production capacity.
Sales Hidden In 'Other Models' Bucket
- Tesla hides Cybertruck numbers inside a broad "other models" sales bucket making isolation difficult.
- Using S/X steady volumes and Semi's negligible output yields about 5,500 Cybertrucks in Q4 2025.
Ford Killed Lightning At 27,300 Units
- Ford discontinued the F-150 Lightning after selling about 27,300 units in the U.S. in 2025.
- The Lightning's decline and cancellation illustrate how automakers kill low-volume EV programs.