Tesla to Shift Texas Line to Robotaxis, Ending Cybertruck Run

Tesla operates a single manufacturing line in Texas that currently produces three distinct vehicle models. The company's leadership has decided to restructure that production schedule to prioritize a new autonomous vehicle.

CEO Elon Musk posted on X on Friday morning that the company will begin winding down Cybertruck production around the middle of next year. He stated the move is necessary to free up capacity at the Texas gigafactory for the Cybercab robotaxi. Musk did not specify a different facility for future pickup truck manufacturing.

The Cybertruck has seen a sharp decline in volume since its launch. Cox Automotive estimated that Tesla sold 20,237 units in the United States last year. That figure represents a 48% drop from the 38,965 units sold in 2024. Tesla does not publicly break down sales by model, so these figures rely on third-party estimates.

Musk originally predicted in 2019 that annual sales would eventually reach 250,000 units. The vehicle began deliveries in late 2023 but failed to capture mass-market adoption. The angular design attracted a specific following but also drew public attention and road rage, particularly after Musk became a key figure in the current administration.

SpaceX, the aerospace company led by Musk, was a major institutional buyer. A financial filing showed the firm spent $131 million last year to purchase Cybertrucks at the suggested retail price. This single customer accounted for a substantial portion of the vehicle's total annual volume.

Reliability issues have also affected the model. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration logged 11 voluntary recalls for the 2024 model year. These included risks of a trapped acceleration pedal, software defects, and an inverter fault that could cause a sudden loss of drive power. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the production shift.

The decision aligns with Musk's long-term strategy for the company. He has described the Cybercab as a key product for Tesla's future. By moving the line, the company will stop producing the pickup while continuing to build the Model Y and the two-seat robotaxi at the same Texas facility.