Tesla's Offering 1.99% APR on New Cybertrucks Plus Free Lifetime Supercharging, Here’s Why They’re Doing It

By now, you’ve already made up your mind about the Tesla Cybertruck. Maybe you see it as the most radical pickup to hit the streets since the original Ford F-150 Lightning. Maybe you think it’s a stainless-steel joke with panel gaps big enough to store a spare tire. Either way, it’s here, and it refuses to be ignored.

Now, Tesla is sweetening the deal with 1.99% APR financing and free lifetime Supercharging for Foundation Series buyers, assuming, of course, that they actually get their trucks anytime soon.

Delays, Price Hikes & Bold Financing Deals

This latest incentive comes after five years of delays, production struggles, and broken promises. The Cybertruck was supposed to revolutionize manufacturing with its stainless steel exoskeleton, bulletproof windows, and futuristic design.

Musk promised an affordable, high-performance electric pickup that would make traditional trucks obsolete. Instead, it launched with a starting price of $79,990, nearly double the original $39,900 claim. Even the “Foundation Series” buyers—who forked over $120,000—are watching Tesla hand out better deals to latecomers.

In the Facebook Group “Cybertruck Owners Club” many owners had polarizing opinions over this statement. 

How It’s Built

• The Cybertruck features an ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel exoskeleton, providing superior strength and durability compared to traditional automotive materials. This design choice contributes to its distinctive, angular appearance. ​
• As the first production vehicle to implement a complete steer-by-wire system, the Cybertruck eliminates the physical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. This technology allows for precise steering adjustments and enhances the vehicle's handling capabilities. ​
• Departing from the conventional 12-volt systems found in most vehicles, the Cybertruck utilizes a 48-volt electrical system. This innovation reduces the weight and complexity of wiring, leading to improved efficiency and performance.

So, why the sudden push for low-interest financing? It’s not charity, it’s strategy. Tesla, much like Dodge with the Charger EV, is using cheap loans instead of price cuts to push sales. EV demand has cooled, and with interest rates still high, enticing buyers with sub-2% financing is a way to move inventory without slashing MSRP. And here’s the kicker—Tesla still makes money on every single Cybertruck sold. Even at these discounted rates, Tesla’s cost of goods ensures a profit. It’s a classic Muskian move: make the numbers look better without actually losing money.

The Hidden Costs of Waiting

Of course, this whole situation leaves early adopters holding the bag. Many of them put down deposits years ago, effectively giving Tesla an interest-free loan. Some have waited since 2019, and they’re now watching new buyers get perks they never received.

Expanding Network & Enhanced Amenities

• As of 2025, Tesla operates over 2,500 Supercharging sites across the United States, encompassing nearly 30,000 individual stalls. This extensive network ensures that Tesla drivers have convenient access to fast charging stations nationwide. ​
• Tesla has begun integrating the North American Charging Standard into its Superchargers, allowing non-Tesla electric vehicles to utilize the network. This move aims to enhance charging accessibility for a broader range of EV drivers. ​
• Tesla is enhancing the Supercharging experience by integrating unique amenities. For instance, a new Supercharger station in Los Angeles combines a retro-style diner and a drive-in movie theater, offering entertainment options for drivers while their vehicles charge.

If this feels familiar, it’s because it is, just look at the Tesla Roadster, which was supposed to launch in 2020 but has instead turned into vaporware. The pattern is clear: promise big, deliver late (if at all), and keep the faithful waiting while Tesla shifts its focus elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the used Cybertruck market is already seeing its fair share of speculators. One flipper summed up the situation perfectly,

"Bought Cybertruck in May for $120k, sold in August for $125k. Got paid $5k to test drive it. Saw the writing on the wall once the 2 million pre-sales disappeared."

Early Buyers Criticize Shifting Incentives

Not everyone is happy, though. Some early buyers feel burned by Tesla’s shifting incentives, as one frustrated commenter put it,

"This is upsetting to continue with the FLC and kick in with 1.99%; where are the heroes that are supposed to go on X to remind Musk to make EVs affordable and perhaps reward early adopters. All one-shot payment and no perks for Foundation Series."

Owners Embrace the Experience Over Discounts

Yet, for every frustrated buyer, there’s another who simply doesn’t care. For some, the Cybertruck is worth the hassle, even if it means missing out on a few discounts. One owner shrugged off the controversy, saying:

"I could care less. I have absolutely enjoyed the last 30,000 miles of my life driving a CT. Saving a few bucks is nice and all, but I wouldn’t lose that year of my life to wait for a discount."

At the end of the day, the Cybertruck isn’t just a vehicle, it’s a spectacle. It’s Tesla’s biggest, boldest, and most polarizing product yet. Love it or hate it, you feel something about it. And now, with these new incentives, Tesla is making sure that the drama continues. Whether that’s enough to keep buyers lining up is another question entirely.

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.