Elon Musk has managed expectations down for the Cybertruck's production timeline. Despite the impressive number of reservations that the truck has received, Musk believes that Tesla will only be able to produce between 250,000 and 500,000 units per year. This is a significant decrease from the 1 million units per year that many analysts had predicted.
There are a few reasons why Musk may have given this update. First, it is possible that Tesla is simply being realistic about the challenges of producing a new vehicle at scale. The Cybertruck is a very different type of vehicle than anything Tesla has made before, and it is possible that there are unforeseen challenges that will slow down production.
Second, it is also possible that Musk is trying to manage expectations for the Cybertruck's price. The original starting price of $40,000 is now unrealistic given the current state of the economy. Musk's update suggests that the Cybertruck may start at a higher price, which could disappoint some potential buyers.
Overall, Musk's update is a bit of a downer for Cybertruck fans. However, it is important to remember that the truck is still in development, and things could change. Tesla has a history of exceeding expectations, so it is possible that the Cybertruck will be a success despite the challenges.
Here are some of the most no-nonsense things that Elon Musk said about Cybertruck production and demand:
- "There will be a S-curve production. So it will be slow at first, and then ramping up."
- "I guess we will see what the demand is but we are likely to make 250,000 a year – maybe more. It depends what the demand is like."
- "It will be hard to make the Cybertruck affordable."
These statements are all very realistic and honest. Musk is not making any promises about the Cybertruck's production or price, and he is acknowledging the challenges that Tesla faces. This is refreshing honesty from a CEO, and it is appreciated by Tesla fans.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
Reference: Electrek.