Tesla's mystery: Elon Musk keeps this number to himself

Written by Jakob A. Overgaard

Jan.03 - 2024 1:43 PM CET

Autos
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock

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In an unprecedented year for electric vehicles, Tesla has emerged as the world's leading EV manufacturer, selling a staggering 1.8 million cars in 2023. Amidst this success, however, lies a curious mystery: the exact sales figures for the much-anticipated Cybertruck remain undisclosed.

While automakers globally are eager to share their sales achievements for 2023, Tesla has taken a different route. Despite being among the first to release their fourth-quarter sales data, they have conspicuously omitted specific numbers for the Cybertruck. This silence is intriguing, especially considering the vehicle's high-profile nature and Tesla's usual transparency with sales data.

The Cybertruck's journey to market has not been without its challenges. Initially, only 10 units were delivered to customers on November 30, suggesting a modest start in sales. Elon Musk previously projected that Tesla would manufacture 250,000 Cybertrucks by 2025, but recent developments indicate potential hurdles in achieving this target.

Tesla's approach to managing Cybertruck orders has been somewhat erratic. Initially, they introduced stringent requirements for customers, only to retract them shortly after, and then reinstate them again. This flip-flopping has added to the intrigue surrounding the Cybertruck's rollout.

Further complicating matters, production difficulties have been openly acknowledged by Elon Musk, who described the Cybertruck as "insanely difficult" to build. Adding to these challenges, a report from Reuters on December 26 indicated that Tesla is now grappling with supplier issues affecting several models, including the Cybertruck. These problems have reportedly limited Tesla's battery supply, potentially impacting a significant portion of the planned Cybertruck production.

This blend of high ambitions and production complexities paints a picture of a company at the forefront of innovation, yet facing the tangible challenges of pioneering new technologies and designs. The Cybertruck, with its futuristic aesthetics and promised capabilities, represents not just a new vehicle, but a symbol of Tesla's ongoing quest to redefine automotive boundaries.

While the world awaits more details on the Cybertruck's journey from concept to customer driveways, Tesla's silence on its sales figures adds an element of mystery to an already captivating narrative. This story is not just about numbers, but about the challenges and triumphs of innovation in the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles.