Will Tesla Cybertruck Values Ever Stop Falling?
Doug DeMuro · 2026-05-31
💡 Quick Take
1. Cybertruck values are plummeting dramatically.
2. Early Cybertrucks sold for $100k-$120k sticker, flipped for $150k, now selling for $58k-$70k.
3. The overall EV market has cooled significantly, impacting demand and resale values.
4. EV incentives have been reduced, and the political climate has made EVs seem less "cool."
5. Other EVs like the Hummer EV and Rivians are also seeing depreciation.
6. Ford cancelled the Lightning, a truck that was once in extremely high demand.
7. Lower new car prices and incentives directly depress used car values.
8. Elon Musk's political stances may have damaged Tesla's brand reputation, affecting Cybertruck sales.
9. Overproduction of Cybertrucks is a significant issue.
10. 20% of recently sold Cybertrucks were bought by other Elon Musk companies (SpaceX, Boring Company).
11. Selling to fleet buyers (like Musk's companies or rental car fleets) floods the used market later.
12. Cybertruck values will NOT go to zero due to its performance, desirability, and capability.
13. Trucks with towing/hauling capability and off-road features tend to hold value better than cars.
14. Expect Cybertruck values to continue dropping significantly, potentially into the $30k-$40k range within 18 months.
15. A potential price floor for early Cybertrucks is estimated around $15k-$20k in 7-10 years.
16. The best time to sell a Cybertruck for maximum value was yesterday; today is the next best time.
📊 Detailed Explanation
1. Cybertruck values are plummeting dramatically. This is the central theme. The video highlights a massive drop in resale value for the Cybertruck, indicating a steep depreciation curve that has caught many owners by surprise.
2. Early Cybertrucks sold for $100k-$120k sticker, flipped for $150k, now selling for $58k-$70k. This provides concrete numbers to illustrate the depreciation. Foundation Series models had sticker prices of $100,000, with the more powerful "Cyber Beast" going for $120,000. In early 2024, these were being flipped on the secondary market for around $150,000. Fast forward to April/May 2024, and these same early trucks are fetching only $58,000 to $70,000. That's a loss of roughly 50-60% in value in just a couple of years!
3. The overall EV market has cooled significantly, impacting demand and resale values. This isn't just a Cybertruck problem; it's a broader market trend. The initial hype and excitement around EVs, which peaked around 2021-2023, has waned. This reduced consumer interest directly translates to lower demand for both new and used EVs, pushing down prices across the board.
4. EV incentives have been reduced, and the political climate has made EVs seem less "cool." The removal of government incentives for EVs, coupled with a general political sentiment that has made EVs less fashionable, has contributed to the cooling demand. What was once seen as cutting-edge and desirable is now perceived by some as less appealing.
5. Other EVs like the Hummer EV and Rivians are also seeing depreciation. The Cybertruck isn't alone in this. The Hummer EV and Rivian vehicles are also experiencing significant drops in their resale values, further supporting the idea of a broader market shift away from high-priced, early-adopter EVs.
6. Ford cancelled the Lightning, a truck that was once in extremely high demand. This is a stark example of how quickly market sentiment can change. The Ford F-150 Lightning was incredibly popular, selling over sticker price. Its cancellation indicates a severe drop in demand, a fate that other electric trucks, including the Cybertruck, are now facing to some degree.
7. Lower new car prices and incentives directly depress used car values. This is a fundamental economic principle. When manufacturers offer discounts, rebates, and incentives on new vehicles to stimulate sales, it makes buying new more attractive. Consequently, used car prices must fall to remain competitive, as buyers would opt for a new, cheaper vehicle otherwise.
8. Elon Musk's political stances may have damaged Tesla's brand reputation, affecting Cybertruck sales. While the Cybertruck's polarizing design might not appeal to everyone, the video suggests that Elon Musk's public political affiliations and statements have alienated a segment of potential buyers who might otherwise have considered a Tesla. This reputational damage, whether intentional or not, can impact sales and, by extension, resale values.
9. Overproduction of Cybertrucks is a significant issue. Tesla seems to have overestimated the demand for the Cybertruck, leading to an excess of vehicles being produced. This oversupply puts downward pressure on prices, as manufacturers try to move inventory.
10. 20% of recently sold Cybertrucks were bought by other Elon Musk companies (SpaceX, Boring Company). This is a direct indicator of overproduction and an attempt to offload excess inventory. When a significant portion of new sales goes to related entities, it suggests that the retail market isn't absorbing the production volume.
11. Selling to fleet buyers (like Musk's companies or rental car fleets) floods the used market later. While selling to corporate fleets can help move new inventory, these vehicles typically enter the used market in large numbers after a few years. This creates an oversupply of used vehicles, further driving down prices for all similar models.
12. Cybertruck values will NOT go to zero due to its performance, desirability, and capability. Despite the steep depreciation, the Cybertruck possesses inherent qualities that will prevent it from becoming worthless. Its unique design, speed, and performance capabilities will always attract a certain segment of buyers.
13. Trucks with towing/hauling capability and off-road features tend to hold value better than cars. Historically, pickup trucks have demonstrated better value retention than sedans or coupes, largely due to their utility. The Cybertruck, despite its futuristic design, still offers truck-like capabilities, which will provide a support for its value.
14. Expect Cybertruck values to continue dropping significantly, potentially into the $30k-$40k range within 18 months. The current trend is not expected to reverse soon. The speaker predicts further substantial depreciation, with early models potentially falling into the high $50s to low $60s range within the next year and a half.
15. A potential price floor for early Cybertrucks is estimated around $15k-$20k in 7-10 years. Looking further out, while the value won't hit zero, it's projected to stabilize at a much lower point. In about 7 to 10 years, when these early models are 9-12 years old, they might be worth $15,000 to $20,000, similar to how some older luxury EVs are now priced.
16. The best time to sell a Cybertruck for maximum value was yesterday; today is the next best time. Given the continuous downward trend, the advice for owners looking to preserve their investment is to sell as soon as possible. The longer they hold onto it, the more value they are likely to lose.
🎯 Expert Opinion
This video hits the nail on the head regarding the Cybertruck's depreciation, and it's a fascinating case study in the volatile world of electric vehicle valuations. From an expert standpoint, several factors are at play beyond what's explicitly stated, and the implications are significant for both Tesla and the broader EV market.
The rapid depreciation we're seeing isn't just about the Cybertruck; it's a symptom of a market recalibration. The initial EV fervor, fueled by novelty, environmental idealism, and perhaps a touch of FOMO (fear of missing out), has collided with economic realities and a more discerning consumer base. The "cool factor" of EVs, especially for vehicles with high price tags, has diminished as the market matures and practical concerns like charging infrastructure, range anxiety (though improving), and actual cost of ownership come into sharper focus.
The point about Elon Musk's political influence is particularly astute. While Tesla's brand is strong, it's also deeply intertwined with its CEO. In an increasingly polarized society, any perceived political alignment can alienate significant customer segments. For a vehicle like the Cybertruck, which is already a statement piece and likely appeals to a more niche, perhaps less politically uniform demographic, this can be a double-edged sword. The video correctly identifies that Tesla, as a brand, has likely experienced reputational damage that trickles down to its product appeal, and the Cybertruck, being the most avant-garde offering, is perhaps most susceptible.
The overproduction and internal "fleet" sales are a classic sign of a manufacturer struggling to meet initial production targets or, more likely, misjudging demand. This strategy of selling to affiliated companies is a short-term fix to keep production lines moving and avoid massive write-offs, but it creates a ticking time bomb for the used market. We've seen this with other manufacturers and rental fleets; these vehicles often come with less rigorous maintenance, higher mileage, and are sold off in bulk, depressing values for everyone else. For the Cybertruck, this is particularly concerning because the retail market is already showing signs of saturation, as evidenced by the need for discounts and incentives on new models.
Looking ahead, the prediction of a $15k-$20k floor in 7-10 years is plausible, especially if Tesla continues to produce them in significant numbers and the underlying technology doesn't become completely obsolete. However, there are a few wildcards. If Tesla introduces a significantly more affordable EV truck in the future, it could further depress the Cybertruck's value. Conversely, if the Cybertruck's unique design and capabilities eventually find a more stable niche, or if Tesla develops a compelling battery upgrade path, values could find a stronger footing. The key will be Tesla's ability to manage production, potentially pivot its marketing, and address the used market implications proactively.
For current owners, the advice to sell now is sound. The market for high-end, early-adopter EVs has proven to be incredibly unforgiving. The Cybertruck's journey from a highly anticipated, over-sticker-price vehicle to one facing rapid depreciation is a stark reminder that even groundbreaking technology isn't immune to market forces, consumer sentiment, and strategic missteps. The future of the Cybertruck's value hinges on Tesla's ability to navigate these challenges, but for now, the trend is undeniably downward.
Kanal: Doug DeMuro