Tesla Inc. has announced that it will no longer sell the range extender battery pack for its Cybertruck, which was initially offered as an extra battery pack for $16,000 to achieve a range of over 500 miles.
Background
Customers received an email from Tesla titled “Update to your Cybertruck Range Extender Order,” stating that the company is no longer planning to sell the Range Extender for Cybertruck and will be refunding deposits in full. The news was shared by Tesla influencer Sawyer Merritt on social media, who posted a screenshot of the email.
Reasons Behind the Decision
The decision to discontinue the range extender comes as Tesla is struggling to sell units of the Cybertruck. The company reportedly has over 10,000 units of unsold Cybertrucks in its US inventory. In an effort to boost sales and appeal to a wider customer base, Tesla has revamped the truck’s marketing language and strategy to position it as a utilitarian, rugged pickup truck.
Recent Developments
Tesla has also offered select Cybertruck owners a 1-year-long free trial of Supervised Full Self-Driving, provided that they subscribe to the service before the June 6, 2025, deadline. Additionally, the company has launched a cheaper, RWD version of the truck, which offers longer range but misses out on some features like smaller wheels, reduced towing capacity, and lower ground clearance. The model retails for $62,490 with the federal EV credit and offers 362 miles of range.
Market Reaction
Tesla’s stock price is currently $280.80, gaining 1.66% in pre-market trading.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Cybertruck range extender is a significant development in Tesla’s efforts to boost sales and appeal to a wider customer base. As the company continues to navigate the challenges of the electric vehicle market, it will be interesting to see how this decision affects its overall strategy and sales performance.