A Price Cut With a Clock
Tesla recently unveiled a new entry-level Cybertruck trim priced about $20,000 below the Premium AWD model. However, CEO Elon Musk dampened the excitement with a cryptic post on X: “Just for 10 days.” A follow-up exchange with a fan later clarified what he was referring to.
When asked how much the Cybertruck would cost after 10 days, Musk responded, “Depends on how much demand we see at this price level.” While the remark implies the lower price may be temporary, the new Dual Motor variant still shapes up as an appealing option – particularly since it isn’t far off the Premium AWD model in terms of performance and range.
No Slouch
Both AWD variants feature a dual-motor setup capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.1 seconds, with an estimated range of 325 miles. For comparison, the range-topping Cyberbeast uses a tri-motor configuration, delivering a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.6 seconds and an estimated 320 miles of range.
The new base trim’s main trade-offs come in capability. Towing capacity is rated at 7,500 pounds, compared to 11,000 pounds for higher trims, while payload drops to 2,006 pounds from 2,500 pounds. It also rides on smaller 18-inch wheels. Charging performance, however, remains on par, with up to 132 miles of range added in about 15 minutes.
Other cost-cutting measures include a seven-speaker audio system instead of a 15-speaker setup, the removal of air suspension, and the lack of the 9.4-inch rear passenger touchscreen.
Tesla (Tesla)
Sales Reality
Given that the Cybertruck recorded the steepest sales decline of any EV last year, it’s not surprising that Tesla introduced a more affordable trim starting at $59,990. That figure is still far from the sub-$40,000 price point originally promised when the truck debuted, but it’s more in line with today’s electric pickup landscape. For context, the Chevrolet Silverado EV starts at around $55,000, while Ford has halted the production of the F-150 Lightning amid slow demand and high production costs.
It will be interesting to see whether Tesla’s Q1 2026 Cybertruck sales receive a boost – especially if the current reduced price is indeed available for just 10 days. If not, the impact may be limited. The initial hype around the Cybertruck has already cooled, and Tesla is broadening its focus beyond vehicles anyway, reportedly phasing out the Model S and Model X to make room for its robotics and AI initiatives, such as the Optimus humanoid project.
Tesla
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This story was originally published by Autoblog on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
