The Death of the Cybertruck Is Actually Great News for the Electric Vehicle Market

Tesla plans to stop making the Cybertruck at its Texas factory next year, after divisive styling, recalls and weak sales. The decision adds to signs that automakers are moving away from large electric trucks towards smaller, more affordable models, which could improve road safety and make limited battery supplies go further.

The Cybertruck’s 123 kilowatt-hour battery weighs about 1,600 pounds, roughly a quarter of the vehicle’s weight; Ford’s cancelled F-150 Lightning used a similarly large pack. Newer plans include Ford’s compact Fathom pickup, priced below $30,000, and Slate’s small electric pickup, expected to start below $25,000. While some large EVs remain popular, most of the US best-selling new models are crossovers, sedans or mid-sized SUVs; the average new EV transaction price is $55,800.