Tesla Cybertruck deposit refunds are coming as the automaker prepares to end production of its electric pickup. CEO Elon Musk confirmed the decision Monday, Nov. 9. Production is expected to end around mid-2027.
Musk said Tesla would build as many Cybertrucks as possible before closing the production line. However, some customers will not receive their vehicles. The company expects to return deposits for many outstanding reservations.
In a post on X, Musk claimed Cybertruck orders still exceed production. He also rejected suggestions that Tesla was discontinuing the pickup because it was unprofitable.
Instead, Musk argued that Tesla could generate greater value by redirecting manufacturing resources toward its Cybercab robotaxi.
Tesla Cybertruck Production Ends as Cybercab Takes Priority
Tesla plans to repurpose factory space in Texas to increase Cybercab production. The two-seat autonomous vehicle is designed for the company’s expanding robotaxi operations.
Musk said Cybertruck manufacturing requires resources that could be used more effectively for Cybercab. His explanation focused on manufacturing priorities rather than a lack of customer interest.
As TechAmerica previously reported, Tesla announced plans to end Cybertruck production in November. The company expects to redirect manufacturing capacity toward autonomous vehicles.
Tesla has not disclosed how many Cybertruck reservations remain outstanding. It also has not provided a refund schedule.
Cybertruck Sales Fell Below Early Expectations
Tesla unveiled the Cybertruck in November 2019, attracting attention with its angular stainless-steel design. Musk later claimed the vehicle had received approximately 1 million reservations.
He also projected annual sales of around 250,000 vehicles. Those expectations never translated into comparable customer deliveries.
The first Cybertrucks reached customers in November 2023 after repeated production delays. The production models also arrived with higher prices than Tesla initially advertised.
Tesla does not report Cybertruck deliveries separately in its financial results. However, industry estimates suggest approximately 71,000 vehicles have been sold since deliveries began.
Sales also included purchases by companies connected to Musk. SpaceX, which Musk also leads, purchased approximately $131 million worth of Cybertrucks from Tesla in 2025. SpaceX disclosed the purchases in its registration filing ahead of its planned public offering.
Musk maintains that Cybertruck production is not unprofitable. However, Tesla has not released separate financial results that independently establish the pickup’s profitability.
Cybercab Becomes Tesla’s Manufacturing Priority
Tesla’s Cybercab differs substantially from the Cybertruck. It is a purpose-built autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals.
The company has already introduced Cybercab vehicles into limited robotaxi operations in Austin, Texas. Tesla also plans to begin limited customer deliveries before the end of 2026.
However, the vehicle faces regulatory scrutiny. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is examining Tesla’s certification of Cybercab under federal vehicle safety standards.
TechAmerica has previously covered the Cybercab rollout and federal investigation. The company has not confirmed when large-scale production or widespread deployment will begin.
Musk believes additional Cybercab production offers greater economic value than continuing to manufacture Cybertrucks. Tesla has not disclosed financial projections supporting that comparison.
What Happens to Cybertruck Reservations?
Customers with Cybertruck reservations now face uncertainty about whether they will receive their vehicles.
Musk confirmed that Tesla expects to refund many deposits. However, the company has not announced eligibility criteria, refund timelines, or how it will prioritize outstanding orders.
Tesla intends to continue producing the pickup until approximately mid-2027. Musk said the company would try to maximize deliveries before closing the assembly line.
The approaching deadline could prompt additional purchases from customers seeking one of the final vehicles. However, Tesla has not announced any changes to Cybertruck pricing or reservation terms.
For now, Tesla has not disclosed the number of remaining orders or the total value of expected refunds.
