Tesla is providing free Supercharging to some Cybertruck buyers as the company contends with weak demand for its electric pickup. This incentive applies to new Foundation Series Cybertrucks and extends throughout the vehicle’s ownership period.
The offer, which is the latest in a series of incentives, targets the Cybertruck’s sluggish sales. According to a notice on Tesla’s website, those who ordered Foundation Series Cybertrucks—which start at approximately $95,000—on or after February 28, 2024, will benefit from the free Supercharging perk. The incentive is non-transferable and is only valid at Tesla’s Supercharger stations.
Tesla also maintains the right to revoke the free Supercharging benefit if it detects what it considers “excessive charging,” though the company has not yet clarified the exact parameters. Commercial use of the vehicles, such as for ride-hailing services, is explicitly excluded from the offer. Tesla did not offer further comment on the matter.
Free lifetime charging represents a substantial cost saving for Cybertruck owners, given the varying costs for Supercharging across different locations in the United States. Tesla has introduced several other promotions to stimulate Cybertruck demand. These moves include discounts of up to $1,600 off for new Cybertrucks and $2,600 for used vehicles, along with reduced leasing prices of $750 per month.
Sources indicate that Tesla reallocated some workers from the Cybertruck production lines at its Austin factory at the start of the year. The Cybertruck’s sales figures have been disappointing overall, as the vehicle faced production delays and experienced a higher-than-anticipated price point upon launch. Despite selling 38,965 Cybertrucks last year, according to Cox Automotive data, the stainless steel-clad EV fell short of market analysts’ projections. At the close of 2023, analysts had estimated that Tesla would ship approximately 48,500 units in 2024.
There has also been a decrease in demand. Tesla delivered 12,991 Cybertrucks in Q4 2024, a decline from 16,692 in the previous quarter. The free Supercharging incentive arrives as Tesla confronts broader challenges. These include a notable decline in sales in Europe and a visible backlash against CEO Elon Musk, who has taken a prominent role in cutting the federal workforce via the White House DOGE office. The Cybertruck, recognized for its distinctive design, has become a target for certain criticisms. Some owners have reported instances of their vehicles being vandalized and defaced with messages critical of Musk.
