The Cybertruck’s Depreciation Dilemma
The Cybertruck, Tesla’s controversial entry into the electric pickup truck market, has seen its value depreciate significantly since its release. According to data from CarGurus, the average price of a Cybertruck has dropped from $168,543 to $84,470 between April 28, 2024, and April 29, 2025, representing a staggering 49.96% decline. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, with a 5.51% drop in the past 30 days alone.
To put this into perspective, the average depreciation for all cars over three years is around 30.5%, while pickup trucks specifically tend to depreciate by about 23.7% over the same period. The Cybertruck’s rapid decline in value becomes even more pronounced when compared to other electric pickup trucks like the Rivian R1T, which has lost around 39% of its starting price. Even traditional gas-powered pickup trucks like the Ford F150 have fared better, with the 2023 model depreciating by only 33%.
Factors Contributing to the Cybertruck’s Depreciation
Several factors are contributing to the Cybertruck’s rapid depreciation. One major issue is the significant inventory of unsold Cybertrucks at Tesla dealerships, estimated to be worth over $200 million. This has led to a situation where some dealerships are refusing to accept Cybertrucks as trade-ins, further flooding the market with used models.
Additionally, Tesla’s decision to slash the price of new Cybertrucks has put downward pressure on the used market. The base model, originally priced at $100,000, is now available for around $75,000. This price drop makes new models more attractive to buyers, further diminishing the appeal of used Cybertrucks.
The controversy surrounding Elon Musk and Tesla has also played a role in diminishing the Cybertruck’s resale value. Vandalism against Tesla vehicles, including Cybertrucks, has been on the rise, making potential buyers wary of purchasing a used model that may be a target for damage.
Looking Ahead: What Does the Future Hold for Cybertruck Owners?
Predicting the future value of the Cybertruck is challenging, given its relatively short time on the market. However, estimates suggest that it could depreciate by as much as 59.5% over five years and 72.5% over a decade. For potential buyers, this raises important questions about the long-term value of investing in a Cybertruck.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, the Cybertruck’s place within it remains uncertain. For now, buyers considering a Cybertruck would do well to weigh the potential benefits against the significant depreciation risk.
