Tesla Cancels Cybertruck Range Extender Amid Performance Shortfalls

Tone & Political Bias: Weakly Left-Leaning

Why: The reporting highlights Tesla's unmet promises and declining sales, reflecting a critical stance toward the company's performance and leadership.

Tesla Ends Plans for Cybertruck Range Extender

Tesla has officially canceled its planned range extender for the Cybertruck, a $16,000 accessory that was intended to increase the vehicle’s driving range. Customers who had placed a $2,000 deposit for the unit will receive full refunds.

Background on the Range Extender

The range extender was announced during the Cybertruck delivery event and was designed as an additional battery pack installed in the vehicle's rear bed. It aimed to extend the dual-motor Cybertruck’s driving range from 340 miles to approximately 470 miles. That estimate was later revised down to 445 miles. The unit would have occupied about half of the truck’s bed, limiting storage space for users.

Reasons for Cancellation

Tesla did not publicly explain the specific reasons for the decision. However, the cancellation follows multiple delays and scaled-down range expectations. The accessory had already been quietly removed from Tesla’s online configurator prior to the official announcement.

Impact on Cybertruck Performance

With the range extender canceled, the Cybertruck’s advertised performance falls short of initial promises. When it was first unveiled in 2019, Tesla claimed the tri-motor version would deliver over 500 miles of range at a starting price of $70,000. In reality, the production version delivers just 301 miles at a starting price of $99,990. The dual-motor version has a range of 325 miles and is priced at $79,990.

Sales and Market Response

The decision comes at a challenging time for Tesla. In 2024, the company sold only between 35,000 and 50,000 Cybertrucks, a small fraction of the over one million pre-orders Tesla previously claimed. Overall vehicle sales dropped 13% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025.

Analysts suggest part of the decline may be linked to public dissatisfaction with CEO Elon Musk’s political activities and public statements.

Customer Refunds

Tesla has begun issuing full refunds to customers who placed deposits for the range extender. Affected customers are being contacted by email with further details about the refund process.

Future Outlook

Tesla has not announced any replacement solution to boost the Cybertruck’s range. With growing competition in the electric vehicle market and increasing consumer expectations, the company is likely to face pressure to enhance the vehicle’s base features. Investors and industry watchers will be monitoring how Tesla adjusts its strategy following the range extender's cancellation.