Tesla's Cybertruck is outselling almost every other EV in the US

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Sales Numbers and Market Context

  • Cox estimates ~16–17k Cybertrucks sold in Q3 2024, ~4.8% of U.S. EV sales that quarter; ~28k sold YTD, beating other EV pickups (F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, Silverado EV).
  • It’s the #3 EV for the quarter, behind Tesla Model 3 and Y; some see this as clear success, others note it’s still a tiny fraction of total U.S. auto sales (~3.9M vehicles in Q3).
  • One angle: “Tesla’s share of EV sales is below 50%” vs. “having 3 of the top EVs is strong.”
  • Some argue novelty plus backlog of preorders temporarily inflates numbers; long‑term demand is seen as “unclear.”

Who’s Buying and Why

  • Many report seeing Cybertrucks frequently in LA/Bay Area; others in different regions say they’re rare and Rivians or other EVs are more common.
  • Several comments suggest buyers are using small‑business tax treatment, bonus depreciation, and EV incentives, often wrapping trucks with business logos.
  • Some believe it mostly displaces luxury SUVs, not work trucks.

Design, Safety, and Legality

  • Design is divisive: described as “monstrosity,” “meme,” “Mad Max,” but also “interesting,” “grown on me,” and “attention magnet.”
  • Concerns about mass, height, sharp stainless body, and poor visibility; some doubt it would meet EU pedestrian‑safety rules, and note active campaigning against its European road use.
  • Debate over whether it’s meaningfully worse than large U.S. pickups; pedestrian risk remains “unclear” due to lack of comparative data.

Usability, Reliability, and Quality

  • Some praise: steer‑by‑wire, performance, power outlets, and general driving experience; fans compare capability favorably in specific towing/tractor‑pull tests.
  • Critics call it a bad truck (range/towing, suspension, bed shape), more a status SUV than a work vehicle.
  • Numerous complaints in thread about build issues (leaks, wheel/tire problems, suspension, misaligned panels); one detailed “lemon” story is challenged by others as fabricated or warranty‑covered, illustrating contested reliability perceptions.

EV Market and Alternatives

  • Several argue U.S. EVs skew expensive (Cybertruck, Model S, etc.), with few truly affordable options; used market still thin outside of Bolts and aging Leafs.
  • Many lament discontinuation of more practical or efficient EVs/PHEVs (Bolt, Volt, i3), contrasting them with 6,000–7,000 lb “behemoths.”
  • Broader political–economic debate surfaces around tariffs on Chinese EVs, protectionism, and Tesla’s position amid growing global competition.