Archive — US — techcrunch
Tesla opened Cybertruck trade-ins, and the numbers aren’t pretty
Tesla now allows Cybertruck trade-ins, revealing a stark depreciation of up to 45%. Owners reported significant value losses, with one example showing a 37% drop after 19,623 miles. Tesla's initial resale ban was aimed at controlling scalping and brand integrity. The rapid depreciation reflects broader EV market trends, where vehicles often lose value quickly in their first year.
Key points
- Tesla introduces trade-ins for Cybertruck owners after initial resale ban.
- Depreciation rates for Cybertrucks can reach 45%, significantly impacting owners' finances.
- One owner reported a value drop from $100,000 to $63,100 (37%), another from $127,000 to $78,200 (38%).
- Tesla's resale policies aimed to control the market and avoid scalping but may have led to delayed trade-ins.
- Quality control issues with the Cybertruck could further influence depreciation rates.
Why it matters
- As of 2025, electric vehicles are experiencing substantial depreciation, often losing up to 50% in their first year.
- Tesla's brand loyalty and market management strategies are relevant in the context of high-profile executive behaviors and product quality.
- The EV market is evolving, with considerations for resale value becoming increasingly critical for manufacturers and consumers.
The opening of Cybertruck trade-ins highlights significant depreciation issues that could impact Tesla's brand perception, echoing ongoing challenges within the electric vehicle market regarding value retention and quality assurance.