Remember when Elon Musk unveiled Tesla Cybertruck and its window got smashed? Yeah, not the best start for a truck meant to dominate the US market.

After four years, Tesla’s finally delivering this futuristic truck, but folks are still skeptical about its oddball design and whether it’s a winner or a flop.

Musk’s Bold Claims and Reality Check

Elon Musk hyped the truck, calling it possibly Tesla’s “best product ever.” But hey, even he knows it’s no cakewalk. Speaking to Wall Street, he hinted at “enormous challenges” ahead. Making this truck at scale and turning a profit? That’s no joke, he warned.

He admitted, “We made it tough on ourselves with the Cybertruck.” The truck’s fancy features and a starting price of around $61,000 have made production tricky and costly.

Entering a Tough Market

Trucks are hot in the US, but Tesla’s Cybertruck arrives late to the party, delayed by about two years. Add to that the high interest rates making it hard for buyers to splurge on new wheels.

Rivals like GM and Ford are slowing down their electric vehicle plans due to the tough market conditions.

Hurdles and Competition

Since its rocky 2019 launch, rivals have dropped their own electric trucks. Plus, Musk’s controversial social media antics might’ve stained Tesla’s brand for some.

Critics question if the Cybertruck can match up functionally with other pickups in the market. It’s not gonna be the only player in town, according to Stephanie Brinley from S&P Global Mobility.

She pointed out, “For many truck buyers, functionality beats flashy looks.”

Promises and Reality

At a recent Texas event celebrating the first deliveries, Tesla showcased the truck’s strength and speed, even doing a window test (luckily, no shattering this time).

Musk proudly claimed, “This truck is more than just a showpiece; it’s super useful, unlike me.”

But here’s the kicker: interested buyers face a wait. Only around 10 trucks were handed out recently. Musk hinted it might take till 2025 to produce 250,000 trucks a year.

The Buzz vs. Sales Game

For Tesla, this truck launch isn’t just about sales—it’s about keeping the hype alive around their brand, which isn’t as dominant in the EV scene as before.

Sean Tucker from Kelley Blue Book noted that the Cybertruck is more of a rarity, a ‘halo car’ drawing folks to Tesla showrooms for a peek and a photo op.

“It’s a hype game,” Tucker said, wondering if it’s worth the high price tag just for the buzz.

The Road Ahead

According to Stephanie Brinley, Tesla’s got time to win people over to the Cybertruck’s unconventional look and sort out other issues, like expanding charging spots.

“Whether you love it or hate it, it’s anything but boring,” she remarked.

So, will Tesla’s Cybertruck revamp the truck scene or fade away as a fancy showpiece? Only time—and the roads—will tell.