Cybertruck Price Cut: Tesla Lists New $59,990 AWD

Tesla unveiled a lower-priced Cybertruck in the domestic market, introducing its most affordable version of the electric pickup as it reduced prices across the lineup.

On February 20, the company said it launched a new dual-motor all-wheel-drive Cybertruck priced at $59,990, the lowest among the models currently on sale.

The price of the top-tier Cyberbeast trim was also cut by $15,000, from $114,990 to $99,990.

In October last year, Tesla released more affordable standard versions of the Model 3 and Model Y.

The launch of the lower-priced Cybertruck came after the company announced that it would gradually discontinue production of the Model S and Model X after the second quarter of this year.

Industry observers said the move appears aimed at attracting price-sensitive consumers by lowering the entry price of existing models rather than waiting for a new mass-market vehicle.

Separately, Tesla stopped using the term “Autopilot” in advertising and marketing in California after a directive from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The DMV said on February 17 that the company had complied with the order to remove the term from marketing in the state.

The measure follows a ruling in December last year stating that failure to comply could result in the suspension of Tesla’s dealer and manufacturer licenses for up to 30 days, which would effectively bar vehicle sales in California.

The DMV also said Tesla had already revised its use of the term “Full Self-Driving (FSD)” to make clear that driver supervision is required.

Federal and state regulators have investigated the company over concerns that the terms Autopilot and FSD in advertising could mislead consumers into believing the vehicles are capable of fully autonomous driving.

Autonomous driving technology is divided into six levels. Tesla’s FSD is generally evaluated at Level 2, which allows simultaneous assistance with acceleration, braking, and steering but requires the driver to remain attentive and in control at all times. Industry observers say that while FSD has advanced functions, it does not reach Level 5, which represents full vehicle autonomy.

BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]